Just to let everyone know, this is a three part event. Hope you like it. – ThatNewWeasleyGirl

The Evans Family – Part 1

Tranquility swept through my motionless body, the sound of the crackling fire came into my path of hearing as the marshmallow sofa beckoned me towards its squishy pleasure. I happily obliged. However the thought of a warm, creamy, marshmallow entering my greedy insides crept mischievously into my mind, and I felt my eyes flicker from the roaring incandescent fire, to the pink and comfy marshmallow couch of delight –

"Lily… wake uuuppp!" Called the hum of a home-wrecker.

I rolled over, pulling the patterned covers protectively around me so assisting me to concentrate on that melting marsh of mellow that was oh so close to proceeding into my –

"Liiily, rise and shine honey."

"Noooo, time for my marshmallow to … hmm. Num, num, num," my poker stick coated in pink melted goo that now trailed over my fingers begged me to fulfil my wishes and -

BAM!

The comforting protection of my warm duvet was pulling itself away from me, interrupting me from my – dam what was I…– well from my wonderful dream that was swiftly departing from my mind. I found myself fingering the sheets along my bed, as my face remained pressed comfortably against my pillow, to secure my contentment. With a jerk I started to feel pressure shaking me all over my body, and my knee-jerk reaction: eliminate everything in a 2 meter radius.

"Ow, Lily! Stop, or you can call these 'oh so' special sleepovers of yours off, or maybe –

"Crap, crap, crap!" I recoiled from my bed as if it was the plague to be met with horrible sunlight. I held the urge to scream 'arrrg my eyes,' but controlled myself. Rubbing my eyes I turned to my mother, who as usual gazed at me with that frown every morning, as she was the poor being that attempted to wake me. Bad move I say.

"What time is it?" I ask groggily, staring up at my mum. With a grimace I scrutinised her attire; a nauseatingly tight pair of green jeans clashed with a stain ridden over-sized white polo and a multi-coloured scarf wrapped like a turban around her hair to add to the mix.

As I waited for her reply Mum bent down to stare at my face critically, whipped out a hanky and began rubbing profusely around my mouth.

"Errrrg, Mum what are you doing?" I screeched, trying to push her away.

"You have a drool stain on the side of your face Lily. Do you want James, who really is a sweet boy to see you like this?"

"Mum you've only met him - Oh no," a ticking object situated on my white chest of draws averted my quick attention. I hurdled off my bed once more and pulled the little clock that lay in the corner right to my blurry eyes.

10:45 am it read. Oh shit! Crap, crap, crap! I've gone bonkers. I told James, my… boyfriend. An involuntary smile crept onto my face as I registered the words. James… boyfriend, yeah, still getting used to the words in the same sentence. This so called boyfriend is meeting my family for a second time, not only for a lunch of doom; I like to call it anyway, he's also staying over nights. Ok, breath, I tell myself, you still have 45 whole… wait 44 minutes to get ready.

Grabbing all the materials I needed, I ran to the bathroom and turned on my steaming shower before I remembered what my dear old mother was wearing. I yanked open the door roughly.

"Mum can you pretty please put on something nice before James gets here?" I called out, practicing my falsely sweet voice.

"Lily did you honestly think I'd wear my 'cleaning' outfit on the first formal meeting with your boyfriend? Oh darling," Mum laughed and I restrained the need to argue regarding her taste in fashion.

...

11:14 am. That. Is. Fantastic. I still had an entire 16 minutes before he was here… at my home. James… Officially. I took a deep breath and glanced at myself in the extended mirror before me. I didn't wont to look like I went out of my way, but then I didn't want to leave the impression that I'd just got out of bed, therefore my choices being: Jeans, a pretty top including a delicate cardigan, or a dainty high-waisted skirt with an embellished long sleeve top, otherwise it was a dress which was way too thin and flimsy for early Spring. Even if we did have central heating, it didn't seem appropriate for the occasion so as a result, I decided on the jeans, despite the fact that in my mind I knew I'd narrow it down as it were.

James's first meeting with my parents was over Christmas break. I – with embarrassment enlightened my Mum and Dad that a guy from school was taking me out to dinner, much to my Dads dismay, he's never wanted me to grow up. At that moment I was glad I was attending a boarding school; the boys I dated at Hogsmead didn't have to face my rigorous dad. James picked me up, introduced himself politely (observing how nervous he felt was actually quite adorable) while promising my parents to have me back by 11:30 sharp. Now, four months later, during the Easter holidays, James is having lunch… lunch with my family as well as sleeping over… Must be serious? Is it my queue to faint?

I began setting the table for lunch. Obviously when mum asked, I declined, but after about a minute of refusal I unhappily obliged. My sister got away with refusing the chore as she was curling mum's hair. Oh what an excuse, ha, with that sly smirk that's forever plastered on Petunia's lips, mocking me. Why did this girl have to always bring out the worst of me? I tried, really I did. But how could I not stick up for myself when I was constantly being called a) moronic b) a horrible sister, and my personal favourite, c) freak. While Petunia was forever competing with me, calling me names, selling stories to mum and dad, picking fights with me, how could I not yell and scream in my defence just as loud and irrationally?

Wow I really started to regret inviting James over to stay. I contained a longing sigh. I hadn't seen him in 4 days and it was beginning to take its toll. I hadn't hugged, or laughed or played or kissed in days. My best friends were also visiting family, probably getting on merrily, so how could I share my real thoughts? God I'm turning into a bloody romantic. My life is ruined. I chuckle to myself at the mockery.

"Lily you stole my hair brush again! How do you expect me to finish mum's hair, with no bloody hair brush?" Petunia patronised, glaring at me and interrupting my beautiful thoughts about James.

I turned on the spot immediately and whilst doing so, struggled to remain calm, "No I haven't Petunia. I have my ow– "

"What sort of moronic sister - "

I stopped her before she had the chance. "Just wondering Tuney... how's meat-a-sauras?" I said tauntingly.

Petunia's eyes turned to slits and I immediately regretted bringing Vernon Dursley, her large and horribly rude boyfriend into the argument, as I knew they had just gotten into a row not days before. They possibly hadn't made amends.

"Lily," My father said sternly, initiating for me to stop.

"Sorry," I said remorsefully to my dad before he turned away. I was astounded when Petunia discreetly flipped me the bird in return I poked my tongue at her.

The Easter holidays ran rather smoothly, well as smoothly as you can get when you have two sisters rivalling against each other day in and day out. I politely asked Petunia the day before if she would at least try to be nice and helpful while James was staying. Her evil eyes just rolled once she shrugged her bony shoulders. Oh how the times had changed. Once best friends, concealed by their sisterhood, now rivals. I wouldn't call it enemies; no I wouldn't because despite her (our) pride and ignorance I still love her. It's very hard to hate someone you love. Trust me, I've tried.

Mum laid a hand on my arm just as I'd finished decorating the table, "Dear why don't you go and help your father with the dishes that I made from the cooking?"

My seeing no problem with the order considering I loved the odd chats I had with my father, didn't refuse and headed straight for the kitchen.

Dad stood at the stainless steel sink, slightly old and slightly gray yet still in his euphoria. A huge grin grew on face as Dad saw me enter the room with a skip. His exuberance continued to be one of the reasons I loved returning home from Hogwarts. At a time, Dad truly was the only man I could depend on, he not only relieved me of a depressant state, but he made me realise the importance of moving on with your life. After deceiving and insulting me, the aftermath of my concluding friendship with Severus was when I hit rock bottom. Dad wisely told me when he wiped my tears away,"There's no need to miss someone from your past. There's a reason they didn't make it to your future." Ever since that I've been eternally grateful and have admired him in every single way.

"Hey, hey Lily Billy!" Dad said & flicked soap bubbles at me from the sink.

"What's up, Daddio?" I said back cheerfully. Those silly lines were said whenever we mucked around. Petunia believed we were loopy, but no worries, it's our thing that we did.

"Dad, wait. Ill do it!" I protested as he picked up yet another dish from the others numerously stacked.

"Nah I got it-

I brandished my wand from my back jean pocket and Dads face lit up in understanding. Uttering a spell, the several dishes began to magically wash and dry themselves. Pleased with my charm I turned to my Dad pointedly.

"Thanks, you saved me Lil Bil," my father added his graciousness with a one armed hug.

After a silly chat about when Mum had discovered Dad's Wizard Magazines (as he is in love with the idea of witchcraft) he vitally said to me, "So Lily I think you should try getting along with your sister."

I sighed, "Dad, I've tried. You know I have. But I'm sick of her always treating me as she does. I'm not going to put up with it anymore. I'm sorry but it's the way it is now." I said feeling awful for reeling my parents into our ongoing feud.

Dad laughed, surprising me. "I've always known you for a strong personality. No one orders Lily Evans around. Or messes with her or you'll handle her wrath," Dad said in a sarcastically deep voice.

I launched into a laugh with him and we carried on happily before Dad stops to say, "But you really should try honey. Be the better person. You're good at that."

My laughing stopped and before I could stop my self, I nodded.

Dad began to tinkle with something under our disgustingly yellow kitchen cupboards while my brain reflected back to James and I started to question what Dad will be like around him. Sure he'd met him once before, however he was staying nights this time around. Overnight. In my house. Where my father will be under the same roof and I've never brought a boy home before. Well a boyfriend. Severus however was always at my house and sat at my very dinner table. Ew, I imagined how much it's been contaminated. I smiled at the inner humour before I began to think my dad won't be the nicest person in the world when James comes to visit.

"Dad, can I ask you something?" I questioned hesitantly.

Dad double took and I looked down biting my lip, "Sure honey."

"Well… I was hoping you would, you know… be kind to James when he comes?" I probe hopefully.

Dad looks at me curiously, continuously glancing at me, until a smirk grew on his face. "You like this boy a lot don't you?"

I smiled and despite myself, giggled. Wonderful. Something I promised I'd never do in front of my defensive father. He's gone from being the only guy in my life to now having to share the spotlight.

"Well I like him more than a lot, Dad," I smirk back.

"Huh," My dad says appreciatively. I stand awkwardly, twiddling my thumbs. I contemplated whether I have to warn James about my Dad –

"Well Lils, I'll be nice if he's respectful, pleasant and doesn't hurt my little one. Does that sound fair?" My dad said in all seriousness.

I grinned with relief, "It's great."

I jumped on too feet excitedly when Dad runs out of the room abruptly, which caused slight confusion for me prior to him yelling, "But you have to keep the door open when you're in your room together."

I double take and let the sentence sink in, and before I can respond he's nowhere to be seen.

I march out of the kitchen and yell, 'But Dad!"

He laughed and I could subsequently tell there was slight teasing in his sentence. Nonetheless I huffed in defeat. I'll get my way, I muttered to myself.

I examined myself in the ornate and decorative mirror outside the kitchen door, and in shock I realised I forgot to apply mascara. I dashed past the front door and made my way to the stairs ascending to my room. Mid running, I stopped. This wasn't me, I mentally said to myself. I never wore masc-

"Pssst!"

I turned on the balls on my feet disturbingly. My socks slipped on the floor causing me to lose my balance slightly. There was nothing or no one in sight. Creepy. I took notice of a banging in the sitting room then realised it was mum trying to work the television. She's always been hopeless with electronics.

"Lils!"

"Yeah?" I yelled, turning in the direction of the family.

"What?"

"I didn't say anything?"

"Will you keep it down?" They all replied simultaneously.

What the hell? I leaned against the front door and considered the fact that I might be mental. Could've have been a possib-

Tap, tap, tap.

It was only faint, but the noise urged me turn to the sound.

I gasped loudly, not expecting what I set eyes on, and cupped my hands over my mouth in shock. There was James. I smiled as he laughed at me through the glassed front door. I perceived him before the few seconds it took for me to yank open the entrance. He seemed the same; dark and messy haired, though it looked as though he tried to tame it, and patently spectacled. The only difference being he didn't have the slight stubble that I saw him have last, his skin was somewhat tanned (dam James and his olive skin, why did I have to look exceedingly white against him?) and 'oooh' he wore muggle clothing. I smiled larger, he looked really… gorgeous.

Once the door wasn't separating us from each other, I jumped into James's awaiting arms and laughed as he spun me around. His arms encircled me around my back, my feet lifted up in the air as my head rested in crook of his neck. When James made me level to the ground again, I kissed his jaw quickly (as it was the only part I could reach) before I heard him mumble, "Man, I missed you Lils."

James's arms slid down my sides until they joined my open hands. Once I caught his large, rough hands I brought them around me so I could press my body against his in a tight hug, I felt the rhythm of his thumping heart again. I mentally cheered. His heart was making a rapid pace and if I didn't know better, I'd say James was feeling a little anxious.

"I missed you too. I even started to feel drained from all the longing," I attempted a joke and effectively succeeded as I felt his rumble of a laugh against me.

We pulled apart slightly, and disregarding where we were, disregarding the world, disregarding everything but James, I reached up onto my toes and kissed him. He kissed me back, holding my face as if I was a precious piece of glass. I felt loved. Though it wasn't powerful and passionate, it still gave me tingles. Nonetheless just as I initiated the kisses enthusiasm, I gripped the hair on his neck and James pulled away. I looked at him dejectedly and confused.

James glanced back to the house and I followed his gaze. Petunia was standing in the doorway open mouthed staring at James as If he were god-like. Ha, yes Tuney, my boyfriend is a lot more attractive than yours… hard to believe? I chuckled at my inner humour interrupting the awkward silence. My mind comedy was definatley on a roll that day. I made a psychological note to think out loud.

"Umm, Petunia, have you met..?– no, you haven't. Well this," I waved my hand over James. "-Is James Potter," I smiled at him, I couldn't help it. "And James… rumour has it, this is my sister; Petunia," I gestured towards her.

"Hi," James offered with a small smile and I slight nod. Tuney on the other hand, bizarrely I might say… waved. A further awkward silence and Mum came around the corner calling mine and Petunia's name.

"Where are you girls? – Oh… oh," Mum exclaimed excitedly when she found us perched around the door, "James how lovely to see you again."

James went forward to gently and politely peck her cheek, "And you Mrs Evans." Gosh he was the charmer already; my mother blushed.

"Oh please, it's Julia," Mum demanded scuffing his shoulder slightly. Oh god. "Come on, come in James."

Mum shoed everyone in, holding her kitchen tea-towel as if she were herding us. I looked amusedly at James; he smiled back, completely at ease, for now. He had hardly got a taste of the house of Evans earlier.

"Oh James you should of seen Lily this morning. How flustered she was that you were coming," Mum teased, ignoring my protests as we made our way into the sitting room. "First waking up late… thinking she won't be ready in time. Double checking everything was spick and span. It was all quite cute," Mum laughed at her joke, as she ushered us to take a seat.

James glanced at me, surely entertained, probably thinking of all the ways he could tease me. Yeah well, I'd show him. Had he not heard all the cutting mockery I've been thinking up? Hmm I guessed not. "Was she now?" James asked, winking at me tactfully before he turned his eyes on my mother. "Well Mrs Evans I wouldn't be able to accept such a complement of making your daughter flustered."

Mum laughed, "I'll just get Robert."

Just as Mum left the room James murmured playfully, "You were nervous about my being here. Your mum's right, that is cute. Though what can I say? I just have that affect on you."

"Oh yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that," I retorted, smirking.

James smiled at me as if he was in all content and grabbed my hand; he lifted it to his mouth for a kiss before I remembered a nicety. "I told you about Petunia & her whale didn't I?" I whispered as discreetly in his ear as I could.

James listened intently, (glasses really made him look intelligent at times, not that he wasn't) after digesting what I said he turned to me and nodded. I sighed with relief, her… demeanour utterly slipped my mind and there she was, staring like a fool… so unlike her.

I stared at James; it wasn't as creepy as it sounded. I wondered what he thought of my shabby old house. How had he managed to look so serene? I would be freaking out if our situations were reversed; which led my train of thought to exactly that, I began to feel nervous for that day. I shook my head and continued to observe him, taking him in and subsequently something occurred to me. Where was his stuff?

"Where is your stuff?" I heard myself echo.

James laughed heartily, "I'm planning on summoning it later on Lils. It would have been a pain otherwise."

"Riiight," I acknowledged, nodding appreciatively, turning my head away from him insecurely.

James ruffled my hair, "Yeah, some witch."

I grimaced towards him, shoving him away. However James's reflexes were awfully fast, he caught my hand bringing me down with him and as a result we reclined on the sofa, together. James gazed at me with his hazel eyes that were not completely one colour but contained flecks of brown, gold and green. A smile escalated onto his lips and he reached for the red ribbon hair that was dangling in front of my face, tucking it behind my ear. A small grin stretched onto my face and I –

"Ahem," coughed my father who was leaning against the sitting room door, arms crossed, and an expression resting on his face that was not quite irritated but not quite on the happy aspect either.

James and I swiftly pulled away from each other and before I could say or do anything he got up from his warm place on the sofa that was helping me sit upright and marched straight towards my father. I stabled myself.

As James walked across the living room, I noticed our vacuum was still plugged into the electricity point. James was approaching the tight cord obscured above the ground – oh god, my bloody mother, I thought to myself. In a few short seconds I pulled out my wand and uttered a charm. The vacuum cord unplugged itself and rapidly yet harshly slithered along the floor. The pronged end aggressively bounced on the ground and hit objects surrounding it, including James. James ceased to move making everything worse as the cable wrapped uneasily around his leg. He made an audible noise, which could have been laughable in different circumstances, and yanked it away from his ankle stumbling backwards.

Both my father and James turned to me in shock and awe. I let my hands cover my face in embarrassment. I mumbled an apology into my hands. When I heard no response I peeked through my anxiously sweaty fingers. Both my father and James were smirking at me.

"The vacuum cord – in the way – had to stop before…" I sighed when I began to stutter. "I don't even know." I huffed and held my hands up in defeat before Dad began cracking up into laughter.

"You really are your mothers daughter aren't you Lils?" Dad laughed and turned to James. "After Lily's performance, I'd say the ice is broken."

James chuckled and turned his head to smirk and me. "It's good to see you again, Mr Evans," James said casually and withstood his hand despite his formal manner. It took me back to when James once asked for a peace offering of me, and it to be struck with a shake of the hand. Maybe James was implying that that negligible handshake that my father and James was about to endure was his own way of a peace offering. Yes, to me that would've made sense. James is here, in Robert Evans' house, trying to steal his baby daughter away from him. Though what did I know? It was just my uncanny theory. I could've been completely off track. And when I said could've been, I meant almost certainly.

My father glanced undecidedly at James's hand and back to my face. I gazed hopefully at him and I wondered if he pondered to our discussion we had earlier that day regarding the 'being nice to James' concept. With a sigh of relief I watched as Dad turned back to James and take his hand with enthusiasm. "Glad to have you with us over these next couple of day's boy."

...

It felt so strange having James Potter at my house, sitting at my dinner table, enjoying lunch with my family and talking about a varies amount of topics. Naturally James was cracking a fair few jokes and unsurprisingly my mother laughed as though his tales were the funniest she'd ever heard.

At one point I was sure Petunia had a crush on him, staring and offering a complement here and there until she began bragging about Vernon. His drills… maturity…. responsibilities and whatnot; but James being… well James messed about later asking what a drill was. Once my dad explained and demonstrated one of his own, James took it for a spin. Lets just say it didn't got as well as I thought It should've, though Dad and I did laugh when James exclaimed, "Whoa, I could never work with that, it's a pending death machine. Though isn't the toasting contraption brilliant." Yes, James's surprise & unawareness of everything muggle was too much for poor Tuney to handle, because of course she's constantly irritated and resentful of my 'way of life', so she calls it. Since his statement Petunia couldn't find it in her heart to do anything but glare.

"I hope you like my new spaghetti recipe James, I haven't tried it out before now. I was saving it for a special occasion," My mother claimed, smiling at James from across the table.

As I was forking up an amount of mums spaghetti Petunia interrupted James mid-word, mumbling, "Yeah, cause this really is a 'special' occasion. Well done Lily for scoring a freak just like you," I dropped my fork before the spaghetti had even made its way into my mouth and naturally it landed smack-bang on my newest cream cardigan. My god was I furious. Not only had she insulted my boyfriend, but because of her pure idiocy and insulting manner I now had a big blob of spaghetti sauce dripping down my front. I prayed there wasn't any on my favourite jeans. I looked down and thankfully sighed.

"Petunia!" My mother whisperingly scolded. Petunia raised her eyebrows and folded her arms as if she possessed a stubborn child in her 19 year old body.

I glowered menacingly at Petunia as I began rubbing profusely at my beaded cardigan. I felt so grateful I warned James about Petunia and her wrath. James dismissed the comment, much to my displeasure though i knew he contained a cutting insult. I couldn't believe she said that in front of James, I would've never done anything like that in front of her fat and rude boyfriend.

I stood up to attention, and glared pointedly at Petunia, "I'm going to try and clean this," I waved my hand aggressively over the orange stain, "off, shall I." To my surprise James stood up too, and followed me around the table, "I'll come with you," James looked over at my parents hesitantly. "…well if that's alright?" My parents nodded thankfully, my dad however seemed a bit unsure. I was certain he'd refuse taking into account it was presumable that I'd have to change.

On the way past Petunia's seat I bent down to murmur in her ear threateningly, "you better hope this comes off, also if you don't apologize I will personally remove –

I ceased when I felt pressure on my back and heard James say, "Don't worry about it, lets just get you cleaned off." James put his hand protectively around my waist and before I could stop myself I turned back to Petunia who glared at me tauntingly and I bit back, harshly whispering, "Consider yourself lucky."

Once James and I were in my room and out of hearing, I went berserk. "I can't believe her! I can't believe you took that! James I am so, so sorry. There is no excuse for her, only that she is... well a bitch. I'm so humiliated. I asked her to be – be –"I sighed when no matter how much I rubbed my top with water from my unsuit bathroom I wouldn't be rid of the stain.

James rubbed my back in soothing circles, "Don't worry about it, she's not worth it. Neither your anger nor tears." James wiped a water droplet that was gliding down my face away before I even noticed my tears. "Just be happy you're the caring, intelligent sister… and attractive one if I may add, but it was funny seeing you like that. Definitely a side of you i haven't seen before, though i can see why you complain about her so much."

I laughed. There was no use, I couldn't be angry anymore. Which was funny, I never would have thought James would diminish my anger bearing in mind he used to be the cause of it once upon a time. I pondered the comical notion when James gently pried my hands away from my now horrible looking cardigan and stared at me amusedly.

"Have you forgotten you have a wand or are you just doing that for your own amusement?" James enquired with a quizzical brow.

Now I felt completely stupid, not only had Petunia angered me but now I had forgotten I was a witch. "Dammit," I cursed and leisurely pulled off my cardigan. I looked down at my newly revealed singlet and cursed once more when I realized there was additional spaghetti blob splattered on it as well.

James pinched the cardigan I was relentlessly holding, "Here I'll fix this while you get changed." I considered this idea but thought it a bit flawed as when I was in my wardrobe changing, James would be alone in my room. Though I had nothing to hide, It just felt a wee bit strange.

My brow creased and James laughed, I looked at him oddly. "What, you think I'm going to snoop about your room?"

Gosh, he knew me too well. Damn him! "Well I wouldn't put it past you," I teased.

"Lily Evans I'm horrified you would say such a thing!" James put a hand over his heart.

I shook my head and made my way into my closet before I yelled out to him, "I'm watching you Potter!"

"Well that'd be a tad odd when you're on the other side of the door, which may I add isn't transparent. Not that I would mind," James said mischievously. I could practically see his smirk.

"Oh shut up." James laughed.

I looked around my pokey closet contemplating what top I would wear; subsequently I remembered I still remained in an orange-stained top. I withdrew it from myself and poked my head out of my closet door. I caught James gliding his fingers along my bookshelf, but he quickly spun to face me when he heard the door creak.

James smiled playfully when he noticed my bra's strap that could be seen. I put my arm through little opening I allowed to reveal my singlet. Before I could explain James said, "Miss Evans I'm appalled you would imply anything so naughty at a time like this."

"In your dreams," his eyebrows shot up. "Can you please clean this one off as well?" I asked glancing at my cardigan that now laid hanging on a hook at the back of my bedroom door.

James took the singlet off me and mockingly replied, "Sure I will."

I grimaced and shut the door on him. I pondered back to my coat hangers that tops resided on. I decided I needed a relatively warm top and in a dark colour, apparent for all intents and purposes. I smirked to myself. Aha!

"Man, you really have a lot of stuff Lily," James deliberated through the door.

"I don't have that much stuff, and you said you wouldn't snoop!" I cried back.

"Who says I'm snooping, I'm merely… checking things out. I've always wondered what your room would look like, you know."

I smiled, "And does it satisfy your speculation?" I discovered a dark grey long sleeve top that I hadn't worn for a while. It supported brassy gold beading and sections of chiffon.

"Not what I would've thought actually. I expected wall paper with many different coloured lilies, though that's a bit cliché ey, I do like the purple though," James joshed when I laughed. "Maybe varies amounts of stuffed animals situated all over the room and you may have named one Elmendorf." I snorted and instantly regretted it as it didn't sound so appealing. James disregarded it. "But I did expect the books, maybe more though, I saw you having your own personal library... well considering how many times you have dogged me to read a book!" James cried as an afterthought.

I chuckled and jerked open the door that formerly separating us once I took a glance in the mirror and was pleased that I only had to change once. "That was one time James; you really have to get over that. Anyway you would have done the same if you were into a book that was as compelling as mine."

"I wouldn't have cast you aside for any reason. I've waited long enough for you," James declared.

"Aw how sweet," I cooed teasingly as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Cut it out, your taking the piss out of me," James jerked his head away from my hands and I laughed instantaneously.

"No I'm not, it actually was a sweet thing to say," I refused and kissed his cheek before I pulled away. I slid my hand down James's chest and he caught my hand pulling me back.

"Hey… I try," James winked. He bent down to kiss me, and I, unable to refuse kissed him back. It was not a sweet and innocent kiss. It was as if we'd lost each other and we've been finally reunited after years. His hand knotted in my long (and horrible) red hair before I pushed him onto my desk chair and straddled myself on top of him, in his jeaned lap. His hands roamed my body and I couldn't help but moan. I kissed across his jaw and began to nibble at his ear before I heard James groan himself. I loved what I could do to him, and I was sure he enjoyed what he could do to me as well. Our tongues fought for dominance when I lifted my hands under his shirt and began playing with the slight hair beneath his belly button. I could feel my hand itching towards his muscle that led towards his –

"Lily, James! We're you able to clean off your top?" Mum called up the stairs. I heard faint footsteps nearing towards my bedroom door and I rapidly jumped away from James and began adjusting my appearance. I glanced at James, biting my lip and noticed he was doing the same. James seemed unnerved when I picked up my tops and headed out of the room.

Mum was not footsteps away from my door and to reason relief I held up my top and called, "James fixed it."

"That was sweet," Mum said suspiciously when James and I made our way away of the room looking somewhat flustered. Mum took the garments off me and eyed me down. Oops, I was in for 'the talk' later. "Let's finish our lunch off before it goes cold shall we?" Before mum turned her back on us she whispered, "James, sorry about Petunia, she's not usually so unmannered."

I snorted and James replied, "I've let it slide already Mrs Evans."

"Julia," Mum corrected pointedly.

We descended the staircase in single file, James held onto my hand slightly and as we turned a corner he spoke up "You have a really lovely home Mrs Evans."

Yes, thankyou James! I mentally applauded. Steering us away from that uncomfortable silence that felt as though we'd been busted for stealing freshly baked cookies we've been specifically told not to lay a hand on. Furthermore I was happy for the reason that Meat-a-sauras had never complemented mum or anything to do with the house, and the more James continued to do so the more James looked liked the considerate boyfriend and would be approved of. Not that I would care either way, it's merely providential to have that on your side.

Before my mother replied I turned to smile encouragingly at James miming 'suck up' simply to wind him up. He grinned. "Oh James, thankyou, I really do try to keep it nice and attainable," replied mum.

"Well you've done a great job to do so." I chuckled inaudibly at him, though he seemed to notice as he poked my side impishly.

...

"Wow Mrs… erm Julia, you could give the house elves at school a run for their money, and that's saying something," James exclaimed later during the night as he rubbed his belly appreciatively.

I snorted and mum looked at both James and I confusedly, wanting further information. James sunk into depth concerning house-elves and how he's come across them at his own home. I watched mum consider these new creatures James enlightened her about. It was quite amusing; I marvelled why I hadn't told my parents more about the magical world.

"Oh I get it. So they're like little munchkins that do your cooking, cleaning and every required need?"

James chuckled, "You could say that. They are very special beings when they want to be."

"I want one!" Dad howled.

"They sound creepy, I wouldn't want one," Petunia stressed staring out the living room window.

"Well no one asked you," I glared as she still hadn't apologized to James. I stared at my dad pointedly and wondered why he didn't control the wretch.

James took my hand, ushering me to calm down, it had immediate affect. Petunia and Dad eyed down our hands apprehensively, James didn't perceive it nonetheless I attempted to ignore them.

"Lily can I have a quick word with you honey?" Dad asked me suddenly. He gripped the edge of his unattractive green relaxer chair that he's grown overly attached to and is no way in style with the rest of the room, to step up. Confused I looked around the room at everyone else before nodding to him. I let go of James's hand unwillingly and followed my dad into the kitchen.

I began to panic as the kitchen door swung back and forth and creaking noises echoed about the room. Was I in trouble? Did he think I was too young to handle a boyfriend, ha unlikely. I was eighteen. Possibly may give me the 'birds and the bees' talk? Erg I shuddered at the thought. Maybe he might enlighten me of his opinion of James. Set down the house rules while James stayed over? Who knew?

Dad opened the humming fridge and poured a cooling glass of water. Oh no. What that could mean, I thought. He turned to me and expecting a hesitant and angry expression I found a sorry and sympathetic one there, situated right on his face. I was sure I knew his concerns now.

"Lily, I'm sorry for what happened at lunch. Everything was going smoothly, I know. You may think that Petunia gets away with everything she says and does but you know there is no way I didn't punish her for the performance she pulled earlier. She had no right to say that when you have a guest here. A special guest. You know I love you. I love you both but you have to try and not bite back as much as you do, because you know that your bark is far worse than hers," Dad said pulling me into a hug while I restrained tears.

"Dad I just wish we got on."

"I know honey, I know," Dad patted my head.

One we pulled away from each other I laughed. "Dad I thought I was in trouble or something. I thought of much worse discussions," I said with a grimace.

"Like what?" My dad questioned.

I open the kitchen door, shaking my head as we walked back. "You don't want to know."

...

"Your father insists this; your father insists that… blah, blah blablabla!" My mother's voice continued to echo in my throbbing crown. My head was resting on a comforting and warm pillow, willing me to enjoy myself and sleep. My pillow was the only one on my side and that loved me. HA! Gosh even James was supporting my family. Yes my father insisted James and the family to endure a fishing trip together to bond and wait for it… mum insisted Petunia invited Meat-a-wanker across the street, otherwise known as Vernon. Brilliant, I invite my boyfriend over to stay and not only do my family hog him, but he has to witness the malfunction of my family and it's soon to be in-laws.

My father also insisted that we sleep in separate rooms, though I adjusted to it ages ago and James has no idea the great fight I held. I finally gave in to both Mum and Dad.

Now James was just next door to me, in the spare bedroom that both mum and I prepped the day before he came. I'm used to him embracing me and kissing me before bed and maybe on a rare occasion, transfiguring our Heads dorm couch into a cosy queen sized bed. Possibly equipped from our favourite rugs to some blankets, may throw in several duvets just to keep us warm and snuggled. And we talked, just talked. Well evidently we did experiment in other acts too, I grinned to myself. Nonetheless that's what I loved, I could just speak my views, I didn't have to care so much and hold back what I truly believe. I certainly wouldn't have thought it but James incredibly shared the same worries and beliefs as my own. I realised how corny and fluffy it sounded. When James's big and long arms encircled me, held me before I fall into a deep sleep will forever be a comfort to me. I felt untouchable and safe.

That was it! I was done there! I hardly snagged a conversation from James, let alone one of his bear hugs. I looked over at my glowing and ticking alarm clock that lay in my path of view. 11:23 pm. Yes, the wrinkled would be tucked and asleep in bed by then.

I aggressively ripped the warm covers away from my body causing a cold flush to erupt through me and before I could think of the consequences or how cold I felt, I apparated.

POP

"Wha the bloody hell- oh – hello you! You're one cheeky girl, you know that?" My dark and spectacled man claimed and seconds later performed a muffliato charm on the room.

Ahhh, the picture of ease; there was James perched on my old and worn bed, writing in what looked like a journal (though i could be wrong), that I'd mended the moment I was 17. One of its back legs fell off when Tuney and I played 'two little monkeys jumping on the bed'. We were eight, who could blame us? It's not as if we were overweight. This particular piece of furniture was incredibly old, dated as far back to the fifties. Evidently it was my mother's bed, as her name was detailed on the sculptured bed head.

James lay in nothing but boxers, ones I had seen before. He was obsessed over anything Quiddich and this being so he also bought himself a pair of snitch undergarments. James beyond doubt was one of a kind.

"I know, don't you love it?" I flirted and jumped into bed next to him.

"Hey, hey you're breaking house rules, you should not be here!" James said in mock outrage.

"Fine if that how you feel ill just go back to my room and don't even think you can kiss me goodnight!" I got out of bed and pretended to make my way to the door.

James jerked his body upright and held out his hand, laughing, "I was joking. You get back here missy!"

"No I think I'd much rather Peter Pettigrew right now," I exclaimed and I noticed his eyes lingered on my bare legs. I knew he loved it when i wore over-sized dress-shirts to bed. I was finding it rather humorous that he didn't catch on to my own joke.

James glared, I did the same until James picked me up from my designated spot near the door and dumped me on the bed. "Hey careful, I only just mended this thing," I cried when James sat himself on top of me, though I didn't feel his weight as he held himself upright onto his knees.

James chuckled, "Sorry."

"You should be," I teased.

James smiled his genuine smile and leaned down to kiss me, my eyes, my nose, my ears, I unwillingly laughed at that point as it really tickled. I was beginning to feel impatient when we kissed the corner of my mouth, so I mumbled, "Do you mind kissing me already?"

James smirked and his mouth clashed with mine and I felt him flip us over so I was situated on top of him. I wasn't ready for this adjustment of course and squealed a little, feeling momentarily glad James cast the muffliato spell. After about 10 minutes in many blissful snogging positions, I tried hard to stop myself from going further and fell beside him, breathing heavily.

As I lay on my side, James's arms encircled me around my waist. And he fit against me as if we were a jigsaw-puzzle. I turned my body so I was facing him and I felt his warm, fresh breath against my forehead. I sighed in content. James let me adjust myself so my head lay on his chest, substituting for my perfect pillow and my arms that now lay across his chest hugging him.

I was so glad he was here, in my home and I deemed to fathom why I had worried so much before. "Your family is really nice Lily," James murmured into my hair, interjecting my thoughts of him.

"Ha, including Petunia?" I asked.

"Don't even get me started. I'd say she's my favourite," James said.

"I knew you only dated me to get with my sister!" I cried jokingly, he laughed. "Actually wait until you come across meat-a-sauras. You'll be overwhelmed with favouritism. You won't know who to choose."

James chuckled and kissed my temple. I sighed and relaxed into his body.

"Do you know of anymore attacks?" I asked him once I was feeling strong enough to talk of the war.

James tensed, "When aren't there any death-eater attacks. It's a holiday Lils, it most likely there was only to rupture both muggle and wizarding celebrations."

I nodded in understanding and felt my head rub back and forth across his chin whilst doing so. I couldn't help but ponder on the fact that James became rigid when I asked my question. I asked him if there was something the matter.

"Ha, you read me like a book… but yeah erm, I've been thinking about some things for a while and these past couple of days I've finally grasped I few concepts I was struggling with."

"Which are?" I probed.

"Whether or not I'll join the Order," James replied and tightened his feel around me.

I jerked upright and flicked on the bed-side table lamp, looking straight at his puzzled face, "And?"

"I'm signing up." I sunk back down into the sheets and didn't bother regulating myself back into James's arms. I wasn't sure what I thought about that. I knew it was dangerous. I knew it supported all the rights I belived in but I never thought id have to encounter the subject. I wasn't prepared to stop James from doing what his heart desired but I didn't think I'd have to grasp the idea myself.

"Say something," James demanded.

I considered the unfathomable and composed my mind rather quickly. After a prolonged silence I spoke up. "Well…I say where can I sign up too?"

I felt the bed shake as it was now James's turn to sit up startled. "What?-

"Well it does support everything I believe in and what I need to fight for. But there is no way I could live, knowing your risking your life. I need to be by your side, so there is no way I'm letting you do this without me because believe it or not, I would not be sane without you." I chuckled slightly at the seriousness of my speech.

"Not funny, it's dangerous! Lily it can't just be a momentary decision – you need to think and –

"No James. I'm not lying when I say I won't be able to live knowing your risking your life. You expect me to just sit at home and knit? I need to be with you during this war, with or without the Order of the Phoenix."

James's eyes were hesitant and unsure but after laying back down into the soft pillows and duvets he muttered a defeated, "Fine."

I smiled triumphantly and turned to kiss James's cheek. "All will be fine," I tried to reassure him.. and myself. "Focus more on the fishing trip of doom we're about to encounter tomorrow. That might be boggart worthy stuff."

James's snort shook my body that lazed against his chest and he replied cheekily, "It won't be that bad, ill be there."

"James, Vernon the Vermin will be there, it will defiantly be bad."

"Why do you dislike him so much again?"

"You'll see why," I said undoubtedly.

We both relaxed back into our original positions and my head rested on his chest listening to the different rhythms of his heart until it slowed to one pattern, slow and calm. Letting my frame of mind sink into serenity, I focused on his steady breathing to help me drift off.

"Lils, just know that when I disagreed with your… plan earlier. It was only out of concern for you safety. Alright?" James murmured and when he didn't get an answer, he shook me. "Alright?"

"James I love you too," I responded and sunk into unconsciousness before I felt James's silent laughter against me.

Oh I'm so happy. I can't stop writing. I wanted this to be short but I can't stop my fingers from gliding along my keyboard. This event was only going to be one chapter! Oh well, though I've decided its going to be three parts. So this is just part one. You're going to have to hang in there for a little. I hope you liked. I bit of a change from my earlier stories, right? I'm trying to consider more complications and what not. The drama, the comedy, it just needs a lot more. What did you guys think? R&R?