Thanks to everyone who reviewed... This is only a short update.
Chapter 24:
Going Home
Lily spent the rest of her time at Durmstrang in the hospital wing. Harry sat at her bedside as she slept. James was pacing by the door. He hadn't left her alone since the incident. He'd been too scared that someone might attack her again. He wasn't the only one who was scared. Lily had been having nightmares every time she closed her eyes. James heard a scream from within the room. He quit pacing automatically. He rushed to her side. "Lily… Lily… wake up… it's ok."
He pulled her into his arms, "wake up Lils."
She grabbed onto him, "Potter?"
"Yeah?"
"Why are you here?" she asked.
"You were having a nightmare," James replied.
"Yeah but… why do you keep rescuing me?"
"I… I don't know… I can't stop myself."
"Have you tried?" Lily frowned.
"Tried?" James asked, confusion etched across his face.
"Tried not to save me."
"Do you really want to me stop trying to save you?"
"I don't know," Lily replied honestly.
"If I hadn't, you'd be dead now…" James sighed.
"Maybe not…" Lily glared at him, "I can take care of myself."
"Lily…"
"I'm serious. You all treat me like I can't care for myself. Like I can't protect myself. Like I'm less than you… less capable… a lesser witch."
"That's not it, Evans. You're a better witch than anyone else I know. You're intelligent… you're magic… it's powerful… you're powerful. I don't underestimate you… I know you can do it yourself… I know you can protect yourself… I just don't want you to have to… I want to…"
"You want to?"
"I want to protect you?" James muttered shyly.
"Oh," Lily blushed. "It's not your job."
"No… maybe not… but I wish it was." James sighed, "I'll leave you to rest. We go home tomorrow. The girls are going to pack your stuff... I'll see you tomorrow."
Lily nodded. James turned around to leave. He didn't look back as he left Lily alone for the first time. Lily wanted him to turn around. She wanted him to come back. She was scared to be alone… without him. She sighed as the door closed, all alone again. She couldn't understand James Potter, he doesn't make sense. One minute he's a complete arse... hexing everyone… being cruel to Sev… an arrogant pig… and then the next moment he… he's saving my life… caring… kind… almost sweet.
Lily sighed again before closing her eyes, maybe I can get a nap.
Moments later the door to the hospital opened again as Elijah made his way into the room. He walked straight up to Lily's bedside. "Elijah," Lily smiled up at him.
"Hi," Elijah replied. "How are you feeling?"
"Better…" Lily whispered.
"You looking forward to going back to Hogwarts tomorrow?"
Lily nodded.
Elijah smiled sadly, "I'm sorry that your time here wasn't… better."
"It wasn't all bad," Lily smiled.
"Good…"
Soon Lily found herself alone again. She wondered where her friends were, what they were doing. They had promised to visit but only Elijah and Potter had visited her. Lily sighed as she wondered if James Potter actually cared. He seems to some of the time… but… why would he? He's just an arrogant jerk. Lily frowned, why the hell am I thinking about him?
Lily closed her eyes, maybe I can get a nap…
Harry was watching Lily from the corner. She was crying softly. Her face flushed as tears fell down her cheeks. Harry wondered how much longer he would have to watch his mother cry. It was painful to watch. He put his hands in his pockets and began pacing as his father had earlier. His hand brushed across the snitch in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at it. "I want to go home."
The fog enveloped him once more and released him from the memories. Before he knew it he was lying on his back in his dorm room at Hogwarts. He stared up at the bed hangings. "Mum…"
Ron jumped, "Harry? Are you back?"
Harry stood up, "Hey man."
"Hey… so what happened?" Ron asked almost eagerly.
"They visited Durmstrang… mum got hurt… attacked…"
"Is she ok?"
"I don't know… she's crying… I hate watching her cry… She was so hurt… and there's nothing I can do to help."
"It'll help to understand," Ron frowned.
"Understand?"
"You wanted to know… their story…"
"But… is it worth the pain?" Harry asked.
"You already know when it ends... how it ends…" Ron frowned, "What's the worst that can happen? At least then you'll know."
Harry nodded, "I guess."
Harry tried to smile as he changed the topic of conversation, "How's Ginny? Hermione?"
"They're good. They miss you," Ron frowned.
"I miss them too," Harry frowned. "But I can't give up… I need to know…"
Ron nodded, "we've got all the time in the world."
"Yeah well… it's not like we've got a dark wizard after us anymore," Harry joked.
Ron chuckled, "true that."
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