Chapter XXIX - Life at Potter Manor
Watching the boys play Quidditch was fairly entertaining. Remus didn't speak to her about what they had discussed upstairs but instead commented on the choice of Andy and Sirius versus Peter and James. Andy was a phenomenal player and she could see that James clearly came by his talent naturally. Peter and Sirius were both good, Sirius a little bit better, but neither of them compared to the Potters when it came to skills at Quidditch. Sirius was a beater and he was good at that position but the others were obviously not his forté.
She smiled when Gwen Potter took a seat on the grass next to her, handing her a glass of iced pumpkin juice.
"I see that the boys have already arrived at a Quidditch match."
Remus grinned at that. "You know how it is, Gwen, they can't resist."
"Being gallant and letting Andy play, Moony?" She asked, making him smile.
"Well, Lily's not much of a Quidditch fan so I offered to keep her company, but since you're here, I'm going to grab a broom and see which team will take me."
Lily watched him hurry off before she turned to Gwen. "You call him Moony?"
Gwen smiled warmly at Lily. "The nicknames tend to stick when you constantly hear them. Both James and Sirius often write Moony and Wormtail in their letters. I don't even realize I'm doing it. How are you liking Inverness, dear?"
"It's wonderful. Very beautiful countryside and we had fun playing tourist a bit. James and I did the same in London and it was great." She explained, sipping on her juice.
"I'm glad." She sighed for a moment, sipping her own drink before turning to Lily. "I hate to impose on you, but … well, unfortunately, one of the huge parties that I was planning … the location fell through at the last minute."
"Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that."
Gwen nodded. "I know, it was horrible news. It was supposed to be tomorrow so I offered to use our home as the location."
"Oh," Lily said, understanding. "I see. Well, it's no problem, I can go home and -"
"No, no, I don't want you to leave!" Gwen insisted, smiling at her. "I would like you to attend."
Lily blushed, feeling incredibly stupid. "Attend? Mrs-Gwen, I don't have anything to wear to a party such as this."
Gwen smiled. "That would be my pleasure to find you a dress. I have a special dress maker, her name is Anna Kristopolous and she is amazing. If it's alright with you, we can go see her right away and she will have you looking beautiful for tomorrow night."
Lily nodded. "Really? That would be wonderful. I would just have to make a stop at Gringotts first." She grinned as she spoke. "I did a little extra shopping today."
Gwen laughed, standing up and holding her hand out to help Lily up. "No, Anna owes me a favour. It won't cost you a sickle."
Lily just grinned. "Wow, are you sure? I don't want to impose -"
"I am positive, and my dear, it is me who is imposing on you! Here you come to spend time with James and I have to put on this party here at the house and … I'm afraid that James will tell you that they can be quite tedious. The dress is the least that I can do." She insisted.
"Alright, whenever you're ready."
Gwen smiled. "Then let's go while the boys are occupied."
Lily was still in some form of shock when they arrived at the dressmaker's place. She wasn't really sure what to say but she quickly realized that she didn't have to speak at all. Gwen was talking to Anna in rapid Greek as if she spoke it naturally and the next thing she knew she found herself standing on a stool and a magical tape-measure was moving around her body.
"Hmm, good figure," Anna murmured as she studied the results. "I can work with this, yes."
Lily's eyes met Gwen's and Gwen smiled at her. "Good. I was thinking of something in a gold."
Anna nodded and hurried into the back room, coming back seconds later with the most beautiful gold fabric that Lily had ever seen. It had hints of white and silver in it that made it shine in a way that she couldn't quite explain, but it was beautiful. "How is this?"
"What do you think, Lily?"
Lily swallowed carefully. "It's beautiful."
"Excellent. We'll take it, Anna."
The next half an hour was spent with Lily on the stool and the fabric draped around her as Anna worked to make the skeleton of a dress. By the time they left the store she was still feeling incredibly overwhelmed.
"Thank you, Mrs-Gwen, it's … thank you."
Gwen smiled and clasped Lily's hands in hers, turning her so that they were facing. "It is my pleasure. To be honest, I had a second motive." When Lily's eyebrow rose questioningly she grinned. "My son is, as I'm sure you're aware, one of the most eligible bachelors in the United Kingdom. These parties for him tend to result in many girls throwing themselves in his direction because he is a Potter. James hates them terribly and he rarely has a good time. Though when Sirius attends he usually manages to keep the flock of girls around him so that helps." She said, chuckling. "I want James to have someone to show off; to let him enjoy himself and to be happy. And you, Lily, you make him very happy."
Lily smiled back. "Well, he makes me very happy. I never thought that it was possible since he used to annoy me so much, but he makes me the happiest that I've ever been. It's the least I can do to return the favour."
She laughed and pulled Lily close for a hug. "Oh, I knew that I would like you!" She grinned at her. "Come on; let's head home."
James grinned at Lily when he took a seat next to her on her bed in the guest room later on that evening. He draped his arm over her shoulders and kissed her cheek. "So are you going to tell me where you and my mother disappeared to? Or should I be concerned and immediately remove you from all contact with her?"
She laughed and moved away from him to lean back against her pillows. "No. It was … fun. We went to have a dress made for me."
"Is it sexy?" He asked, moving so that he was stretched out next to her.
She smiled. "Maybe. It is a gorgeous shade of gold."
"Hmm, and what is this dress for?"
"A party that your mother had to move last minute to your house. She said we are then obliged to go and she wanted me to look nice."
"You always look nice," James said, taking her hand in his. "I hate these kind of parties."
"You volunteered to go for the one that Grunnings is throwing."
James rolled his eyes at that. "Please, you want to attend that one as much as I do. I don't believe that Vernon actually has friends and I want to meet some of his colleagues and associates. Don't you?"
She grinned. "Definitely. Why do you hate these parties? Is it actually like your mother says, because you're such an eligible bachelor?"
He blushed at that. "No and that's ridiculous."
"Hmm," she said making him laugh. "Then why do you hate them?"
He sighed and dragged his fingers through his hair so that it was sticking up even more then before. "It's just … you won't get it."
"Try me."
James wrapped his arm around her. "The girls at these things … they all want my attention, yes, and they all want to dance with me and ask me stupid questions and … its not the fact that I'm an eligible bachelor though honestly that is true in that sense, it's that I'm rich … that I'm a Potter and they want into that. The money … that's all they care about. It's why girls like me at school too."
"James, that's not true! You're one of the most popular guys in school."
"It's because I have money, Lily."
"No, that might be part of the reason, granted, but people like you. You're … entertaining and your friends are entertaining. That's why you're popular."
He grinned at her words. "Entertaining am I?"
"Very much," she said, smiling up at him. "I didn't even know you were rich."
His grin widened. "I know. Your look of shock was definitely interesting. It made you even more appealing."
Lily smiled. "Oh, it did, did it? Well, glad I could oblige you." She leaned over and kissed him softly. "Well, don't you worry. I will protect you at this party."
"Really?" He asked, his eyebrow raising slightly. "And how exactly are you going to do this?"
Lily moved closer, sliding her legs over his so that she was straddling him on the bed. "I have my ways."
"Mmm," he murmured, placing his lips on her neck. "I think that I might need a demonstration."
Lily pulled her shirt up over her head and tossed it behind her. "I can manage that."
James simply grinned at her. "I can't wait."
Then he took her lips in his.
When Lily tried on the gold dress the next day, it fit like a dream. The sleeves were tight and ended in a point just at her elbow and the front of the dress draped down her chest in a provactive way that only teased. She felt like Cinderella on the night of the ball after her fairy godmother had made her beautiful. She pinned her hair up in curls around her face before pinning back the rest of her curls in a braided bun. She felt fabulous but incredibly nervous. This party was big thing for the Potters and she only hoped that she made a good impression.
She opened her bedroom door and grinned when she saw James standing there with his hand up as if he was about to knock. He grinned widely at her.
"You look amazing."
Sirius stepped out of the door behind James. "Hubba hubba. Evans is a hottie, who knew?"
Lily laughed and moved to kiss Sirius on the cheek. "You both look great. Are you ready?"
James pouted. "No. Want to go out somewhere else instead?"
Lily simply took his hand in hers and led him down the stairs. Eyes followed them as they made their entrance. Lily had never seen so many people in all of her life. Many of them were young ladies and they were eyeing her with extreme distaste as she held James' hand in hers. She couldn't help gloat a little over that; that she had James all to herself.
She watched in fascination as Sirius simply grabbed the hand of a blonde in a blue dress and led her onto the dance floor without a word. He was the only bloke she knew who could get away with something like that.
"Would you like to dance?"
She smiled up at James and nodded. "Yes."
He held her hand tightly in hers and led her out onto the dance floor. He pulled her close to him and Lily sighed against him. To her surprise, it was muggle music that played, a waltz she thought. But she wasn't positive. Her thoughts were answered however when James began to guide her through the steps.
"You know how to waltz?" She asked incredously as she attempted to follow his lead.
"I know, I'm a constant surprise."
She laughed. "I don't know the steps."
"Shh," he murmured. "I'll show you."
She counted with him slowly in her head and smiled widely as she danced along with him.
"See? I told you. You're a natural!"
The music picked up and Lily grinned when he took her arm in his to spin her around. She saw Sirius dancing like a crazy person with the blonde girl and she only laughed.
"He is the only person I know who can get away with the ridiculous."
"That's because he is ridiculous!" James stated as he watched his best mate move around the dance floor doing a wiggle and a worm at the same time. It was a strange sight, but the girl that he was dancing with seemed to be quite entertained. James shook his head in amusement and tugged Lily up close to him.
Gwen had really done a fantastic job decorating. The manor looked completely different. Everyone looked as if they were having a great time but Lily couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be quite a few female eyes on James and he was working hard to pointedly ignore them.
"I can see why this is uncomfortable for you. They aren't even looking directly at me and I'm uncomfortable."
He sighed. "Don't be." He tugged her a little closer to him and kissed her hand. "You're the most beautiful woman in the room anyway."
She smiled up at him. "Thank you. I feel incredible. This is the most amazing dress that I've ever owned. I couldn't stop thanking your mother when she presented it to me. She probably thought that I was some kind of babbling idiot."
He grinned. "I doubt that. She has great taste. Besides, she wanted you to look perfect for tonight."
"What is tonight for, anyway?" Lily asked, as the music slowed down a bit.
James' hands spanned her waist as they slowed their movements. "Raising money for the education system - muggle. In case you didn't notice, anything that potentially looks magical has been removed from the house. Abby and Jonah are in their rooms for the night and my mother has hired all caterers to come in and take care of everything. She's very good at keeping the two worlds separate in her events."
"She did a wonderful job."
He nodded. "Yeah, she did. Come on; let's go for a walk on the grounds."
Lily accepted his hand and followed him outside and through the beautiful gardens, around to the south garden where there was a beautiful gazebo lit up by candles and surrounded by flowers. Gwendolynn Potter really knew how to set a party.
"It's beautiful."
He took a seat on the swing against the wall of the gazebo and Lily sat next to him. "It is."
She rested her head on his shoulder and they sat in silence for a few moments, just listening to the sounds of the party coming from the manor. "James?"
"Yes, Lily?"
"Do you ever feel like what happened between us was so sudden that it can't be real?"
"No."
"Never?" She asked, lifting her head to meet his eyes.
"No, never."
"How?"
He shrugged and took her hand in hers. "It's you. I've wanted you for what seems like my entire life. I worked my ass off to get your attention; any kind of attention. Then this year I was determined to get an answer from you - at least one date to prove that I was a good bloke. When Professor Wallace handed out that assignment I thought it was perfect. It would give me the opportunity to find something to talk to you about. It worked; I grew on you and now I'm the happiest man in the world."
Lily smiled at his words. "I had a feeling you asked me for assistance for a reason; there's always a catch."
"It was in your best interest, though, wasn't it? We belong together, Lily. I'm not stupid, I know that when I say things like that it scares you. Not because you don't love me or want to be with me, but because I'm so sure of what I feel."
"I'm sure of what I feel, James. That's not what scares me."
"Then what is it?" James asked, hazel meeting green.
She sighed. "It's that you wanted me so for long that I won't live up to your expectations."
He laughed at that. "Lily, you've already surpassed them. I know that no one's perfect but you're practically perfect to me in every way - minus the whole not liking Quidditch thing."
Lily laughed now, kissing his cheek softly. "James, I have a confession to make."
"What?"
"I like Quidditch."
"What?" He said again, this time his eyes widening.
She smiled at him. "I've never not liked Quidditch. It's very entertaining to watch I just have no desire to play it and I think flying is terrifying. But … watching you play Quidditch has always been a treat for me." She blushed as she spoke. "I had a dream last year around Christmas time; right after Gryffindor won that match against Ravenclaw. I don't remember the details but I remember waking up and wanting you; really wanting you. I was so appalled with myself that I could barely look at you the next day."
James grinned widely. "I bet I was fantastic in your dream."
"You were horrible actually." When his mouth dropped open she laughed, "I mean, now that I know what it can be like, my dream was nothing in comparison."
He looked smug with that. "Good." He leaned in, brushing his fingers gently over her cheek as he kissed her softly. "I know it's fast, Lily. I'm not completely crazy. I'm crazy in love with you though and I can see our future together."
"I can too. I think that's what scares me sometimes."
James nodded, kissing her softly again. "Well, let's just take our time and let's see what happens, where it takes us."
"That sounds like a good idea." She stood up from her spot and held her hand out to him.
He pouted. "I don't want to."
Lily laughed and crooked her finger at him. "We've been gone from the party for almost twenty minutes, James. I promised your mother that I would keep you entertained," when his eyebrow rose slightly she quickly added "and at the party."
He sighed and stood up, taking her hand in his. "It's not fair."
Lily squeezed his hand gently in hers. "Sometimes, honey, life isn't fair. Now come on. I believe that you owe me some more dancing."
James smiled at that and they walked companionably back through the gardens and into the house. Andy greeted them when they entered.
"Ah, James, Lily, good, good. I was hoping that you two would turn up. James, this is Professor Liam MacArthur, Liam, my son James and his girlfriend Lily. Liam teaches at Oxford. He's a professor of clan history - Scottish and Irish."
"It's nice to meet you, James. Your father has spoken very highly of you." Liam said, smiling at them. His hair was grey at the temples and he wore huge horn-rimmed glasses that dwarfed his face.
"You too, Sir." James said politely.
Liam nodded, adjusting his glasses as he spoke. "It's nice to see young people at such a gathering. No one cares about the education system these days. It's a horrible thing, just horrible. We have to educate the youth and what a better place for the youth to learn than somewhere to raise money for the education system. Are you thinking of Oxford when you graduate, James?"
James nodded. "Naturally."
"Good, good. And you, Lily? Is Oxford on the horizon for a young woman such as yourself?"
"Of course."
"Good, good," he said, turning his attention back to Andy as if he was more than finished with the small talk.
Lily smiled at James and he led her back onto the dance floor. "He seemed nice."
James rolled his eyes. "That's one of the biggest things I hate about these gatherings; having to make small talk with people you don't know and who I probably don't care to know."
"James, he was a university professor."
"A muggle university, Lily. I'm sure he's a nice enough bloke, but I want to be an Auror and going to his university probably wouldn't help me out much in that area."
"That may be true but, Oxford is one of the grandest universities in the world. Everyone knows it. I thought it was kind of neat to meet someone who works there." She said as he spun her around on the dance floor.
James grinned. "Thinking of going to Oxford, Lily?"
She smiled. "Maybe. I don't know what I want to do yet."
"Well, you have lots of time to decide." He spun her out again and to her surprise he let go of her hand and she found herself in the arms of Sirius.
"Hi."
"Hey Beautiful, is James monopolizing all of your time?" Sirius asked, dipping her low and making her laugh.
"It's alright, it's what I want him to be doing."
Sirius grinned at that. "Figures."
"What happened to your blonde in the blue dress?"
"Dull as a post." He said simply. "And not the brightest ink in the pot. I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't need much from girls; in fact, the less I have the better, but Merlin she was dumb! I think if I stayed around her any longer I would have punched her."
Lily laughed and circled her arms around his neck. "That would have been highly inappropriate."
"I thought so. But I did run into this lovely brunette. I don't remember her name but we had a good time. No, I didn't have sex with her. We just snogged each other senseless in a broom closet." He explained.
Lily shook her head at him. "You're something else, Sirius Black, something else."
"One a of a kind," he whispered, kissing her cheek as they danced. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
She nodded. "Yes, I am. I can see why James would find these kinds of things tedious, but I'm having a good time. Dancing might have something to do with it."
Sirius grinned at that. "It could be a possible motivator. So, what do you and James have lined up for tomorrow's adventures? Only a few more days before the two of you are off to Rome."
"I don't know yet. We've kind of been planning this day-to-day. But hopefully we can do some more touring around Scotland. What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"Crashing your party," he said easily as she laughed. "I was thinking, that if you and Prongs didn't have plans yet for tomorrow, we could explore some of the castles around. I know you get a kick out of that and there's a few of them that I've always wanted to see and James and I have never got around to them. What do you say?"
"That sounds great. Thanks, Sirius."
"Anytime, Lily," he smiled warmly at her. "I'm really happy that you're finally with James."
"I'm really happy that I'm finally with James as well."
Sirius grinned and kissed her cheek again before spinning her away from him again and she landed gracefully back in James' embrace.
"You two practiced that, didn't you?"
James laughed. "No, we're just naturally talented."
Lily laughed and let him lead her into another dance.
The night progressed quickly. They spent almost the entire night on the dance floor, being introduced often to important people by either Gwen or Andy. James did his duty and danced with a few of the young women, leaving Lily to dance with Sirius, Andy, or any of the other young men who asked her but James always hurried back. By the time that it cleared out and everyone had left the party, it was almost three in the morning.
Gwen let the last couple out, smiling and laughing before she closed the door behind them and leaned back against it. "Wow, that was a long one!"
James laughed from where he and Lily were sitting on the bottom step of the grand staircase. "Were you successful anyway?"
"James, honey, I'm always successful! But yes, we raised over two million pounds and it was a great success! The money will go towards new academic programs and the arts programs for the United Kingdom schools."
"Congratulations," Lily said, her head resting on James' shoulder. She felt like she could sleep for days.
Gwen smiled warmly at them. "Thank you for coming, all of you. I know these things are not exactly one of your favourite events, but it was nice to see you all there."
Sirius, who was sitting on the other side of Lily with his head resting on the steps behind him, shrugged. "You had a lot of beautiful women here."
"Sirius, shush."
James grinned at that. "We had a good time, Mum. But I think now, we're all going up to bed."
Andy, who had been standing in the doorway to the ballroom nodded. "I think that sounds like an excellent idea. Are you three going to be around for dinner, tomorrow? Gwen and I were thinking it would be lovely to go out somewhere."
"That sounds nice, thanks Dad."
Andy nodded. "Good, good. Alright, well off to bed, all of you. I think we're all very tired and could use with a good long sleep."
Sirius stood up and helped Lily to her feet as James followed. "Goodnight."
The five of them headed upstairs and Lily closed her bedroom door behind her. She undressed, stepping out of her gorgeous stiletto shoes in relief. She washed her face and brushed her hair out, slipping into a pair of pink cotton panties and a white tank top. She crawled under the beautiful duvet gratefully and was asleep before her head even hit the pillow.
It was where Sirius found her around eleven the next morning. She hadn't even moved all night. Her hair was spread around her pillow, her left hand half closed near her cheek. He thought she looked oddly sweet. He pulled out his camera and snapped her picture before taking a seat on the side of her bed.
"Lily," he said, poking her lightly in the arm. When she stirred a little, he snapped another picture and that got her attention.
"Are you taking pictures of me?"
Sirius grinned at her. "You just look so cute."
"Give me that camera or die."
He laughed and jumped off the bed. "Never. Besides, these can go in the summer collection." When she failed to smile, his grin simply widened. "Come on; it was funny. Anyway, it's after eleven. If you want to get any sight seeing done today you need to get up. We have to be back by six since Gwen and Andy want to take us all out to dinner."
She only nodded, moving to snuggle into her pillow. "'Kay."
"Lily, I need you to wake James up. He only swore at me and threw things. He especially didn't appreciate it when I levitated him out of the bed and onto the floor."
She laughed now. "I wouldn't either. Now go away."
He moved closer to the bed and yanked her duvet away. "Up now!"
"Sirius! I don't have any pants on!" She hissed, pulling the sheet back up.
He grinned widely. "I noticed. Nice panties. Now get up!"
She growled at him. "Get out!"
Sirius opened the door and then snapped another picture of her. "If you're not outside of James' bedroom door in five minutes, I'm coming back."
"Get out!" She shrieked, this time throwing her pillow at the door just as Sirius closed it behind him.
"Five minutes!" He said from behind the door.
Lily crossed her arms in front of her. She hated Sirius Black.
It took an hour for all of them to get ready. They met Remus and Peter at a small café in Glasgow for some tea and scones before they headed out to explore some of the castles.
Sirius had three in mind and since Peter was the only one who had yet to turn seventeen (his birthday was 31 August), he apparated with Remus as they moved across Scotland. They went to Urquhart Castle first. Lily couldn't get over the breathtaking view that the castle provided and she smiled as they looked down at the River Ness.
"Still trying to catch a glimpse of the monster, Lil?" Remus asked, standing next to her as the tour guide explained the significance and the mystery surrounding the Loch Ness Monster.
She grinned at him. "Maybe. It's so beautiful here. It's almost sad that there's such a bloody history around the castle."
Remus shrugged. "I think that every castle in Scotland has a bloody history." He grinned widely as Sirius snapped their picture. "We're going to have some great photos anyway."
Lily nodded. "I think you're right. Though Sirius needs to get rid of a few he took this morning of me sleeping."
Remus snorted. "Good luck! That guy has way too much blackmail material."
She laughed. "It's not blackmail, it's just … I was sleeping!"
"Hmm, that's always the problem."
Lily laughed again as they finished the tour. The five of the apparated to Glamis Castle next and Peter grinned foolishly as the tour guide explained about the ghosts of the White Lady and the Grey Lady. It surprised Lily that all of the muggles who were in the chapel with them couldn't see the two ghosts at the front. A few of them claimed to feel a "presence" which caused Sirius to snicker quietly.
They ended the day with a tour through Stirling Castle. The view everywhere was simply amazing and Lily couldn't believe how incredible it all was. When they left Stirling Castle, they returned to Highlander's Cove for some butterbeer.
"Thanks Sirius, you picked out some great places to see today." Lily said, as she helped herself to one of the biscuits from James' plate.
Sirius nodded, stretching out his long legs under the table. "No problem. It was really neat."
Peter nodded from next to them. "It was pretty brilliant. I loved the haunted stories."
"I did too, very entertaining." Remus agreed, as he drank his butterbeer. "So, Gwen and Andy are taking you to dinner tonight?"
Lily nodded. "Yes. I don't know where we're going."
"Gribaldi's, this wizarding restaurant that my mother loves. It's fairly good and really fancy." James said easily as he munched on his biscuit.
Sirius nodded. "I think that I'm going to bail. Let Gwen and Andy get to know Lily. You haven't really had a chance yet since the first day you were here. I mean, you haven't even had dinner with them."
"They've been busy and then James and I were out. You can still come, Sirius."
He shrugged. "Nah. You two have fun."
Remus grinned. "He has a hot date."
Sirius nodded. "Oh yeah. Donna and I are going out."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Well, have fun."
"Oh, I will."
James shook his head at his friend before turning to Remus. "So, Moony, what are your summer plans looking like?"
Lily stood in front of the full length mirror in her room and sighed. She was incredibly nervous.
It was stupid to be nervous. After all, she had met Gwen and Andy and they were very nice to her and seemed to like her. But this would be a dinner at a fancy restaurant with just the four of them.
It was terrifying.
She tugged at the hem of her dress, and shrugged her shoulders back. The dress was a bluish grey with a soft greenish shine to it. It was form fitting but cinched at the waist and puffed out a little with a slit on the right side of the dress. It laced in the front to the waist and went to her knee. The tiny shoulder sleeves were transparent grey silk and it had a high back. She had partly pinned her hair up and wore soft dangly raindrop earrings and a teardrop necklace. She slid into her black heels and sighed again.
She hoped that she looked alright.
James knocked softly before pushing open the door and poking his head in. "Are you just about - wow, you look great!"
"Do you think so? I'm not sure about the dress."
James closed the door behind and shook his head. "You look amazing. The colour on you is … Lily, you're beautiful."
"The colour reminded me of your eyes."
James smiled at that. "Well, it works for you. Come on; let's go."
She picked up her handbag and placed a nervous hand over her stomach. "I'm nervous."
"Don't be. My parents love you."
She nodded and let him lead her out and down the stairs. They apparated to the restaurant and were immediately seated by a gracious host. Andy ordered them a bottle of white wine before crossing his hands in front of him.
"So, Lily, we haven't really had a chance to chat with you too much since you've been over. How are you enjoying Scotland?"
"It's beautiful. I've loved it."
"Good, good." Andy said, cheerfully as the waiter returned with the wine and poured them all a glass. "James tells us that you and he will be going to Rome for two weeks to visit your grandmother."
She nodded, taking a small sip of the wine. "Yes, that's the plan. I'm a little nervous to be going so I'm glad that James is coming with me."
James smiled at her and took her hand in his. "It will be fine, don't worry." He turned to his parents. "Lily only just met her grandmother over Christmas. Her parents were estranged from her and it turns out she's a witch only she doesn't practice magic. Lily didn't know."
"No one else in your family is magical, are they?" Gwen asked. "That must have come as quite a shock. Did she tell you why she hid it away?"
"Grindelwald," Lily said. "It was hard times and she thought that it would be safer if she just lived like a muggle. She met my grandfather and fell in love and she never told him. When my dad turned out not to show any signs of being magic she just thought that the magical blood had died out with her. I was a surprise. Though I think my dad was the most surprised when he found out that his mother was a witch too."
Gwen laughed. "I can imagine that would be quite a shock. Have you ever been to Rome?"
"No, it will be my first time."
"James will show you around. He's gotten lost enough times in that city to know what's what."
"Oh, you're hilarious, Mum."
Gwen simply grinned. "It's been almost three years since we last were there, but I'm sure that you remember your way around."
"I do," James said. "Are you and Dad going away at all this summer?"
Andy shook his head. "I don't think so, no. We went away at Christmas and we both have a lot going on this summer. You will both have a wonderful time in Italy though. Lily, what do your parents do?"
"Oh, um, my dad is a banker at the Bank of England and my mum has her own catering business called Cecilia's Catering. She loves it." Lily explained, taking another sip of her wine. "This is the first summer that I'm not around to help her out and I think she's a little bummed by it."
"Can you cook?" Gwen asked.
Lily nodded. "Yes, quite well, if I do say so myself. Petunia and I would always help my mother with big events and she taught us all of her tricks. She loves nothing more than putting a big splash on the food she makes."
"Sounds wonderful. I'm always looking for new catering businesses, I might have to check out your mother's work." Gwen said, smiling warmly. "Petunia's your sister, right?"
"Yes," Lily replied. "She's nineteen and engaged to this man from Grunnings named Vernon Dursley."
"Ah, yes, Mr. Dursley, he's the man who thinks my big gala is a waste of company time and money. I remember him. You and James will be attending that one, won't you?"
James nodded. "Yes, we'll be there, Mum. We want to see if Dursley has any friends."
"James," Lily hissed.
He shrugged. "It's true, Lily. He's a nice enough bloke but he's a strange one. I have no idea what your sister sees in him."
"Everyone falls in love with someone for a reason, James. I'm sure Vernon Dursley has some endearing qualities to Miss Evans, am I right?" Gwen asked.
Lily nodded. "Yes."
Andy grinned. "Well, we should order our food. Does everyone know what they want?"
"Dad, we haven't even looked at the menu yet."
Andy sighed. "Well, I'm starving, let's take a look."
Lily smiled at that. It looked like dinner had been nothing to be nervous about at all
