Disclaimer: Nope, I got nothing... Except this story plot and some of my OCs - other than that Harry Potter and co belong to the wonderful goddess JK! Long may we worship her!
AN - I'm a little strange at the moment. This chapter is long and it is the one you've been waiting for folks. apologies if lily and james talk a lot about nothing in this chapter - they're normal people, after all, and normal people rant on about nothing. particularly when one of them has a splitting head ache and the other has emotional issues that he needs to get out. so please keep that in mind when you read it :)
Catch my AN at the end for more - for now, read! READ AND REVIEW AND ENJOY!! :)
Last time: Lily and James left Petunia's wedding reception to go back to Hogwarts because Lily had one of her headaches - but there were warnings of an attack in Muggle London...
Chapter 38 - Surprises:
"Urgh, I feel like someone has taken a hammer and is trying to break out of my skull with it," Lily moaned, as she flopped down onto a chair. She and James had quickly found their bearings and had realised that they weren't too far away from Kings Cross Station after all. But James had insisted that Lily have a quick rest first, in spite of the fact that he was worried about impending death eater attacks. All he could think about was Lily's immediate comfort.
"Drink this then," he suggested, offering her a glass of water and a pain-killer.
"Where'd you get that?"
"Barman. He was a bit puzzled when I said I didn't know what a 'pain-killer' was, so he gave me one for free." Lily blinked her eyes a little blearily.
"So this is a muggle pub, then?"
"Yeah," James paused, "Listen, I know this is going to come as a bit of a shock to you, but we can't stay here - you know, in London - for long." Lily gave him a confused look. Of course, she knew that there was a potential for danger, but what reasons could James possibly have?
"Lils, Sirius told me about some… attacks? That might be happening?" he said hesitantly, looking into her eyes and trying to gauge her reaction. To his surprise, she didn't appear at all shocked. "Lily, did you hear what I just said?"
"Yeah. I know. I mean, I knew-" she looked away awkwardly.
"You knew?" James asked, voice heavy with incredulity, "How?"
"Severus," she replied in a small voice.
"WHAT?"
"James, keep your voice down," she hissed, eyes flashing, "Don't make a scene."
"Don't make a-" he spluttered, "Lily, since when have you been on speaking terms with Snivellus?"
"Don't call him that, Potter!" she replied angrily, "Did it occur to you that he only told me as a warning? Because he doesn't want me to get hurt?"
"Of course he doesn't want you to get hurt! He's in love with you, Lils, anyone can see that!"
"What?" this time it was Lily's turn at being incredulous.
"Come on. We both know what he is. One of that lot. Voldemort's minions," James said in a hushed voice, his normally calm hazel eyes alive with irritation and anger, "Why else would he tell someone of non-magical birth that they were in danger?"
"Why would he tell a Mudblood, you mean?" Lily said angrily.
"Don't put words in my mouth, Evans!"
"I didn't have to. Honestly, James, when are you going to get past this schoolboy grudge?"
"It's more than a grudge, for Merlin's sake! You have no idea what you're talking about!"
"Enlighten me then," she demanded.
"You have no idea what Severus put me through. Do you know how torturous it was to watch that slimy git with you all those times at Hogwarts? When I knew he wasn't good enough for you, but you couldn't see it, and he was always rubbing it in my face-"
"No he wasn't-" she interrupted.
"Not in front of you. He's not that stupid. But he did. And then in fifth year when he called you that filthy name and you somehow managed to get angry at me!"
"I thought we were past all that," Lily said in a softer voice this time, her eyes searching James' which were still dangerously vibrant.
"You want to know why I loathe him with every fibre of my being - I'm telling you."
"So it's because he mistreated me, is that it?"
"No, it's more than that. He found out about Moony."
"In fifth year, I know." Once again, James looked at her in disbelief. "He kept trying to tell me his theory about Remus, but I kept telling him to stop making assumptions. I had already worked it out and I didn't want Remus to get hurt."
"You're telling me this now?"
"Now seems as good a time as ever."
"Well, then, I suppose you know about the Whomping Willow incident in fifth year as well."
"Before OWLS in fifth year? I heard that he tried to get into the Shrieking Shack and that you saved his life."
"The Shrieking Shack is where Remus goes to transform. It's not actually haunted."
"I didn't know that at the time, though. By all accounts it sounded like he had wandered into the house of the violent poltergeists and that you saved his life."
"It's a bit more complicated than that, Lily," James said, running a hand through his hair. He couldn't believe that they had chosen now of all times to be discussing these things. "Sirius accidentally let slip where Moony goes every month. Snape, being the absolute idiot that he is, went to investigate. Sirius came to me, obviously anxious about what he had done and I went to get Snape out of there. But it was too late. He had seen evidence of Moony's secret and he threatened to tell everyone. Dumbledore made him swear not to tell, but it's been a constant worry since. It's more than a grudge, Lily."
"I had no idea."
"Yeah," James said shortly. "Can you see why I got a bit agitated?"
"I suppose so," Lily said. There was a pause. "Do you mean what you said?"
"Which part?"
"Do you actually believe that he…?"
"Yes, Lily, he loves you. As revolting as that is, he loves you. Heck, I should recognise the signs-" James said, looking earnestly into Lily's eyes. Her breath seemed to catch in her throat. Was he-? Did he mean-?
"What do you mean?" she asked in a whisper.
"Lily, I l-"
Then there was the sound of splintering glass as the windows of the pub shattered, spraying shards everywhere. James grabbed Lily by the arm and forced her under their table.
"Oh no," he muttered, extracting his wand from his pocket. "Lily, stay here, I'm going to go help with whatever I can."
"Not bloody likely," she replied hotly, "I'm coming with you. If these are the muggle-baitings Sev told me about, I want to help fight."
James looked at her for a minute, before deciding there was no good arguing with her.
"Alright, but stay close. I don't want to lose you, Lily," he said urgently as she drew her own wand. Scrambling out from under the table, Lily followed James through the pub, noting the shocked muggles who were screaming in fright. She placed a silent shield charm over the small establishment and followed him out the door.
The scene that met her eyes was one of absolute horror. Several of the shop fronts in the narrow London street had been desecrated: the windows smashed in and doors blasted off their hinges. Although the street was narrow, there were a surprising number of muggles running every which where. It seemed they had been driven out of a rather large restaurant several shops down. There were at least seven hooded men and women, each with their wands out, shooting random curses into the crowd. Three or so muggles were floating in the air above the death eaters, spinning like tops and shrieking loudly. One appeared to have passed out, his limp limbs tossing about ceaselessly.
"Look, James!" Lily cried, pointing out the obvious, "It's the muggle baiting."
"In a way, that's a good thing," he yelled urgently, "It means they don't intend to kill, necessarily. It's not a targeted attack. We just need to restrain them. Are you ready?" She nodded fiercely in response, before moving away from James into the throng of people who were still running about like headless chickens. It seemed as though the death eaters had blocked the exits of the street, trapping the muggles in.
"Sirius?" James yelled into the mirror. Sirius' face appeared immediately, his eyes wide and alert.
"It's happening isn't it?" he asked.
"We're in Inner London somewhere," James cried in response, "It's just me and Lily - we need back up. Muggle baiting, not a targeted attack. We need the Order!"
"Do you have a street name?" Sirius puffed, and James could tell he was on the move.
"Gratham Court? I think. Hurry!" James yelled, before shoving the mirror back into his pocket and moving forward into the crowd.
Lily, meanwhile, was kneeling down next to a small child who had fallen over in the chaos and had scraped her leg.
"What's your name?" Lily asked gently, whipping out her wand and quickly healing the wound.
"How- how did you do that?" the child replied in a frightened voice.
"Where are your mum and dad?" Lily tried again, lifting the girl onto her feet.
"They went that way," the child pointed to the end of the street where about six muggles seemed to be pushing up against thin air.
"They must've sealed the street," Lily muttered to herself before sprinting off to remedy the situation. Just as she was nearing the end of the road, she felt something catch about her ankles and she went skidding along the asphalt. Tripping jinx, she thought bitterly, excellent.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" came a jeering voice. Lily rolled onto her back, ready to fire a curse at her attacker, but unfortunately her wand flew from her grasp at the last minute.
"Now, trying to disarm an opponent with a clear advantage in skill wasn't a very clever move, was it poppet?" came the woman's voice. Then, with startling clarity, Lily realised who that voice belonged to.
"Bellatrix."
"Scared?" the older woman replied mockingly, lifting up her hood to reveal her heavily lidded eyes and smirking mouth.
"You wish," Lily said, eyes narrowing. "Didn't expect to see you here, Bella. Muggle baiting? I thought you were only in this gig for the thrill of killing?"
"Oh no, dearie!" Bella cackled, "Torturing those who are not fit to share our world - that seems a worthy goal to me. And who's to say there won't be killings tonight?" She knew she had hit a nerve when Lily's eyes momentarily betrayed her worst fear. "Ooh, the ickle Mudblood is scared! Well, let's have a little fun with her before I hand her over to the Dark Lord. Cruci-"
"Impedimenta!"
Bellatrix keeled over, and Lily took the opportunity to jump up off the ground, retrieve her wand and look up to thank her saviour. Surprisingly it was not James. In fact, it was a woman - perhaps two years older than Lily - who had stunned the death eater.
"Thanks!" Lily said, without waiting for introductions, "Come on, they've blocked the exits; the muggles can't get out." The pair of them hurried to the end of the street where an invisible barrier seemed to be holding everyone in.
"I've seen this sort of thing before," the older woman confessed, dark locks flying about her face, "Looks like a mild containment charm. Sort of like an inverted shield spell," she muttered, before going about undoing the damage, muttering softly under her breath. Lily watched in awe, trying to place the familiar face, whilst keeping the woman safe from behind, lest Bellatrix or one of her minions turn up.
Meanwhile, James was working hard to disarm the other death eaters, although six on one wasn't really a fair go.
The tallest of the hooded men, was busy levitating the muggles, while a second was watching and cackling and a third was shooting random spells into the crowd. This left James to deal with three of them, which was marginally less intimidating.
"Stupefy!" he cried at one, who ducked at the last minute. Shit, James thought, I really should not have drawn attention to myself. He ducked as a jet of red light flew at him.
"What's this, then?" cried one of the death eaters in a high-pitched voice, "This one's no muggle!"
"He's a wizard!" cried another, "What's he doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question!" James cried, throwing a silent hurling hex at the death eater randomly shooting into the crowd. He was knocked to the side of the action. Not that his comrades noticed.
"Well, would you look at that! He's that tetchy one. Son of the auror," said the first death eater, "What was in the paper months back!"
"It's his fault some of our good friends got questioned!" cried a female voice hysterically, "Him's the one what defied the Dark Lord!"
"Yeah, that was me!" James said arrogantly, hoping that keeping them talking would help him like it had the last time, "And where's old Voldy this time, ey?"
"He dares speak the Dark Lord's name?"
Then James was hit out of nowhere with a pain so incredible he didn't even realise he was screaming and writhing on the ground until the curse had been lifted.
"That's what we think of you!" cried the female voice triumphantly. James just winced and tried to stagger to his feet, only to be knocked back again by a curse.
"This was just a fun outing for us tonight," the same death eater continued, "But I think we got more than we bargained for. The Dark Lord will be pleased when we bring back the filth that escaped him last time."
For once James was at a loss for words. As far as he knew, it was just he and Lily fighting off the seven death eaters. Lily had disappeared - James shuddered to think what had happened to her - and he had no way of contacting her. He was very close to giving up hope. He mentally cursed his own stupidity for letting his guard down.
"What's this, then? The great back-chatter has nothing to say?" mocked one of the death eaters, "Let's loosen his tongue a bit, shall we? Cruci-"
"Stupefy"
A jet of red light from behind the pack of death eaters shot one of them squarely in the back. This gave James all the hope he needed to continue. Remembering that the stupid death eaters had forgotten to disarm him, he sent a silent body bind towards one before the other. He looked on to see his source of assistance running towards him.
"James Potter, what the bloody hell are you doing here?" cried Benjy Fenwick, his muggle jacket flapping out a bit behind him.
"No time for that, Fenwick. We've got to find Lily and round up the rest of these death eaters."
"The Order's on it's way," Fenwick said reassuringly. A jet of green light shot dangerously close to James' ear and exploded a street light above his head. "But let's not get complacent, now," Fenwick grinned, turning to face the death eater - who James realised with shock was Bellatrix - and began a fierce duel with her. James assisted him where he could but Fenwick seemed to have it mostly under control. He finally got Bella in a body-bind and levitated her unceremoniously onto the pile of the other four death eaters they had managed to capture. That left only two, but James could not see where they had gotten to.
"Out; get out this way!" Lily cried to the muggles, trying to herd them out of the narrow street. She knew the ministry would have one hell of a time trying to track down and obliviate all these people, but she also knew that her first and foremost concern had to be for their safety.
"Dorcas Meadows, by the way," the other woman shouted at Lily above the din. Although she hardly thought it the time to be discussing personal details, Lily smiled in acknowledgment.
"I'll be right back! Just got to check on my partner," she cried, vanishing back in the direction they had originally come from. No sooner had Dorcas been lost into the crowd did James appear, shepherding the remaining muggles out.
"Lils!" he cried out in relief, "Thank goodness you're alright!"
"Help me get everyone out and safe," she replied, ushering muggle upon muggle out of the narrow-ish exit. When they seemed to get the idea that nothing was going to hurt them, the muggles all hurried out, leaving only a few left in the very long street.
"That was close," James said, "It's lucky I had help. Remember Benjy Fenwick? Was seventh year about three years back? Hufflepuff prefect, I think," James scratched his chin. "Well, anyway, he was here and he helped."
"Dorcas Meadows helped me unblock the barrier," Lily said, "I think they're a couple."
"Good old Meadows - she was an excellent quidditch player. Pity she wasn't in Gryffindor."
"What about those death eaters?" Lily cried out, suddenly remembering the cause of all their troubles.
"Stunned them. They're all bound together somewhere back there. I think Fenwick has it under control."
"I got one. That mean you had to get about… six? You stunned six death eaters?"
A look of absolute horror crossed over James' face.
"We got four!"
"James, look out!" Lily cried, throwing herself to the ground as a jet of violet light flew past.
"They must've released the other ones," James cried, firing off as many non-verbal hexes as he could think of at the advancing enemy.
"Where are Dorcas and Benjy?" Lily cried, turning her head left and right in search - dutifully ignoring the resumed aching of her brain against her skull. Then the pair were by the young teens sides.
"Sorry, got detained unblocking the other exit and healing a muggle," Dorcas yelled happily - anyone would think she was used to this sort of thing.
"Stupefy!"
"Impedimenta!"
"Petrificus totalus!"
"Incarcerous!"
The spells flew thick and fast through the air. Somehow they had managed to break ranks and spread out. Lily, who was losing energy quickly, was backed up against the shop front of a pharmacy. She allowed herself to be filled up by the ridiculous memory of she and James hunting for a pregnancy test for Cat, and without even thinking about it bellowed "Expecto Patronum!"
A silvery doe burst out the end of her wand and charged her death eater. Sure, he was no dementor, but he had been thrown back onto his behind - Lily took his momentary incapacitation to bind him with a curse (a stronger one than earlier) before casting her eyes back to the fray, looking for James. She saw him shooting curses at two death eaters, one of whom she recognised as Bellatrix.
"Oh no you don't," she muttered, aiming her wand carefully at the evil woman.
"Reducto!"
"Protego!" Bellatrix cried back, as though she had had her attention trained on Lily constantly and had seen the curse coming a mile away. Lily shrieked as her own spell rebounded in her direction.
There was a deafening crash.
"Lily!"
James was so consumed with anger that someone dare hurt his Lily, that he didn't even know what spell he had unconsciously and wordlessly released. It seemed that a powerful pulse emanated from his wand - he was the epicentre of a sort of wave of power, that knocked all the remaining death eaters to the floor. But James didn't care. He had eyes only for Lily.
The spell she had cast had reduced the building behind her to absolute ruins, and had caused part of the shop front to fall forward, covering her in rubble. Lily was somewhere underneath. James felt his heart pounding as he began to shift the bricks and random pipes from the pile, completely forgetting to use his wand. He wasn't even vaguely aware of the Order members and Ministry officials arriving around him. He continued to work tirelessly at the pile, just praying - praying - that she was still alive. He stopped momentarily when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked up into the piercing blue eyes of his headmaster, who simply said
"She'll be fine."
"She's trapped!" James cried hysterically, feeling tears begin to prick at the corners of his eyes.
"She apparated at the last moment James. She's with the healers over there," Dumbledore said kindly. "When you're up to it, we need to discuss exactly what happened tonight."
"Did you get them, sir? The death eaters?" James asked angrily, desperate for retribution.
"Despite your valiant effort, James, the majority of them managed to escape, albeit with heavy casualties. We did manage to detain Amycus and Alecto Carrow, however, solely due to your efforts. You have performed admirably, James. Now I am sure you would like to see Miss Evans?"
"Yes, thanks," James said, wincing as he stood. He was only just now feeling the effects of the battle. He had a long, deep gash down his right leg, his hands were blistered as though he had spilt boiling water on them, and as he reached up to straighten his glasses, he felt a trickle of blood run down from his hairline.
"I'm sure Miss Evans won't care about your appearance, James," Dumbledore said with a wink before sweeping away in his impressive robes to consult the other survivors.
"Lily!" James cried, limping as quickly as his damaged legs would carry him over to his girlfriend.
"Oh my god, James!" Lily cried, moving to stand up but the healer held her down.
"Stay still, miss, you have some broken bones we need to heal."
James ignored the healer's fussing and threw himself down beside Lily, intending to wrap her in a bone braking hug. Thinking better of it, however, he settled for staring at her intently.
"Are you okay?" he asked, eyes filled with concern.
"I'll live," she said with a weary smile, "You?"
"I've been better, but I could be worse," he agreed. "Well, we certainly know how to attract trouble, don't we?"
Lily began to frown, "I'm so sorry. This is all my fault. I mean, we knew something bad was going to happen, and if it weren't for me getting sick none of this would've happened and-"
"Lils, relax! It's not your fault. I knew too, remember? And besides, if we hadn't been here who knows what sort of damage those death eaters could've caused the muggles?" Lily smiled appreciatively at him.
"You know what, I'm starting to see a pattern here, Potter. Every time I'm with you we seem to end up in mortal peril. Why is that?"
James began to frown, "Lils, I-"
"James, it was a joke. Just trying to lighten the mood a bit," Lily said, rolling her eyes, "Really, I thought you were a goose all the time, but it turns out you can be quite serious."
"Sirius!" James exclaimed, remembering suddenly who he had sent the cry for help to. "Lily - I'll be right back, okay?"
"Sure," she smiled slightly as she watched her boyfriend limp off to find his mate. And though she knew it probably wasn't the most appropriate time to be wondering such things, she allowed her mind to stray back to their conversation in the pub, just an hour earlier.
"Heck, I should know the signs… Lily, I l-"
Hmm, Lily thought, Was he about to say it? The L-word? Don't get your hopes up, Evans, but you never know…
"Sir, how did you get the message to come here tonight?" James asked of Dumbledore who was actually in the middle of interviewing and modifying the memory of a weedy middle aged muggle woman. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt," he hastened to add.
"Mister Black informed me of your situation, and I sent an owl to the ministry at once - although it appears they had already been informed. I then contacted the Order members and came here directly. Your father apparently had Ben and Lucy patrolling the streets of London just in case, but as it turns out they were down near the Thames when the muggle baiting began. And thanks to the silencing charm placed on the street, they had no idea of the trouble going on." Dumbledore paused for breath. "But you merely wanted to know if Mister Black is here or not, am I right?"
A little ashamed for making his headmaster give an unnecessary blow by blow account turned James' nod of affirmation sheepish.
"He's over there, helping take notes on what happened from some of the remaining muggles. But I'm sure they can spare him for a bit," the headmaster said, before turning back to his own interview. Considering himself dismissed, James turned and began to limp hurriedly towards his best mate.
"Padfoot!"
"Prongs!" Sirius responded immediately, rushing forward to give his friend a very manly hug. Sirius held him tightly for a moment - the thought of losing his adopted brother had thoroughly shocked him - then they broke apart, each clearing their throats - more for show than for anything else.
"Man, Pads, you totally saved my neck. Honestly, I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't gotten help!"
"Well, by all accounts, mate, you had it pretty well under control. When we arrived we saw the death eaters loosening one another's bonds - but you had had them all cornered. My dear cousin included," he added bitterly.
"What is it with her? She seems to be at every death eater attack we've been involved in!"
"Well, to be fair, there have only been two that you've actually been present for," Sirius added, "So far…"
"Yeah, but if you ask me, she's taking the whole thing a bit too seriously. She nearly killed Lily tonight!" James cried, allowing his emotions to get the better of him.
"But she didn't, and that's what we have to focus on," Sirius said, soothingly, "We have to focus on the positives of tonight, don't we, or what else is there? And look at it this way, we'll get her next time and I'll be right there with you."
"You know, when he's not around, you do sound startlingly like Moony, don't you?"
"Oh shut it, hop along. You'd better get that healed properly. It looks like it's oozing… stuff."
"Thanks for that in-depth analysis, Pads," James replied sarcastically, eyeing the greenish pus that seemed to be weeping from the cut in his leg. "You're right, though. I might head back to St Mungo's with Lily. Keep her company and whatnot."
"Hey, James?" James turned around expectantly, "Why did you come here tonight even though we had suspicions about the attack?"
James quickly explained the head aches and the recurring dream thing that kept happening to Lily. Sirius stood in silence, his expression unreadable.
"That's heavy, mate," he said at last, "Does Dumbledore know?"
"About the nightmares, yeah. About tonight - nope."
"I suppose it's a good thing you're going to St Mungo's then. Get it all looked at properly."
"Yeah, I guess," James said uncertainly. Then he regained his composure, "Could you please tell Dad what happened?"
"Sure thing. I expect you'll be a bit busy, anyhow," he replied, nodding towards Lily who was hobbling towards them with a determined expression on her face. It took all James' self-control not to roll his eyes at her stubbornness.
"Thanks, mate. See you later," James said before moving over to Lily. "You should be sitting down," he admonished, reaching out a hand to take one of her own.
"Says you," she pointed out, nodding at his leg, "How'd you manage that one?
"No idea, stings a bit, though," he said with a grave smile.
"Better get you off to hospital then," she said. They were both trying to keep in good humour in spite of the terrors they had seen. They both knew it, and yet it was the only thing that seemed to make any sense. For now, thinking about the intentions behind the death eaters, thinking about the consequences had the Order not arrived was too difficult.
"Come on, Lils. It's time we went to St Mungo's. The healers will take us."
"James?" Lily said as she took his hand, "You know when we were back in the pub before? You were going to say something…" James looked down at her, trying to assess just how much she remembered and how much she had guessed. After all, his Lily was quite bright. He waited for her to continue.
"Well? What were you going to say?" she asked somewhat impatiently. James thought for a moment; did he want to tell Lily that he loved her - now of all times? He didn't really want her to remember it in association with the muggle-baitings, did he? No - now was not the right time.
"Doesn't matter, Lils. It can wait," he said, though he was slightly disappointed. He continued to lead her back towards the healers, not noticing the slightly disappointed expression on Lily's face.
Muggle-baitings on the Rise
There have been disturbing reports of yet more Death Eater attacks in muggle London last night. According to ministry reports, approximately seven masked supporters of You-Know-Who barricaded the inner city's Gratham Court, trapping the muggles inside for entertainment. Eyewitnesses, who will remain anonymous for their protection, say that at least three muggles were being levitated upside-down whilst being taunted. The Death Eaters also fired random curses and hexes into the crowd, physically wounding the majority of the muggles. There have been unfounded reports of use of the Unforgivables – in particular, the Cruciatus curse, however nothing has been confirmed.
This is the third attack aimed purely at muggles in the last month. The Auror Department have claimed that they had been waiting for something like this to occur:
"We were quite nervous given that in the past week there were no reported attacks," says Auror John Dawlish, "We had placed several of our team around London on the night, but they were dealing with other issues when the attack took place."
Obviously, the effectiveness and purpose of the Auror Department has been questioned, to which the deputy-head of the Auror's office has replied,
"We are in the middle of a war. We are doing the best that we can to protect our world and put a stop to the reign of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. We urge the public not to worry and to take every possible precaution to protect themselves and their families." Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was unavailable for comment on the issue.
It has been confirmed that four wizards were in the muggle area at the time, and though we cannot disclose their identities, both the muggle and wizarding world owe them their thanks. They were able to detain the Death Eaters until ministry wizards arrived at the scene. Two were apprehended and are facing trial. For more information on the prosecution of Amycus and Alecto Carrow, turn to page 3.
"Do you reckon your parents were two of the four wizards there that day?" Ginny asked Harry, looking up from the Prophet clipping.
"It could just be because it was muggle-related, 'cause of Mum, but knowing my parents…" he trailed off.
"You're just like him, you know?" Ginny said, looking at Harry carefully, "I mean, not just from the pictures, but in all these notes and stuff - you and your Dad seem really similar."
"Really, how so?"
"Well, you're a lot more reserved than he was, by the sounds of it. But it seems to me like he had a bit of a 'saving people thing' too," she air quoted with her fingers.
"Hey! I do not have a-" But he was silenced with a raised eyebrow from Ginny. "Well, it's not like I do it on purpose."
"But you do, though. You care so much. Just like him - you're loyal and honest… and completely rubbish with all the emotional stuff." Harry just looked at her, not sure if he should be indignant or flattered. "It's a compliment, Harry," Ginny smiled, as though reading his thoughts.
"Thanks, I guess," he smiled, reaching down to pick up the next piece of writing - a journal entry from his mother from the same day as the newspaper article, but he found Ginny still looking at him with that intense, blazing sort of look in her eyes.
"They would've been very proud of you, Harry," she said in a strong voice. Harry knew that Ginny had never known his parents and yet it meant so much to him to hear her say it, that he reached across and kissed her full on the lips.
"How long do you reckon they'll keep us here?"
"Probably overnight - for observation. Why?"
"We have class tomorrow."
"Honestly, Lily, only you would be worried about classes after a Death Eater attack in central London."
…
"There's no need to give me that look!"
…
"Okay, I suppose Remus might be thinking the same thing as you."
"You are so frustrating sometimes, Potter!"
"As are you, Lily my dear."
"Ever the charmer, aren't you?"
"Why of course! Now, how's your headache?"
"It's pretty much gone now. I don't think I should bother anyone about it."
"Lily-"
"No, really, it's nothing. I actually think that's the last time I'm going to have that nightmare."
"What makes you say that?"
"I don't know, I just have this feeling."
"Are you saying that just to appease me?"
"No. Seriously, I'm fine. I just wish these healers would bloody let us out already!"
"Apologies - but the 'bloody' healers were busy elsewhere," said Healer Smith, walking behind the petition that separated Lily and James from the rest of the ward.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Lily apologised immediately, while James tried hard to turn his chuckle into a coughing fit, "I didn't mean it. I was just a bit frustrated about potentially missing classes tomorrow. We're in seventh year - studying NEWT level, you see."
"Are you a Ravenclaw, dear?" asked the Healer with something akin to sympathy on her round face.
"No!" Lily said, vaguely insulted, "I'm a Gryffindor."
"Oh, that's interesting," the Healer remarked, "You seem like the Ravenclaw type." It looked like Lily was about to say something a bit rude to the Healer at this point so James took it upon himself to steer the conversation to safer waters.
"How long do you think you're going to keep us here, then?" he asked politely, putting on his 'responsible' face.
"Just overnight, as you guessed. We're just running tests to make sure that you weren't hit by any stray curses and those potions that were given to you to mend bone-injuries - like that one on your arm, dear," she said to Lily, "Work best with a good night's sleep."
"Thankyou," James said as the Healer waved her wand, copied down some notes on the charts at the end of their beds, and swept from the room to see other patients.
"Well, that was embarrassing," he grinned at Lily.
"That woman was so rude!" Lily exclaimed, "Honestly, Ravenclaw!"
"Lily, I think it was meant as a compliment."
"Well, she could have phrased it better," Lily huffed, flopping back on her pillows moodily and wincing at the pain she felt. She had been a little irritated that James hadn't said whatever it was that he was going to say to her earlier. She had admitted to herself that it might not have been a declaration of love, but either way she wanted to know what he had been going to say; she was a naturally curious person.
Additionally, she was quite put out by the fact that their lovely evening had been ruined by Death Eater attacks and by the fact that it was really her fault that they had been in London at all. Sensing something was wrong with his girlfriend, James gingerly got out of his own bed (trying carefully not to disturb the bandages around his leg) and placed himself next to Lily on her bed. She looked at him sideways until he demanded that she scoot over. Grumbling in an indistinctly annoyed way, she wriggled over and he lay himself down next to her. Once again she felt those butterflies in her stomach kick in even though she knew sensibly that now was no time to be thinking about how kissable James' lips were.
"Lily?" James said in a softer, quieter voice, "Do your parents know?"
"About the attacks? I think Dumbledore said he was going to tell them, why?"
"Because they'll probably want to see you again," James explained.
"I can't take anymore days off school, James," she replied, snuggling a little bit closer to him and laying her head on his chest (not before checking it out for battle wounds, first, though).
"I know. It's just sad that you won't be able to see them again until the long Easter weekend," he commented.
"True, but that's life, I guess," Lily mumbled, "Is there a real point to this conversation?"
"I was just thinking about how important family is," James replied, although there was more to it than that. "I was also thinking about how important it is to tell the people you love that you love them before it's too late or before something bad can happen."
"You can't tell someone you love them just because you feel pressured to," Lily said, suddenly more awake than she had been all night (bar the attack). She could swear that she felt James' heartbeat speeding up and could likewise feel her own pulse rate rapidly increasing.
"I know," James said, hoping against hope that Lily wouldn't freak out at what he was about to say. "Lils, can I ask you a hypothetical question?" He felt her smile into his chest a bit at the mention of a 'hypothetical' - remembering only to well where it had lead them last time. He relaxed just the tiniest bit as she said yes.
"Okay, well… Hypothetically, if you truly loved someone and you couldn't imagine your life without them in it, but you were afraid that they didn't feel the same way back, would you tell them anyway?"
"You know, as a Gryffindor, you really shouldn't be asking that question," she smiled, face flushing with colour because she knew it was directed at her.
"Alright, but what if you knew you wanted to tell this person but the timing was just really, really terrible?"
"Why are you asking me? I don't know much about this stuff," she replied, feigning ignorance. She knew it was a little mean but she needed to hear James say those words. She was too scared to be the first one to say it, no matter how cowardly she knew she was being. James sighed, deciding that now just was not the opportune moment to tell Lily his feelings. Lily, hearing the dejection in his voice, decided that she would try and make things easier for him.
"Okay, so now I have a hypothetical for you: if I wanted to find somewhere secluded in St Mungo's, where would I go?"
"Lily, smart as you are, you do realise that that wasn't a hypothetical, don't you?"
"Where would I go?" she repeated.
"Why, do you want to be alone?" James asked, intensely concerned that he had given away too much and had frightened her off.
"No, you're coming with me. Lead the way," she commanded, wincing again as she got out of bed.
"You know what, maybe this exploration can wait," James suggested, "You need rest!"
"Don't make me hex you, Potter," Lily threatened, "Take me to a hideaway."
James lead Lily down the corridor - luckily Healer Smith was nowhere to be seen, and no one else seemed to care who they were - they went through some double doors and out onto a balcony.
"What? I didn't know this hospital had an outside?" Lily mused, "I thought we were still in Muggle London."
"This looks onto the inner courtyard," James pointed out, "You can't really see it, 'cause it's dark, but there's a lovely little garden in the middle."
"Lovely little garden?" Lily repeated, laughter in her tone, "You are full of surprises." James just chuckled, relieved that they had moved away from the awkwardness of before. "Now, I believe you were going to tell me something earlier this evening?"
Perhaps they hadn't…
"Look, Lils, just forget-"
"Forget what? You haven't told me anything yet!"
"This is the wrong time-"
"When will there ever be a right time?"
"Are we talking about the same thing?" James asked, quite puzzled now.
"Listen, James," Lily took one of his large hands and held it in her smaller one, "We're in the middle of a war, here. Every moment is inopportune and inconvenient. That doesn't mean we have to stop our lives for it. If we do that, they've won. And they can't win."
"I still don't think we're talking about the same thing," James said, uncertainly, "But you're right. We can't put our lives on hold because of the war or because of fear or anything equally irrelevant." He took a deep breath.
"You know, I never imagined it would be like this," he said slowly, surveying their dark surroundings. The stars twinkled above their heads merrily, and the air around them smelt of grass and spring flowers.
"That what would be like this?"
"Us," James replied simply, "It was such a relief when you agreed to go out with me. I don't think I've ever been so excited… or nervous, for that matter," he continued to look up at the stars. "And then, on our first date - our very first date - there is a Death Eater attack and we end up in the hospital wing."
"It was still a good date, though-"
"And then, instead of focusing on our relationship, we're busy trying to work out the love lives of our own tangled up friends-"
"Yeah, but they-"
"And then, on the way home from your sister's wedding," he stressed those words, "We get tangled up in yet another attack and end up, yet again, in hospital." He turned his anguished face towards her, "What is it with us, Lily? Why can't we get it right?"
Lily was speechless for a moment. Sure, it sounded bad when you put it like that, but she wouldn't have traded any of it for the world.
"It's just," he looked away again, "I wanted everything to be perfect for you. You deserve better than this lot. And it's not our fault, I know. But every time I try to…" he gesticulated wildly with his hands for a moment before giving up with a heavy sigh. Lily looked at him sadly. She had had no idea that their small misfortunes had upset him so much. As it happened, neither had James - his frustration with not being able to say three simple words to his Lily seemed to have blown everything else out of proportion.
"It doesn't have to be perfect," Lily said quietly, watching James, her James, stare up at the sky, "I wouldn't trade any of it for the world." James looked at her suddenly. She continued, "It doesn't matter about the Death Eaters and the attacks and the interruptions. That's life. We'll deal with it. The important thing is that we're together. And we have been, through all of this."
"It's just-"
"I know, James, you wanted it to be perfect," Lily replied, enfolding herself in his arms for a hug. He kissed the top of her head, before resting his chin atop it.
"I love you, Lily Evans," he whispered.
She pulled away, a little shell shocked that he had come right out and said it, not knowing what to say next. Luckily for her, James didn't seem to require a response right away - he held her back from him by the shoulders, gazing with a burning intensity into her emerald eyes.
"I have loved you since the very first moment I saw you at Kings Cross Station in first year. When I actually met you and spoke to you, you were more interesting and intelligent than anyone I had known. In fifth year I decided that I really liked you but you turned me down-" Lily blushed and looked away at this point. But James lifted his free hand and cupped her cheek, bringing her eyes back to meet his. "You turned me down, and that made me want to be with you even more. I thought I was just in it for the chase, until the end of sixth year. I don't know how but I knew that I couldn't live my life without you in it - as mushy and corny as that sounds. I've been falling in love with you for so long now, Lily. Even if you don't love me back, I doubt I would be able to ever stop loving you. God - I just… I just. I love you!" he veritably cried. Lily stood in shock, willing the tears in her eyes not to spill over. She was completely and utterly speechless. She knew what she should say - what she wanted to say - but her powers of speech seemed to have momentarily deserted her.
"I just… I just thought you should know," James said quietly, disappointment etched into every line of his face, as he dropped his hand and turned to walk away.
Lily shook herself to her senses.
Lily, what are you doing? The man you love just told you that he loves you and you're just standing there? DO SOMETHING!!
Without thinking, Lily grabbed the hand that had been on her face moments before, and pulled James back towards her, her mouth meeting his in the most meaningful and loving kiss they had ever shared. She felt James smile against her mouth and pulled away slightly, so they were perhaps a centimetre apart.
"Does that mean you feel the same way?" he asked in a hoarse whisper, his warm breath on her lips sending thrills up and down her spine.
"I refuse to inflate that ego of yours anymore, Potter," she murmured, looking up into his eyes. He stepped away, concern instantly returning to his face.
"Please, Lily. I need to hear you say it."
Lily blushed at the need in his voice. Then, feeling her heart give a nervous flutter, she broke into a radiant grin.
"I love you James. Always have and always will."
Lily's Occlumency Diary
He loves me!
AN - Fangirl squee! Well, I thought it was cute :)
Please let me know what you thought in a review if you had time
Also, I've decided not to go on hiatus - i love writing this story too much, and to be perfectly honest it's a lovely escape from the devil that is year 12 mathematics. actually, all year 12 subjects!
But yes, i just won't be updating on a regular basis (not that i have been anyway - but even less so, if that makes sense)
So that's that, I'm afraid, and no harm done... i love hp3, don't you?
Please let me know what you thought of the chapter - i enjoyed writing it - particuarly the fighting scene even if i may have had trouble keeping track of all the death eaters - when in doubt of my ability to count, just remember that the death eaters kept loosening their bonds and that's why the numbers of how many they had captured kept changing... or i like to think so.
Also, I apologise for the mushiness of James' spiel, but i felt it was necessary. he has loved her for so long - it's only fair! and in relation to ginny's comment, i think James is a bit better at the emotional stuff than harry but maybe we just haven't given harry a chance yet - we'll see what happens.
also, there will be more on dorcas and benjy later on - they're real jk characters (but you all know that anyway) and they will be important in the sequel to this fic.
Finally, I'd just like to thank all you wonderful reviewers! your comments and encouragement mean so much to me and it just makes my day to come home and see that there are reviews in my inbox! I'd list all your names here but i'm a bit lazy and also i wouldn't want to accidentally leave someone out. but you know who you are. Im sorry i haven't individually replied in a while - i've been absolutely flat out with school - which reminds me, i should go study for that sac on circular functions and antidifferentiation now. But yes - thanks so much for your continued support and stay tuned for more chapters!
muchly appreciation, cyber cookies/muffins and hugs!
Happy fanficcing! :)