Chapter 52

James appeared just down the path from the gates into Hogwarts. He knew that it was going to be easy for him to get back into the grounds what with it being a Hogsmeade weekend. He strolled up to them and pushed them aside. They opened easily and as he took a step inside he felt the familiar tingle from the last time.

He had no idea what it was Dumbledore had put on the gate to tell students apart from others. If he had been under seventeen he would have claimed it was something that could tell the tracer that allowed the ministry to know if they had done illegal magic.

Whatever it was though James got through. He walked up the grounds through the snow wondering what it would be like to live in a time where death wasn't a norm. He would love to live in a world where he was shocked by what had happened again. But shock of death was something he had lost a long time ago. It seemed to him as if it was something that lingered around people just waiting to claim another one.

He was on what felt like automatic as he walked the path towards the main doors. Then he was inside the building. He knew that it was late. He looked at his watch and knew that the evening dinner was being served. His stomach was empty and part of him knew he needed a meal and yet food was the last thing on his mind.

Turning to his right he went through the doors into the crowded hall. Laughter and happiness floated around the place. It was a surreal feeling to know that there were people happy. Hogwarts had to be one of the few places where that was the case. James didn't stop to scan the Gryffindor table. He didn't know if his friends were having food.

Instead he kept his eyes on the top table and walking between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw rows made his way up to the top. Eyes moved to him and the chatter seemed to go down slightly in volume. Maybe people were wondering why he wasn't with the Gryffindors, maybe they wanted to know why he was walking with so much purpose towards the top table.

He climbed the two small steps and found himself in front of Dumbledore. The headmaster looked at him and gave a small nod.

"Am I right to assume that it has happened?"

"Around eleven thirty Sir."

"And Miss Evans?"

"Is extremely upset Sir as expected. I've left her at her grandfather's house with him and her sister and brother-in-law."

James watched as the headmaster nodded. At that James spoke again.

"She wishes to stay at the house to aid in the funeral arrangements."

"Of course I will pass the information along to those that need to know."

"I also promised that I would be there when she wakes up Sir."

"Did you?"

James gave a small nod.

"She is in a bad way Sir. She knew that this was coming but I don't think she prepared herself for it to happen so soon."

"Be back in school in time for your first lesson on Monday James and that will be fine."

"Thank you Sir."

James turned away to leave the castle to get back to Lily when he heard Ddraig speak to him.

"Tell her we are thinking of her at this time."

He turned back and looked at his professor.

"I will Professor."

"Let us know when the funeral will be. I for one would like to pay my respects to Dudley. He was a good man."

"Yes Professor."

James didn't know what else to say. He simply turned and took the same path he had up to the table back to the doors. As he entered the Entrance Hall he heard footsteps behind him. He didn't turn though until he heard Branwen's voice.

"James what's happened?"

His friends must have followed him out they were all stood together looking at him. He noticed that it wasn't just the six of them Joe and Frank were stood among them. He had known that it was a Hogsmeade weekend and it seemed they had joined the group.

He didn't know the best way to word it for his friends. They would understand the impact that their family was shrinking ever faster. Would there be comfort in knowing that this time it was down to illness and not murder?

"Lily's father passed away around lunch time."

Branwen gasped while the others reminded stationary. It was Peter that spoke up.

"Tell Lily we all love her and we're here for her when she needs us."

"Thanks I will."

"And that we'll all be there for the funeral."

James nodded towards Peter. Then with a small smile to show his appreciation he turned and headed back out into the grounds to make his way back to Lily.


Hi everyone. Sorry that it isn't much and that its been a while since I updated. I don't know if I mentioned it before but I'm a student Nurse and I'm on placement at the moment so things are a bit hectic. I hope to have the next chapter up next week though. I was going to post it with this one but the tone is slightly different due to the fact that the next chapter is Joe's birthday so I wanted to keep that seperate. Hope that you are all okay up there and I promise more soon

Kris xx