Ship A1 - Current & Ex Meet
Trope A3 - Obsession Equals Love
Spring D2 - Gather
Ship: Thorns Lily/James
Stacked With: FPC; BAON; Fence; Star; T3; SN; IC Ship; SpB; TrB; Once
Individual Challenges: Old Shoes (Y); Short Jog (Y); Two Cakes (Y); Eating Cake (Y); Lunar Era (y); Hold the Mayo (Y); Old Flames (Y); Ship Sails (Y); Saucy Oven; Disabled (Y); Ethnic & Present (Y); Neurodivergent (Y); Medic MC; Gryffindor MC (x2); Magical MC; Red Lights; Ginger (Y); Red Dress (Y); Red Wave (Y); Fire Extinguisher (Y); Rainbow Rainbow;
Representations: Black & Autistic Lily Evans/James Potter; Desi Potters; School Reunion; HP (Musical)
Primary and Secondary BCs: Found Family; Sneeze Weasel; Fizzy Lemonade; Second Verse (Ladylike; Not a Lamp; Persistence Still; White Dress); Chorus (Odd Feathers; Pear-Shaped; Wabi Sabi); Demo 1 (Muck & Slime; Queen Bee); Demo 2 (Tomorrow's Shade; Head of Perseus; Hot Stuff)
Tertiary & Generic BCs: SN (Rail, Intercept); T3 (Tether); Once (Santa Fe)
Hunt: Writing Diversity (Hinduism)
Word Count: 3,352
Warnings: Mentions of past relationship abuse; mentions of past bullying; fighting; past child abuse
Universe Alterations involved.
~o0o~
"Do we have to go?" James asked.
He sat on the bench in the floo room ready to go in his dress robes, but still holding his shoes in his hand. They were staying with his parents for the week. The reason for visiting was to one) introduce her to Mama and Baba, and two) they had been invited to a reunion at Hogwarts. Being such a small school it was for seven graduation years from 1978-1985, meaning if everyone showed up they'd have about four hundred guests plus dates.
Lily tipped her head and sat next to him before picking her own shoes out of the pile by the fireplace.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Well… you know what a tosser I was," he said. "I think it's better for everyone who shouldn't have been on the receiving end of my pranks to only see my face again in the obituary."
"Maybe it is," she said. "Though if they are there, this would be a good opportunity to apologize. They don't have to forgive you and you shouldn't expect forgiveness, but they'll at least know you are sorry."
He wiggled his head in that non-committal way. "I was especially a dick to your boyfriend. Of course, I was entirely obsessed with you."
Lily twitched her eyebrow to show she heard, but wasn't sure how to respond. Things with Severus were… complicated. A big part of her hoped that he wouldn't even bother to show up at the reunion. It had been ten years since she physically saw him. Three since she started a friendship with James after they ended up in the same department at the Magical underside of the World Health Organization. The main difference between their research division and the muggle one was that they often housed patients from around the world who signed up for medical research.
James had become a Potions Master and was the leading researcher for a cure to lycanthropy and other blood based curses. Lily always knew she wanted to help others and was put on a team to develop potions with a shelf-life co-leading with a witch Mun Hana. When Lily was assigned a hospital shift with James she nearly cursed in front of a bunch of sick children. She had made it a point to not speak to him unless absolutely necessary and he respected that, which he never would have done while they were in school. And she saw how he interacted with patients whether he thought she was looking or not. He fully believed in laughter going along with medicine.
She loved that about him.
"Well, in fairness, the glasses I wore with Severus were rose-tinted," she said at last. "I have known him most of my life, James. Perhaps he changed like you had."
She had once loved Severus. They were best friends. He never insinuated that her red hair was fake just because her skin was brown. And he had never made a rude comment about her and Petunia having different mothers. People could be so horrible.
"Maybe. I had hoped… after the incident that we would reach an impasse but we were at each other's throats until graduation day." James ran his fingers through his hair and sighed heavily. "I like who I am with you and I like who I am in Switzerland. If I fall back into old habits being here… you have every right to dump me."
"Don't worry," she said. "I know how to spot red flags now and you have none. But if you expect me to keep dating you, convince your mum to teach me that curry recipe we had last night."
He chuckled and rested his head on her shoulder. "What makes you think I don't know the recipe?"
"James, that has to be our Thursday night dinner until the end of time," she insisted.
"Darling, is this a proposal?"
She glanced towards the sitting room where his parents were listening to the radio and leaned close to his ear. "I slept with you because of those homemade blackberry jammy dodgers. Imagine what the right meal would bring."
"But Remus made those."
"Damn." She snapped her fingers. "I picked the wrong one. Maybe Sirius will share."
He laughed out loud and wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, Lily."
She smiled and kissed the bridge of his nose. "I love you, too, James. Now come on, it's just a few hours."
He whined.
"We can fulfill your fantasy of snogging me in one of those hidden nooks," she said.
Before she could even blink, his sandals were on and he was stepping into the fireplace with his pinch of powder.
"Come on, scoot your boot, we can't leave everyone waiting," he said.
She rolled her eyes and smiled fondly. He was incorrigible. She followed behind him and stepped out into the Great Hall, dusting the soot off her wine red robes. It was suggested to have your house color somewhere on your person. The Hall was jam packed with people; some only three years out of school while her class was ten years gone. She recognized everyone. Knew their faces, their names, their house. James offered his arm, which she happily took. He knew she didn't like a hand on her waist and she appreciated that she only had to remind him once since they started dating a year ago.
"Lily!"
"Alice!"
Lily let go of James to hug her old roommate and kiss her cheek.
"Look at you!" she said, taking her in. "What little bun is this?"
"Number three," said Alice, showing off her baby bump. "Neville and Nora are with a sitter tonight. How is Switzerland treating you?"
"Oh, it's great," said Lily. "Going away for my mastery was the best thing I've ever done for myself. And clearly staying home was the best thing for you, Miss Hero of the U.K. and Ireland!"
"That's *Mrs.* Hero of the U.K. and Ireland," said Alice.
Frank and Alice stopped the entire Death Eater movement in its tracks. Lily read all about it in the news. If she had a baby and some cult leader tried to kill him because he was supposed to be the "Chosen One" she was pretty sure she'd obliterate the man and anyone else who agreed that killing a defenseless baby was a victory. She had wanted to join in the fight but… she decided that if she was going to help anyone it was going to be through medicine, not a police force with too much power and no accountability. Frank and Alice had used their fame to reform the entire system to make sure another Voldemort couldn't happen. At least, not as easily.
"Anyway," said Alice. "Since when are you friendly with James?"
Lily smiled softly. "It just sort of happened. We work at the W.H.O. together and I love the man he is today. We're still dating, but I can see myself spending my life with him."
"I'm happy for you," she said. "And you oughta know, Severus just showed up."
Lily sighed. "Well, I'm wiser now. Did they put up magic dampeners?"
"They did. You know duels always break out at these things and broken bones are easier to heal."
"Hello, Alice," said James. "Just spoke to Frank, how have you been?"
While they chatted, Lily subtly looked over her shoulder. Severus was indeed here. The feeling in her stomach that she had once mistaken for butterflies was now absolutely dread. Maybe he wouldn't care. It had been eight years since she started ignoring his letters entirely. If he was still a little sweet on her, she could just cuddle up to James, he would get the hint, and they could move on to their own happy lives. He grew up too and was probably seeing a nice lady who he wanted to be good for.
"I think I need a drink," she said. "Let's see what the elves have concocted."
"Mm, beware the punch," said Alice.
"Why? What's in it?" asked James.
"Melons, lemons, and pears."
"Oh, my!" said Lily, wondering how that flavor combination came about. She was more of a fan of the root beer float type concoctions. Something was to be said for ginger ale or lemonade poured over sherbet.
They wandered over to the punch table. James pushed up his ever-sliding glasses and decided on butterbeer. Lily took the same and retreated to a corner. The entire Great Hall had been decorated with long hangings to make it seem like they were in a tent. It reminded her of old Slughorn's Christmas parties.
"Are you alright?" James asked.
"Well, I'm starting to think you had the right idea staying home," she said. "And I'm remembering why I left the whole bloody country. Don't get me wrong I love seeing old friends like Alice, but being here… seeing those I don't have fond memories of…"
"Yeah, whoever said those would be the best years of our lives must've died young," James scoffed. "Let's just sneak away after the big speech. We can always fill the time up with some dancing."
He did a goofy little jig that made her smile. He smiled and leaned against the wall.
"So, come here often?"
"Honestly, Potter, can you go two minutes without making a complete ass of yourself?" a voice drawled.
Lily steeled her nerves and looked at Severus Snape. She had been his girlfriend for three years, his best friend for seven years before that. She might have thought there would be some fondness, yet the familiarity she once knew had festered into contempt for how he had treated her in those years they dated.
He was as sallow-cheeked and hooded as the vampires she was in charge of giving rejected batches of blood to. Their bodies naturally disinfected any diseases so they took the blood that could not be used in donation banks to prevent waste and make sure they wouldn't starve, especially if they wanted to avoid drinking from the source. Severus wore simple black robes pinched at the collar. A far cry from the patchwork robes he had worn in school. His dark eyes were cold and though he and James were about the same height, he looked down his nose at him.
Lily glanced at James and saw the expression he usually made when he was about to make a mean-spirited taunt. Instead, he cracked a grin and patted his bum.
"I've been told my ass is my best feature!"
Severus sneered at him. "Still a child. Run along now, the adults need to speak."
Finally, he looked at her. She was insulted. Eight years and he had to take a couple digs at his old bully before even saying hello to her? He hadn't even said a word yet and was just running his eyes over her as if scanning her for imperfections he could comment on.
"Lily," he said, taking her hand and kissing it.
"Severus," she replied, pulling it away and wiping the back of her hand on the hanging behind her. "Been a while."
"It has," he agreed. "If I would have been certain you were here I would have arrived before Potter had gotten to you."
"Mm." What did she say? What could she say? She looked at James who seemed to be watching her for cues. She was glad he was leaning against the wall or she would feel like she was being backed into a corner. It still felt that way a little bit.
She felt her hand shake. Before she could stop herself, she did the nervous tick that Tuney and teachers had often scolded her for. She swiped her hand across her thigh, snapped her fingers, then flicked her nails across her palm, sending a shower of white sparks. It was embarrassing, but at least some of her nervous energy left her.
"Lily, I thought you had outgrown that," said Severus. Why was he speaking to her like she was a cat?
"Guess not," she said.
"Hey, she's fine," said James shortly. "If she wants to stim, she can. It's not hurting anyone."
"Let's go somewhere private, Lily," said Severus. "There's a pest buzzing around here."
"I'm fine right here," she said. Why was she scared to tell him James was her boyfriend? She wanted to say it. It was so easy to everyone else.
"Yep, this is a good spot," James agreed.
"Oh, all bow down to his highness," said Severus sarcastically. "Haven't seen hide nor hair from you in years Potty, why show up now when nobody missed you?"
"Oh, you know, just following the family business," said James. "Got my Masters in Potions. Hair care products seems like a lost cause, but I've found my niche."
"Go tell someone who cares." Severus faced Lily. "And where have you been hiding, my love? No response to my letters, I was worried something awful had happened to you."
"Severus, don't call me that. We broke up ten years ago," she said.
"Oh that silly little spat?" he said.
She furrowed her brow. "You called me the M-word. I'd hardly call that a spat."
"I was angry," he said. "Words were exchanged, but I forgive you."
"Wow…" James mouthed and took a sip of his butterbeer.
Lily was caught between wanting to fight her own battle or just letting James and Severus go at it while she made an escape and never returned. She scoffed lightly.
"Forgive me? Sev, it's been over between us for years. There's no going back."
"Surely you don't mean that," he said. "I've thought of no one else but you all these years. You are my one true love, Lily." He stepped closer and touched her waist, allowing no room for her to slap his hand away. "I understand you're confused, but just allow me to prove it to you."
She shoved him away just as his lips brushed her own. "Get off me!"
James stepped between them looking furious. "She said no!"
"Go take a long walk off the pier," Severus spat.
Lily hated feeling weak. She could dodge dates all day and tell a cat-caller to piss off, but Severus? Rejecting him like the rest just felt like courting danger.
"I'm in a relationship, Severus!" she said loudly before an argument could break out. "I am. Actually, I've been in a relationship with James for the past year."
Severus blinked. "Excuse me?"
James took her hand and squeezed it. She found her Gryffindor bravery and took a deep breath.
"You heard me," she said. "We broke up, Severus."
"But I love you! Always!"
"That twisted, toxic thing between us wasn't love!" She shook her head. "It's been ten years. Get over it."
"I— How can you be so daft?" he shouted.
Conversation was dwindling to watch this drama unfold. If Lily could break eye contact she might have seen people swap gold.
"That's not a nice thing to say to the woman you love," said James.
"James."
"Sorry." He bit down on his lips so she could speak. She just wanted his hand for now.
"What about all those love notes I've been sending you?!" Severus continued. "One a week for ten years!"
"Those? I thought they were sent by a stalker!" she scoffed. "Why would you write all those weird things, Sev? I was afraid to be alone in the lab, my best friend had to escort me everywhere for months until the post managed to stop their delivery!"
He stammered. "Best—Best friend? I'M YOUR BEST FRIEND!"
"NOT ANYMORE!" All her pent up anger was coming full force. "You're mean, spiteful, and a bully! You haven't changed at all!"
"Oh, and you think James Potter is your best option?" he sneered. "He's a swine!"
Lily felt her eye twitch. "You don't know how he's changed!"
"People don't change! I thought you were the only good thing in this rotten world but you're just like the rest! Shallow, silly, stupid! You honestly think he has good intentions? This whole act is to get in your knickers. Are you really going to let him? As soon as you let him in, he's going to turn around and hurt you!"
She knew what would hurt him most. He had tried to pressure her before she was ready. That should have been her last warning, but she had always made an excuse for him. Well, fine. It wasn't like she was coming back here.
"Well, he hasn't so far," she said.
A pin could have dropped. Severus went red then purple. Lily thought now would be the best time to retreat.
"Let's go home," she said, nudging James.
Severus wasn't done. Instead, he turned his anger from her to James. James stumbled and caught his glasses as he was shoved. Lily whipped around.
"Stop! It's over!"
"No! He did something to you!" Severus pointed at James. "Did you threaten her? Love potion her? That's the only explanation!"
"What, you think I'm some helpless little waif?" Lily snapped. "I'm with a man who took a good look at himself and changed for the better. The longer I spend talking to you, the more I realize how much you've changed for the worst. Let me go, Severus. This doesn't have to get messy."
His lip curled and he ignored her, choosing to push James again since his wand couldn't cast a spell. "She was mine! You stole her from me!"
James straightened up and took a deep breath. Though his stance was relaxed, it was clear he was seething in anger.
"She doesn't belong to you," he ground out. "She is a human being, you slimy git!"
"Ha! See Lily? He hasn't changed at all! Don't you see that we belong together?"
"You're mad!"
Even after he grabbed her wrist to drag her away from James, she hesitated. She had every right to hit him, but she thought of all those days where he had come to her with a black eye. Crying because of his mean, drunk of a father. She felt trapped.
She didn't need to act.
Severus' head jerked back suddenly and he let Lily go to stifle the blood gushing from his nose. Alice gently guided Lily away, her knuckles already swelling from the blow.
"Go," she said. "Frank and I can handle this."
Lily nodded and grabbed James' hand, pulling him towards the fireplaces. Thankfully everyone arrived, allowing them to floo back to Godric's Hollow without running into anyone.
"Well, that was a disaster," she said. "I knew he was bad. Hana, Apolline, Damien… they all said I was right to cut off contact, but I hoped…"
James wrapped his arms around her and pressed his cheek into her hair.
"I know," he said. "You never forget your first friend. I'm sorry."
She sniffled and hugged him tightly, then sneezed from the floo ashes. James swept them clean.
"Back so soon?" Mr. Potter called. "What happened?"
"Nothing, Baba," James called. "We just realized that they weren't serving dinner and wondered what the point was of showing up."
"They didn't feed you?" said Mrs. Potter. "I will make you something."
Lily flexed her hand and furrowed her brow.
"Weren't we carrying butterbeers?" she whispered.
James looked at his own empty hand, then looked up at the ceiling as if the bottle had floated up there somehow. "Huh, we were. No matter. How about some chai?"
"That sounds perfect," she said and leaned into him as they went to the kitchen.
She didn't need any ties from here. She would write Alice a thank you note. Definitely name her godmother of any future children she might have… But she had a new life. She had James and a lot of friends who were kind and fun and treated her well.
She was glad she didn't mention her workplace. At this point, she didn't know what Severus was capable of.
Well, she'd prepare for the worst, but focus on living her best life. That's all anyone could do.