K the song in this chapter (well the lyrics are from Muse - Unintended) you know who everyone else belongs to. Thanks for waiting (if you did), sorry about the delay. I couldn't remember if I had included Peter in this before so I just added him in now for a small, small part. Hope you enjoy. Please tell me what you think. I have a very fragile ego and I need the constant feedback. Thanks to everyone who reviewed before and I love you all.
It took Lily a few days before she could bring up Petunia to Ana. It was a difficult subject for her to talk about in general. "Ana, I got another letter from Petunia. I think you should read it before you say anything. I don't know how to deal with this." With that, she handed the paper to Ana and waited. A few moments later Ana looked up. "Lily, you realize that the only way you could go see her is if you wanted to, not because she needs you to get her out of a jam. If they think she needs more medication then they probably know what's best for her. You know what I'm saying?" Ana waited for a response. "I know, but I feel like I'm letting her down or something. She's counting on me. Does that sound screwed up?" Thus the conversation continued for some time but ultimately, Ana had explained that Lily's feelings were normal, but if she didn't want to go, she didn't have to. Lily had decided not to go and see Petunia because she wasn't completely over everything that happened, and she didn't think she was ready.
The next two months dragged slower than any that had ever occurred, not only in Lily's lifetime, but in the history of the world. Though she spent most of the time with Remus, it wasn't as adventurous or carefree. Remus was the logic and reason of the Marauders. Without him the others would either have been killed long ago, or stuck in a lifetime's worth of detentions. When it came to his thinking of things to do though, they were usually on the safer side, and Lily missed the pulse-quickening antics of the Sirius and James. James...she missed him, this was true, but it was different now. She didn't miss him because she had a million things to tell him, or because she was bored without him. She missed his mere presence. She never admitted this to anyone, including herself fully, just because it made her seem and feel so dependent, but it was very true. The letters weren't enough anymore. Add to this the constant mail from Petunia that was so full of understanding for Lily's decision that it made her feel beyond guilty and the rotten, rainy weather. Near the end of the summer it wasn't much of a surprise that Lily had fallen ill with a nagging head cold. In low spirits, she neglected treatment and it worsened to pneumonia. (a/n: I'm not sure if that's how it really happens, if someone can get pneumonia like that, but whatever.) She was bed-ridden for the last week of vacation, if you really wanted to call it that. She didn't tell James of her condition due to the fact that he would probably use it as an excuse to come home, even though she wouldn't have minded it.
The day that the two boys were to come home from training camp, Lily was still rather sick. Pale, clammy, and feverish, Lily was told by Ana, that she had to stay and wait for Sirius and James to return with Ana. James took note of her absence as soon as he straightened himself out from the journey. "Where's Lily? She ok?" Ana, taken slightly aback by his naiveté, related to him Lily's condition. By the time they made their way to the house Sirius and James were worried for her, and James a little upset. Why would he choose to keep things from him? He went up to her room as soon as he set foot in the house and found her sleeping in her bed, much paler and a little thinner than when he had left her. He sat down next to her and just looked at her. A few minutes later she stirred and smiled at him. "Welcome back, how was it?"
"Why didn't you tell me you were sick? And why didn't you tell me about that letter from Petunia?" Ana had also told him about the other goings-on in the household during his absence. "I didn't want to worry you. You deserved a break from my problems. Beside, the medi-wizard said that I should be ok in a few more days. Lousy weather. As for Petunia, I feel as though it's something I should deal with alone. I don't want to burden other people with my problems and I want to be able to work independently on healing from her." Lily sat up in the bed, holding his hand. It was rough and cold from the constant practicing at the camp. His demeanor softened at her touch and he was instantly calmed. "Lily, nothing that ever happens to you is a burden to me. Your problems are my problems too. How long have we known each other and you're still keeping things from me? I wish you would just let me know about stuff that's going on in your life. It's my job to worry about you, as your best friend and your boyfriend."
Looking up into his face, Lily realized that James was the only person she could ever truly be comfortable telling these things to. She hated putting the load on his shoulders all of the time but if she didn't tell him, it made him feel like she didn't completely trust him and she knew this. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you." She said as she went in to hug him. She eventually started to tell him everything she felt and said and thought while he was gone. When she was done, it was his turn and that's how they spent the rest of the day. Sirius and Ana figured that they had a lot of catching up to do and took the rest of the day to catch up themselves and relive tails from camp, that Sirius had told. The few and precious days left before school started up again were sunny and warm. As the weather abruptly changed, so did Lily's health and mood. The color in her cheeks rose again and she was Lily once more. Not the greatest way to end the summer, but a wonderful way to begin their next school year.
Just as she had felt at the beginning of the summer, so she had at the end. The sun poured into her now open shades and gently woke Lily from her wonderfully whole sleep. It was one of those sleeps where you woke up and all was right with the world and the first stretch in the morning was better than any feeling one could ever experience. After that life-altering stretch, she rose from her bed and turned her radio on softly. Life was good again, just like it should always be. She had an hour before the others usually woke up, so she decided to go for a walk. After adjusting to the gorgeously neon skies and sparkling pavement, Lily took a deep breath. The air was sweet enough to drink and the last dying embers of the fire of freedom were gloriously illuminated in the sky. Today was just one of those days.
After returning from a very refreshing walk, Lily found an unexpected visitor at the door. "Uh, Vernon, hi. May I ask, what are you doing here?" Lily was a little taken aback to see how much Vernon had grown around the waist since she last saw him. "Lily I came on behalf of my beloved wife. She asked me to personally deliver this and wait for your response." The letter clutched in his piggy hoof was on muggle paper, in a muggle pen. She must be out.
Dear Lily,
No thanks to you, my dear sister, I was able to turn myself around and with proper supervision I'm allowed to come home and live with Vernon. Yes, I am bitter, and I do still blame you for our parents' deaths, but I fully realize these facts, and knowing is half the battle. I'm going to therapy twice a week and am required to let you know how I'm doing once a month for the next year. After which, they get to decide whether or not I am fit for social interaction on my own. I've come to grips with my anger, Lily and found that what I did was heinous and wrong. Though I do still feel resentment, I understand that my behavior was psychotic and unruly. Don't expect anything closer to a genuine apology than this letter. Now, if all has gone according to plan, Vernon should be waiting by your side as you read this. I have one thing to ask of you, one final thing. After this year is up, I am almost certain that I will be reintroduced into society as a fully participating member. I would appreciate it if you would cut all and any ties with my family and me after the appointed year. My letters from now until then will be short and informative, nothing more. Please let Vernon know your answer soon so that I can plan accordingly.
Thanks,
Petunia
"So, those letters from before, they were all-"
"Sugar-coated. You don't actually think she could send you letters with what she was really thinking?" Vernon stood impatiently eyeing the sixteen-year-old girl in front of him. "I see," was all that she could say. She wasn't as upset as she had thought she would be. Deep down she knew that Petunia's sudden change of heart couldn't be that true. "Vernon, please inform your wife, that I will comply with her request and ask that she reciprocate it. Thank you." He nodded and went on his way. Though Lily would miss her sister, she didn't feel as though she was losing anyone who was particularly close to her. She walked through the threshold to find James sitting on the stairs leading to the second floor. "You ok?" he had heard everything.
"Yah, I'm fine, and strangely enough, I really think that I am. Should I be more upset?" Lily's look of confusion somewhat convinced James that she might not be so upset. "I think maybe you're just starting to realize that Petunia will always be...Petunia. You know what I mean? She may have seemed as though she changed but as soon as she had asked you to go and visit, I knew something was up. As long as you've known her, she's always had a hidden agenda. I hate to say it, but it's true. She only looks out for herself." There was a silence of contemplation and then Lily just nodded and went inside. James was right. He knew it. She knew it. But acknowledging this fact was hard. Petunia was a psychotic, selfish brat who would stop at nothing for the perfect life.
James followed her closely, now being paranoid of ever leaving her alone in a tough spot. Once she accepted what the truth really was, she would be fine. He hoped she would be fine. When he reached the chair that she had sat herself in, he saw that she was not crying. Nor was she frowning, or looking, in the least, dejected-just, very thoughtful. "You sure you're ok?" At this Lily just roller her eyes and answered, "Yes, mom, I'm ok. Seriously, I am. Ok? Don't worry. Anyway, I think that, with the start of the new school year and all, I'm going to start over. From this moment on, Petunia no longer concerns me. Yes, she's my sister still, I would never disown her, but she's more like an estranged relative to me. Family only by blood. Sound good?" She smiled and waited. "Well, I think that it's a great idea, but I think it's going to be a lot harder than it seems. But, hey, why not give it a try." Lily got up and gave him a hug. Then she went to get dressed for their first day back.
Like the leaves of autumn turning from green to red or brown in the blink of an eye, so went the first semester of school for the gaggle of teenagers with whom this story is concerned. This year especially seemed to fly by. Maybe it was the fact that everyone was dealing with quasi-normal problems, like potions homework and the occasional prank gone awry, instead of self-metamorphosing adolescent and family problems. Maybe it was the fact that Lily and James were finally in full recognition of their feelings and they could stop being so angsty all of the time. Maybe it was just a fast year. Whatever the reason, no one could really remember what had happened during the first few months of school, nor did they care. Things were going well, why spoil it. Sirius had finally found out how to become an animagus and he was going to do it with James and another friend of Remus's who had found out that he was a werewolf, Peter Pettigrew. Both Lily and James were up for head girl and boy the next year. As it was they were all ready prefects. The marauders were meeting their prank quota. Most importantly, Lily and Petunia were no longer part of one another's lives. They could each go on with their lives knowing that the separation was mutually agreed upon. Things were going well, why spoil it?
The door to the sixth year girls' dorm was shut tightly early on a chilly March morning. It must've been four a.m. From inside one could hear the muffle song of one of its inhabitants. Lily stood at the window next to her bed. Seventeen. Did this make her a woman? An adult? Was she recognized as an empowered and informed member of society? Her thoughts were interrupted by the rapping of a pale brown barn owl at another window. When she opened the window she discovered a small package and a note tied to its leg.
Dear Lily,
Happy Birthday love. I hope you find yourself in good spirits when you receive this because I really want you to open in it the correct state of mind. I mailed it rather early since today is a big quidditch game and I didn't want to wake you before I left for practice. Let me know what you think.
Love always,
James
"Why would I need to find myself in good spirits when I open this?" was all that crossed Lily's mind as she delicately unwrapped the faintly blue colored fabric that covered this small package. A lot of care was taken in wrapping it because it was painstakingly perfect. She felt bad taking apart such a beautiful package. After peeling away the first layer ever so daintily, she was faced with an embroidered box with colorful birds and flowers on it. If this was her present it was absolutely gorgeous and she would have to thank James repeatedly for such an exquisite, and she was guessing imported, specimen. As though her question was answered, when she moved the box something inside moved too, so this couldn't be all of it. What she did find was even more amazing than the keepsake box.
A brilliantly cut, diamond, emerald, and ruby ring stared her in the face. It was a promise ring, in the shape of a Lily. Scrolled along the inside of the ring were the words, "You could be unintended choice to live my life extended." The words brought a smile and tears as she and James had previously found that these were lyrics from their favorite song. Alongside the ring was a small scroll.
Dear Lily,
By now you've decided what you want. This promise ring serves two purposes. One is to show you that my promise to you is real. The other is to ask for your permission to hang out with you for the rest of our lives. You know what I mean, and I'm totally serious. I've never felt like this about anyone and I've known how I've felt since we were both eleven. I knew this day would come and I've been waiting for the right time to make it happen. Let me know. Happy Birthday darling.
James
Seventeen. Who knows what the coming years would bring? The question that she was faced with was, more importantly, would she want to spend those years to come with James? When she had risen that morning, she felt like she was no longer a child. She felt confident and wise and older. She now realized how very young and inexperienced she was. This question wasn't asked to seventeen-year-old girls. Dilemmas like these don't present themselves to girls like her. It was too good to be, too surreal. She would never end up with a strong, caring guy like James. Would she?
The pitch was a little damn today, meaning that any falls or crashes wouldn't be so hard. It warmed up a little and the sun was streaming brightly across the sky. Today was going to be a great match. James knew this for a fact since they were playing Ravenclaw. The two had been waiting most of the year to face each other. They were tied for the most house cup and for the quidditch cup. Due to a rather hefty storm on the night of one of their matches, they had not yet faced each other. Today was to be an interesting match. Looking up in the stands, James saw that people were starting to gather. It must be around ten now. He and his team had been there since eight stretching and going over plays. The whole team was rather confident in their ability and felt that they would provide for adequate competition for the Ravenclaws. While waiting for the match to begin, the Gryffindors had a good fifteen minutes to spare before the match was to start. James scanned the crowd on his broom and immediately his gaze fell upon a figure at the top of the stands whose appearance only stood out from the rest of the gold and red drones because of her beautiful red hair. When this red-headed spectator spotted James she promptly stood and dug out a sign from at her side. She unfolded it and held it up high for the world to see. Even if they didn't really understand it, the world could see it. It read in bold, black letters: "I'll be there as soon as I can, but I'm busy mending broken pieces of the life I had before." James smiled and went in to the stands. "So is that a yes?" he said as he sat down next to her. "Of course James darling, I just hope we don't rush into anything. But for the time being I would love to hang out with you for the rest of our lives." At that James jumped up and hugged her tight. Needless to say, the game was won by Gryffindor with a spread of nearly two hundred points.
It took Lily a few days before she could bring up Petunia to Ana. It was a difficult subject for her to talk about in general. "Ana, I got another letter from Petunia. I think you should read it before you say anything. I don't know how to deal with this." With that, she handed the paper to Ana and waited. A few moments later Ana looked up. "Lily, you realize that the only way you could go see her is if you wanted to, not because she needs you to get her out of a jam. If they think she needs more medication then they probably know what's best for her. You know what I'm saying?" Ana waited for a response. "I know, but I feel like I'm letting her down or something. She's counting on me. Does that sound screwed up?" Thus the conversation continued for some time but ultimately, Ana had explained that Lily's feelings were normal, but if she didn't want to go, she didn't have to. Lily had decided not to go and see Petunia because she wasn't completely over everything that happened, and she didn't think she was ready.
The next two months dragged slower than any that had ever occurred, not only in Lily's lifetime, but in the history of the world. Though she spent most of the time with Remus, it wasn't as adventurous or carefree. Remus was the logic and reason of the Marauders. Without him the others would either have been killed long ago, or stuck in a lifetime's worth of detentions. When it came to his thinking of things to do though, they were usually on the safer side, and Lily missed the pulse-quickening antics of the Sirius and James. James...she missed him, this was true, but it was different now. She didn't miss him because she had a million things to tell him, or because she was bored without him. She missed his mere presence. She never admitted this to anyone, including herself fully, just because it made her seem and feel so dependent, but it was very true. The letters weren't enough anymore. Add to this the constant mail from Petunia that was so full of understanding for Lily's decision that it made her feel beyond guilty and the rotten, rainy weather. Near the end of the summer it wasn't much of a surprise that Lily had fallen ill with a nagging head cold. In low spirits, she neglected treatment and it worsened to pneumonia. (a/n: I'm not sure if that's how it really happens, if someone can get pneumonia like that, but whatever.) She was bed-ridden for the last week of vacation, if you really wanted to call it that. She didn't tell James of her condition due to the fact that he would probably use it as an excuse to come home, even though she wouldn't have minded it.
The day that the two boys were to come home from training camp, Lily was still rather sick. Pale, clammy, and feverish, Lily was told by Ana, that she had to stay and wait for Sirius and James to return with Ana. James took note of her absence as soon as he straightened himself out from the journey. "Where's Lily? She ok?" Ana, taken slightly aback by his naiveté, related to him Lily's condition. By the time they made their way to the house Sirius and James were worried for her, and James a little upset. Why would he choose to keep things from him? He went up to her room as soon as he set foot in the house and found her sleeping in her bed, much paler and a little thinner than when he had left her. He sat down next to her and just looked at her. A few minutes later she stirred and smiled at him. "Welcome back, how was it?"
"Why didn't you tell me you were sick? And why didn't you tell me about that letter from Petunia?" Ana had also told him about the other goings-on in the household during his absence. "I didn't want to worry you. You deserved a break from my problems. Beside, the medi-wizard said that I should be ok in a few more days. Lousy weather. As for Petunia, I feel as though it's something I should deal with alone. I don't want to burden other people with my problems and I want to be able to work independently on healing from her." Lily sat up in the bed, holding his hand. It was rough and cold from the constant practicing at the camp. His demeanor softened at her touch and he was instantly calmed. "Lily, nothing that ever happens to you is a burden to me. Your problems are my problems too. How long have we known each other and you're still keeping things from me? I wish you would just let me know about stuff that's going on in your life. It's my job to worry about you, as your best friend and your boyfriend."
Looking up into his face, Lily realized that James was the only person she could ever truly be comfortable telling these things to. She hated putting the load on his shoulders all of the time but if she didn't tell him, it made him feel like she didn't completely trust him and she knew this. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you." She said as she went in to hug him. She eventually started to tell him everything she felt and said and thought while he was gone. When she was done, it was his turn and that's how they spent the rest of the day. Sirius and Ana figured that they had a lot of catching up to do and took the rest of the day to catch up themselves and relive tails from camp, that Sirius had told. The few and precious days left before school started up again were sunny and warm. As the weather abruptly changed, so did Lily's health and mood. The color in her cheeks rose again and she was Lily once more. Not the greatest way to end the summer, but a wonderful way to begin their next school year.
Just as she had felt at the beginning of the summer, so she had at the end. The sun poured into her now open shades and gently woke Lily from her wonderfully whole sleep. It was one of those sleeps where you woke up and all was right with the world and the first stretch in the morning was better than any feeling one could ever experience. After that life-altering stretch, she rose from her bed and turned her radio on softly. Life was good again, just like it should always be. She had an hour before the others usually woke up, so she decided to go for a walk. After adjusting to the gorgeously neon skies and sparkling pavement, Lily took a deep breath. The air was sweet enough to drink and the last dying embers of the fire of freedom were gloriously illuminated in the sky. Today was just one of those days.
After returning from a very refreshing walk, Lily found an unexpected visitor at the door. "Uh, Vernon, hi. May I ask, what are you doing here?" Lily was a little taken aback to see how much Vernon had grown around the waist since she last saw him. "Lily I came on behalf of my beloved wife. She asked me to personally deliver this and wait for your response." The letter clutched in his piggy hoof was on muggle paper, in a muggle pen. She must be out.
Dear Lily,
No thanks to you, my dear sister, I was able to turn myself around and with proper supervision I'm allowed to come home and live with Vernon. Yes, I am bitter, and I do still blame you for our parents' deaths, but I fully realize these facts, and knowing is half the battle. I'm going to therapy twice a week and am required to let you know how I'm doing once a month for the next year. After which, they get to decide whether or not I am fit for social interaction on my own. I've come to grips with my anger, Lily and found that what I did was heinous and wrong. Though I do still feel resentment, I understand that my behavior was psychotic and unruly. Don't expect anything closer to a genuine apology than this letter. Now, if all has gone according to plan, Vernon should be waiting by your side as you read this. I have one thing to ask of you, one final thing. After this year is up, I am almost certain that I will be reintroduced into society as a fully participating member. I would appreciate it if you would cut all and any ties with my family and me after the appointed year. My letters from now until then will be short and informative, nothing more. Please let Vernon know your answer soon so that I can plan accordingly.
Thanks,
Petunia
"So, those letters from before, they were all-"
"Sugar-coated. You don't actually think she could send you letters with what she was really thinking?" Vernon stood impatiently eyeing the sixteen-year-old girl in front of him. "I see," was all that she could say. She wasn't as upset as she had thought she would be. Deep down she knew that Petunia's sudden change of heart couldn't be that true. "Vernon, please inform your wife, that I will comply with her request and ask that she reciprocate it. Thank you." He nodded and went on his way. Though Lily would miss her sister, she didn't feel as though she was losing anyone who was particularly close to her. She walked through the threshold to find James sitting on the stairs leading to the second floor. "You ok?" he had heard everything.
"Yah, I'm fine, and strangely enough, I really think that I am. Should I be more upset?" Lily's look of confusion somewhat convinced James that she might not be so upset. "I think maybe you're just starting to realize that Petunia will always be...Petunia. You know what I mean? She may have seemed as though she changed but as soon as she had asked you to go and visit, I knew something was up. As long as you've known her, she's always had a hidden agenda. I hate to say it, but it's true. She only looks out for herself." There was a silence of contemplation and then Lily just nodded and went inside. James was right. He knew it. She knew it. But acknowledging this fact was hard. Petunia was a psychotic, selfish brat who would stop at nothing for the perfect life.
James followed her closely, now being paranoid of ever leaving her alone in a tough spot. Once she accepted what the truth really was, she would be fine. He hoped she would be fine. When he reached the chair that she had sat herself in, he saw that she was not crying. Nor was she frowning, or looking, in the least, dejected-just, very thoughtful. "You sure you're ok?" At this Lily just roller her eyes and answered, "Yes, mom, I'm ok. Seriously, I am. Ok? Don't worry. Anyway, I think that, with the start of the new school year and all, I'm going to start over. From this moment on, Petunia no longer concerns me. Yes, she's my sister still, I would never disown her, but she's more like an estranged relative to me. Family only by blood. Sound good?" She smiled and waited. "Well, I think that it's a great idea, but I think it's going to be a lot harder than it seems. But, hey, why not give it a try." Lily got up and gave him a hug. Then she went to get dressed for their first day back.
Like the leaves of autumn turning from green to red or brown in the blink of an eye, so went the first semester of school for the gaggle of teenagers with whom this story is concerned. This year especially seemed to fly by. Maybe it was the fact that everyone was dealing with quasi-normal problems, like potions homework and the occasional prank gone awry, instead of self-metamorphosing adolescent and family problems. Maybe it was the fact that Lily and James were finally in full recognition of their feelings and they could stop being so angsty all of the time. Maybe it was just a fast year. Whatever the reason, no one could really remember what had happened during the first few months of school, nor did they care. Things were going well, why spoil it. Sirius had finally found out how to become an animagus and he was going to do it with James and another friend of Remus's who had found out that he was a werewolf, Peter Pettigrew. Both Lily and James were up for head girl and boy the next year. As it was they were all ready prefects. The marauders were meeting their prank quota. Most importantly, Lily and Petunia were no longer part of one another's lives. They could each go on with their lives knowing that the separation was mutually agreed upon. Things were going well, why spoil it?
The door to the sixth year girls' dorm was shut tightly early on a chilly March morning. It must've been four a.m. From inside one could hear the muffle song of one of its inhabitants. Lily stood at the window next to her bed. Seventeen. Did this make her a woman? An adult? Was she recognized as an empowered and informed member of society? Her thoughts were interrupted by the rapping of a pale brown barn owl at another window. When she opened the window she discovered a small package and a note tied to its leg.
Dear Lily,
Happy Birthday love. I hope you find yourself in good spirits when you receive this because I really want you to open in it the correct state of mind. I mailed it rather early since today is a big quidditch game and I didn't want to wake you before I left for practice. Let me know what you think.
Love always,
James
"Why would I need to find myself in good spirits when I open this?" was all that crossed Lily's mind as she delicately unwrapped the faintly blue colored fabric that covered this small package. A lot of care was taken in wrapping it because it was painstakingly perfect. She felt bad taking apart such a beautiful package. After peeling away the first layer ever so daintily, she was faced with an embroidered box with colorful birds and flowers on it. If this was her present it was absolutely gorgeous and she would have to thank James repeatedly for such an exquisite, and she was guessing imported, specimen. As though her question was answered, when she moved the box something inside moved too, so this couldn't be all of it. What she did find was even more amazing than the keepsake box.
A brilliantly cut, diamond, emerald, and ruby ring stared her in the face. It was a promise ring, in the shape of a Lily. Scrolled along the inside of the ring were the words, "You could be unintended choice to live my life extended." The words brought a smile and tears as she and James had previously found that these were lyrics from their favorite song. Alongside the ring was a small scroll.
Dear Lily,
By now you've decided what you want. This promise ring serves two purposes. One is to show you that my promise to you is real. The other is to ask for your permission to hang out with you for the rest of our lives. You know what I mean, and I'm totally serious. I've never felt like this about anyone and I've known how I've felt since we were both eleven. I knew this day would come and I've been waiting for the right time to make it happen. Let me know. Happy Birthday darling.
James
Seventeen. Who knows what the coming years would bring? The question that she was faced with was, more importantly, would she want to spend those years to come with James? When she had risen that morning, she felt like she was no longer a child. She felt confident and wise and older. She now realized how very young and inexperienced she was. This question wasn't asked to seventeen-year-old girls. Dilemmas like these don't present themselves to girls like her. It was too good to be, too surreal. She would never end up with a strong, caring guy like James. Would she?
The pitch was a little damn today, meaning that any falls or crashes wouldn't be so hard. It warmed up a little and the sun was streaming brightly across the sky. Today was going to be a great match. James knew this for a fact since they were playing Ravenclaw. The two had been waiting most of the year to face each other. They were tied for the most house cup and for the quidditch cup. Due to a rather hefty storm on the night of one of their matches, they had not yet faced each other. Today was to be an interesting match. Looking up in the stands, James saw that people were starting to gather. It must be around ten now. He and his team had been there since eight stretching and going over plays. The whole team was rather confident in their ability and felt that they would provide for adequate competition for the Ravenclaws. While waiting for the match to begin, the Gryffindors had a good fifteen minutes to spare before the match was to start. James scanned the crowd on his broom and immediately his gaze fell upon a figure at the top of the stands whose appearance only stood out from the rest of the gold and red drones because of her beautiful red hair. When this red-headed spectator spotted James she promptly stood and dug out a sign from at her side. She unfolded it and held it up high for the world to see. Even if they didn't really understand it, the world could see it. It read in bold, black letters: "I'll be there as soon as I can, but I'm busy mending broken pieces of the life I had before." James smiled and went in to the stands. "So is that a yes?" he said as he sat down next to her. "Of course James darling, I just hope we don't rush into anything. But for the time being I would love to hang out with you for the rest of our lives." At that James jumped up and hugged her tight. Needless to say, the game was won by Gryffindor with a spread of nearly two hundred points.