**A/N: Thanks to those of you who are reading! I really appreciate it, so
here's some more!
Oh, and still… anything related to Harry Potter isn't mine… unfortunately… God Bless JKR! Hehehehe **
Chapter 5: The "Real" World
Almost too soon though, Monday arrived and Lily found herself locking her parents' house up yet again as she left to return to the wizarding world.
Through his friends at the Ministry of Magic, James had arranged for a car to meet them and take their things (and themselves) to their new home. What James didn't know was that Sirius and Remus were in the car waiting for them.
"Where the hell have you been, man?" Sirius asked as James opened the car door for Lily.
"Sirius! Remus! Hi," Lily said.
"What are you doing here?" demanded James as he got into the car and it started on its way.
"Same as you. We just thought we'd tag along. Haven't been able to get in touch with you for a couple days."
"Well, I've been here the whole time. Why? What have you heard?"
"Well, your mother was a little shocked when I came by looking for you," Sirius said.
"Oh no... you didn't..."
"Man, if you were gonna tell her you were staying with me, you should have told me first!"
"James, you told me it was alright for you to be here!"
"Well, it was, cos she didn't know... What did she say, Sirius?"
"Oh, nothing really. Claire covered for you. You're lucky that girl hasn't gone back to Brazil, or wherever she's living this year."
"Ok, I'll have to thank her for that..."
Roughly 5 minutes later, the car stopped in front of what looked like a beat up old shack.
"We're going to be living here?" Lily asked nervously. She was obviously rethinking her decision.
"Yup! Isn't it great?" Remus seemed genuinely excited. "Come on! Let's go inside..."
I sure hope it looks more inviting than the outside does, thought Lily.
They all walked up the front steps and James opened the door. Everyone ran inside.
"Oh my god! It's beautiful!" exclaimed Lily. It really was. The door opened to a beautiful entrance hall, with cathedral ceilings. There was a staircase immediately in front of you (a coat closet was on the right, and a small bathroom on the left) that led to the second level, where there was a small balcony enabling you to see into the entrance hall. This was only the beginning...
"Let us show you around, Lil," Sirius said.
James took her hand and led her through a doorway on the right. "This is the living room," he said. It was already furnished with a sofa, loveseat and 3 lazy-boys, all facing a television set. There was a fireplace with a gorgeous mantel in there as well, and plenty of windows.
The next room they went to was the sitting room. Lily didn't pay any attention to the furniture in there though. She was too distracted by the jet-black baby grand piano. It had a vase of multi-coloured roses sitting on it. The contrast was perfect.
From here they made their way into the kitchen, which was fully equipped, and even had a bakers island in the middle. There was also a table and chairs set in there. The last room on this level was the dining room, which also had a fireplace.
They then all went up the back stairs to the second level. "This is the master bedroom, which will be yours Lil. My mom insists that you have your own bathroom and stuff, so this'll be the easiest way. Plus, I think you have the most stuff." In truth, that was only half the reason Lily was placed in that room. "This is my room," James continued, walking down the hall, "and that's Remus's room, and that last one is Sirius's."
"It's perfect," Lily said.
"If you boys will excuse me, I'm going to unpack my things," Lily said, making her way down the hall and into her room. Under normal circumstances she would have been surprised to find her furniture already there, but she learned never to underestimate James and his friends early on in their friendship. When she was half way through her unpacking there was a knock at the door. "Come in!"
James walked in and sat down on the bed, looking rather uncomfortable. "Um, Lily? I just wanted to tell you something, I mean, if it's ok with you then, um, well..."
"Oh for heaven's sake, James, spit it out!"
"Well, we aren't really renting this house."
"What do you mean?"
"I kinda bought it. When my dad died, he left me a pretty decent amount of money, and I decided to actually be responsible, so I invested it."
"And...?"
"Well, I'm getting there..." Lily sighed. James was notorious for taking an hour to say the simplest of things. "See, I kinda bought this house."
"What do you mean, you bought it?"
"Just that. I own it. It's mine. Well, ours. I bought it for us to live in when we're married. But since none of us had anywhere to go now, I thought maybe it would be a good idea... Sirius and Remus already know, and are actually looking for other places to live once we are married... does that sound ok? If you don't like it we can try to find someplace else... Lily, say something."
Lily was obviously overwhelmed. "I can't believe that you actually planned something that far in advance, James. It is so sweet... I couldn't have chosen a better house. Just think, we'll raise a family here some day..."
Lily then kissed James, who immediately pulled out his wand, aimed it at the door and muttered something causing the door to close and lock so that neither Sirius nor Remus would just walk in. They didn't want to be interrupted.
Over the course of the next few weeks, it was becoming increasingly harder for Lily and James to behave themselves. They tried not to be overly "couply" in front of Sirius and Remus, and they both did believe in waiting until their wedding. Of course, this belief didn't keep them from sleeping in the same bed, kissing, or from getting even closer at times.
One morning, late in August, Lily and James were awakened by a pounding on the locked bedroom door.
"James! Get your ass out of bed! We're gonna be late for work!" came Sirius's booming voice.
James groaned and threw something at the door. "It's too early," he muttered.
Lily turned over and glanced at the alarm clock. "James! Get up! It's almost 10!"
James sat bolt upright in bed. "Oh god! I can't be late again, they'll fire me!" He jumped out of bed, threw on his Auror robes, gave Lily a quick kiss, and ran right into the door.
Lily laughed. "You might want to try opening it first," she suggested.
"Love you too," he said quickly, not at all pleased with himself as he left the room. "Why didn't you get me up earlier, Sirius?"
"I don't know what you two are doing in there!"
"Oh come on, we were only sleeping."
"Riiiiiiiight..."
"I'm leaving now, see you at work," James said curtly. He immediately apparated to his office. "I'm here, I'm here... don't worry. Not late, just on time," he said to everyone as he walked through the maze of desks trying to find his own.
"Potter, that's the third time this month," his superior, Mr. Ocran said, walking up behind him.
"I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again."
"It had better not, Potter. You are one of the finest Aurors we've had, and it would be a shame to have to let you go."
"Yes sir."
"I'm glad we understand each other then." Sirius walked up from behind. "Sirius! How are you doing today?"
"Just fine, sir," he beamed. When Ocran's back was turned to him, he stuck his tongue out at James, who responded with a nasty look.
As soon as Ocran left James's office, Sirius sat down in one of the chairs by the desk. "Tough break, Potter."
"Shove off. I'm not gonna let this happen again... you just need to try to keep better track of me."
"What? I'm not your house mom. Why don't you try actually setting that alarm clock of yours? Or else have something ready to wake you up in the morning..."
"Lily usually does, but she's been tired recently. I think working with those kids has been getting to her."
"Well, don't count on her giving that job up any time soon, she loves her job."
James nodded. He knew it was true. Lily loved working with children, especially these ones.
Lily got out of bed just after James left. She took her time getting ready, went downstairs and cooked some breakfast. "Remus! There's some food for you!" she called.
"Thanks Lil! Be down in a minute," he responded.
She sang to herself while cleaning up the mess that Sirius had left in the kitchen. Remus came up behind her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"What would I do without you?" he asked.
"Probably starve!" she laughed. "Now, eat it while it's hot, and I've also set aside some lunch for you to have later."
"Thanks, Lily, really. You're making all of this a lot easier for me."
"Well, it isn't your fault. I just wish that more people were understanding about your condition. I'm sure you'll find something to do soon though."
"Yeah, right," he sighed.
"Don't be down about it. Everything will come together. But for now, I've got to run. My shift starts at noon. I'll see you later!"
"Have a good day!"
Lily then disappeared from the kitchen and reappeared in the entranceway of her workplace. She could hear the sounds of the children running through the hall upstairs, and smiled to herself.
"Good morning, Lily!"
"Morning Bridget. How are you today?"
"I'm doing just fine. A bit relieved that you're here now... it's been a madhouse this morning."
"Really? Why?"
"We've had a new arrival..."
"Oh, no."
"I'm afraid so. A little boy, Aaron. He's upstairs in his room."
"I'll just put my things away and then go check on him. Thanks for letting me know, Bridge."
"Sure."
Lily made a quick stop in her office to set some papers down, and then headed for the stairs. She worked as a caseworker in an orphanage for children who were abandoned by their muggle families due to their magical abilities.
Lily knocked gently on the door to Aaron's room. "May I come in?" she asked quietly.
"I guess," said the boy.
Lily opened the door and found Aaron sitting on the windowsill staring outside. "I'm Lily," she said, extending her hand.
"Aaron," he responded, not turning from the window.
"How old are you?"
"I just turned 8."
"Wow! Well, happy birthday then."
"Not really," he said, burying his face in his hands.
"Aaron, do you want to talk about it?" Lily asked, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to him.
"Why didn't they want me anymore?" He started to cry. "Don't they still love me?"
Lily sighed, and put her hand on Aaron's shoulder. "Sometimes it's not as easy as that. A lot of people are scared of what they don't understand." She looked at Aaron, who had turned around and was now facing her. It broke her heart to see his tear-stained face. "Do you know what I mean?"
"How would you know?"
"Well, believe it or not, I come from a muggle family too."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"And did they throw you out too?"
"No, they didn't. But if it was up to my sister they would have. She hates anything that isn't normal."
"But at least you have your parents," Aaron protested.
"Not anymore," Lily whispered. Aaron looked up at her. "They were killed, several years ago."
"What happened?"
"It was a car accident. Some silly muggle decided it was a good idea to drive home after drinking all night at a local pub."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you, Aaron. I just want you to know that if you need anything, I'm here for you to talk to, and so are Bridget and Jared. You met them already, right?" Aaron nodded. "Good. Now how about we go downstairs and get you something to eat?" Lily smiled.
"That sounds good," he said, reaching out to take a hold of her hand.
Lily smiled again, took Aaron's hand in her's, and led him out of the room and down to the kitchen.
As soon as the pair entered the kitchen, Aaron's eyes grew wide and he hid behind Lily. "What are those?!" he screeched.
"Those are the house elves, Aaron. It's alright, they won't hurt you," she said stepping aside and pushing him gently forward. "This is Dinky, and this over here is Slinky."
The two elves rushed forward and dusted their cozies off. "Dinky/Slinky excited to see new Sir," they said at the same time.
"What do you do?" Aaron asked them, curiously.
"We's here to cook and clean, watch over Sirs and Ladys of house," Slinky said. "Is new Sir hungry?" She offered him a tray of peanut butter sandwiches and a glass of milk.
"Thank you," he said gratefully, sitting down at the small table in the room.
"If you will excuse me, for just a minute, Aaron, I need to check on something in my office. I'm sure that you'll be fine in here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for it," Lily said.
Lily smiled because she could just make out the muffled "Okay," from Aaron's peanut butter filled mouth.
Lily walked back to her office all the while smiling to herself about Aaron. I know I can help him, she thought to herself. The fact was that in her 2 months at the orphanage, she had succeeded in helping over 20 children turned away from muggle life to find welcoming and loving homes in the wizarding world. Something told her that Aaron would be special though. She just wasn't sure how.
Oh, and still… anything related to Harry Potter isn't mine… unfortunately… God Bless JKR! Hehehehe **
Chapter 5: The "Real" World
Almost too soon though, Monday arrived and Lily found herself locking her parents' house up yet again as she left to return to the wizarding world.
Through his friends at the Ministry of Magic, James had arranged for a car to meet them and take their things (and themselves) to their new home. What James didn't know was that Sirius and Remus were in the car waiting for them.
"Where the hell have you been, man?" Sirius asked as James opened the car door for Lily.
"Sirius! Remus! Hi," Lily said.
"What are you doing here?" demanded James as he got into the car and it started on its way.
"Same as you. We just thought we'd tag along. Haven't been able to get in touch with you for a couple days."
"Well, I've been here the whole time. Why? What have you heard?"
"Well, your mother was a little shocked when I came by looking for you," Sirius said.
"Oh no... you didn't..."
"Man, if you were gonna tell her you were staying with me, you should have told me first!"
"James, you told me it was alright for you to be here!"
"Well, it was, cos she didn't know... What did she say, Sirius?"
"Oh, nothing really. Claire covered for you. You're lucky that girl hasn't gone back to Brazil, or wherever she's living this year."
"Ok, I'll have to thank her for that..."
Roughly 5 minutes later, the car stopped in front of what looked like a beat up old shack.
"We're going to be living here?" Lily asked nervously. She was obviously rethinking her decision.
"Yup! Isn't it great?" Remus seemed genuinely excited. "Come on! Let's go inside..."
I sure hope it looks more inviting than the outside does, thought Lily.
They all walked up the front steps and James opened the door. Everyone ran inside.
"Oh my god! It's beautiful!" exclaimed Lily. It really was. The door opened to a beautiful entrance hall, with cathedral ceilings. There was a staircase immediately in front of you (a coat closet was on the right, and a small bathroom on the left) that led to the second level, where there was a small balcony enabling you to see into the entrance hall. This was only the beginning...
"Let us show you around, Lil," Sirius said.
James took her hand and led her through a doorway on the right. "This is the living room," he said. It was already furnished with a sofa, loveseat and 3 lazy-boys, all facing a television set. There was a fireplace with a gorgeous mantel in there as well, and plenty of windows.
The next room they went to was the sitting room. Lily didn't pay any attention to the furniture in there though. She was too distracted by the jet-black baby grand piano. It had a vase of multi-coloured roses sitting on it. The contrast was perfect.
From here they made their way into the kitchen, which was fully equipped, and even had a bakers island in the middle. There was also a table and chairs set in there. The last room on this level was the dining room, which also had a fireplace.
They then all went up the back stairs to the second level. "This is the master bedroom, which will be yours Lil. My mom insists that you have your own bathroom and stuff, so this'll be the easiest way. Plus, I think you have the most stuff." In truth, that was only half the reason Lily was placed in that room. "This is my room," James continued, walking down the hall, "and that's Remus's room, and that last one is Sirius's."
"It's perfect," Lily said.
"If you boys will excuse me, I'm going to unpack my things," Lily said, making her way down the hall and into her room. Under normal circumstances she would have been surprised to find her furniture already there, but she learned never to underestimate James and his friends early on in their friendship. When she was half way through her unpacking there was a knock at the door. "Come in!"
James walked in and sat down on the bed, looking rather uncomfortable. "Um, Lily? I just wanted to tell you something, I mean, if it's ok with you then, um, well..."
"Oh for heaven's sake, James, spit it out!"
"Well, we aren't really renting this house."
"What do you mean?"
"I kinda bought it. When my dad died, he left me a pretty decent amount of money, and I decided to actually be responsible, so I invested it."
"And...?"
"Well, I'm getting there..." Lily sighed. James was notorious for taking an hour to say the simplest of things. "See, I kinda bought this house."
"What do you mean, you bought it?"
"Just that. I own it. It's mine. Well, ours. I bought it for us to live in when we're married. But since none of us had anywhere to go now, I thought maybe it would be a good idea... Sirius and Remus already know, and are actually looking for other places to live once we are married... does that sound ok? If you don't like it we can try to find someplace else... Lily, say something."
Lily was obviously overwhelmed. "I can't believe that you actually planned something that far in advance, James. It is so sweet... I couldn't have chosen a better house. Just think, we'll raise a family here some day..."
Lily then kissed James, who immediately pulled out his wand, aimed it at the door and muttered something causing the door to close and lock so that neither Sirius nor Remus would just walk in. They didn't want to be interrupted.
Over the course of the next few weeks, it was becoming increasingly harder for Lily and James to behave themselves. They tried not to be overly "couply" in front of Sirius and Remus, and they both did believe in waiting until their wedding. Of course, this belief didn't keep them from sleeping in the same bed, kissing, or from getting even closer at times.
One morning, late in August, Lily and James were awakened by a pounding on the locked bedroom door.
"James! Get your ass out of bed! We're gonna be late for work!" came Sirius's booming voice.
James groaned and threw something at the door. "It's too early," he muttered.
Lily turned over and glanced at the alarm clock. "James! Get up! It's almost 10!"
James sat bolt upright in bed. "Oh god! I can't be late again, they'll fire me!" He jumped out of bed, threw on his Auror robes, gave Lily a quick kiss, and ran right into the door.
Lily laughed. "You might want to try opening it first," she suggested.
"Love you too," he said quickly, not at all pleased with himself as he left the room. "Why didn't you get me up earlier, Sirius?"
"I don't know what you two are doing in there!"
"Oh come on, we were only sleeping."
"Riiiiiiiight..."
"I'm leaving now, see you at work," James said curtly. He immediately apparated to his office. "I'm here, I'm here... don't worry. Not late, just on time," he said to everyone as he walked through the maze of desks trying to find his own.
"Potter, that's the third time this month," his superior, Mr. Ocran said, walking up behind him.
"I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again."
"It had better not, Potter. You are one of the finest Aurors we've had, and it would be a shame to have to let you go."
"Yes sir."
"I'm glad we understand each other then." Sirius walked up from behind. "Sirius! How are you doing today?"
"Just fine, sir," he beamed. When Ocran's back was turned to him, he stuck his tongue out at James, who responded with a nasty look.
As soon as Ocran left James's office, Sirius sat down in one of the chairs by the desk. "Tough break, Potter."
"Shove off. I'm not gonna let this happen again... you just need to try to keep better track of me."
"What? I'm not your house mom. Why don't you try actually setting that alarm clock of yours? Or else have something ready to wake you up in the morning..."
"Lily usually does, but she's been tired recently. I think working with those kids has been getting to her."
"Well, don't count on her giving that job up any time soon, she loves her job."
James nodded. He knew it was true. Lily loved working with children, especially these ones.
Lily got out of bed just after James left. She took her time getting ready, went downstairs and cooked some breakfast. "Remus! There's some food for you!" she called.
"Thanks Lil! Be down in a minute," he responded.
She sang to herself while cleaning up the mess that Sirius had left in the kitchen. Remus came up behind her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"What would I do without you?" he asked.
"Probably starve!" she laughed. "Now, eat it while it's hot, and I've also set aside some lunch for you to have later."
"Thanks, Lily, really. You're making all of this a lot easier for me."
"Well, it isn't your fault. I just wish that more people were understanding about your condition. I'm sure you'll find something to do soon though."
"Yeah, right," he sighed.
"Don't be down about it. Everything will come together. But for now, I've got to run. My shift starts at noon. I'll see you later!"
"Have a good day!"
Lily then disappeared from the kitchen and reappeared in the entranceway of her workplace. She could hear the sounds of the children running through the hall upstairs, and smiled to herself.
"Good morning, Lily!"
"Morning Bridget. How are you today?"
"I'm doing just fine. A bit relieved that you're here now... it's been a madhouse this morning."
"Really? Why?"
"We've had a new arrival..."
"Oh, no."
"I'm afraid so. A little boy, Aaron. He's upstairs in his room."
"I'll just put my things away and then go check on him. Thanks for letting me know, Bridge."
"Sure."
Lily made a quick stop in her office to set some papers down, and then headed for the stairs. She worked as a caseworker in an orphanage for children who were abandoned by their muggle families due to their magical abilities.
Lily knocked gently on the door to Aaron's room. "May I come in?" she asked quietly.
"I guess," said the boy.
Lily opened the door and found Aaron sitting on the windowsill staring outside. "I'm Lily," she said, extending her hand.
"Aaron," he responded, not turning from the window.
"How old are you?"
"I just turned 8."
"Wow! Well, happy birthday then."
"Not really," he said, burying his face in his hands.
"Aaron, do you want to talk about it?" Lily asked, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to him.
"Why didn't they want me anymore?" He started to cry. "Don't they still love me?"
Lily sighed, and put her hand on Aaron's shoulder. "Sometimes it's not as easy as that. A lot of people are scared of what they don't understand." She looked at Aaron, who had turned around and was now facing her. It broke her heart to see his tear-stained face. "Do you know what I mean?"
"How would you know?"
"Well, believe it or not, I come from a muggle family too."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"And did they throw you out too?"
"No, they didn't. But if it was up to my sister they would have. She hates anything that isn't normal."
"But at least you have your parents," Aaron protested.
"Not anymore," Lily whispered. Aaron looked up at her. "They were killed, several years ago."
"What happened?"
"It was a car accident. Some silly muggle decided it was a good idea to drive home after drinking all night at a local pub."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you, Aaron. I just want you to know that if you need anything, I'm here for you to talk to, and so are Bridget and Jared. You met them already, right?" Aaron nodded. "Good. Now how about we go downstairs and get you something to eat?" Lily smiled.
"That sounds good," he said, reaching out to take a hold of her hand.
Lily smiled again, took Aaron's hand in her's, and led him out of the room and down to the kitchen.
As soon as the pair entered the kitchen, Aaron's eyes grew wide and he hid behind Lily. "What are those?!" he screeched.
"Those are the house elves, Aaron. It's alright, they won't hurt you," she said stepping aside and pushing him gently forward. "This is Dinky, and this over here is Slinky."
The two elves rushed forward and dusted their cozies off. "Dinky/Slinky excited to see new Sir," they said at the same time.
"What do you do?" Aaron asked them, curiously.
"We's here to cook and clean, watch over Sirs and Ladys of house," Slinky said. "Is new Sir hungry?" She offered him a tray of peanut butter sandwiches and a glass of milk.
"Thank you," he said gratefully, sitting down at the small table in the room.
"If you will excuse me, for just a minute, Aaron, I need to check on something in my office. I'm sure that you'll be fine in here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for it," Lily said.
Lily smiled because she could just make out the muffled "Okay," from Aaron's peanut butter filled mouth.
Lily walked back to her office all the while smiling to herself about Aaron. I know I can help him, she thought to herself. The fact was that in her 2 months at the orphanage, she had succeeded in helping over 20 children turned away from muggle life to find welcoming and loving homes in the wizarding world. Something told her that Aaron would be special though. She just wasn't sure how.