A/N: Thanks for the reviews! It makes posting the next chapter that much more worthwhile! Hehehe well, here you go! It's not that long, but it's an important one.
Chapter 14: The Newlyweds
Lily and James enjoyed a few more dances before departing from the celebration to change clothes. When they returned, everyone was standing out by the Palace doors waiting to see them off. Lily was wearing a gorgeous emerald green dress that matched her eyes perfectly. James had changed into a pair of brown pants with a blue shirt, but the second that Lily saw him, she pulled out her wand and suddenly his outfit changed to a pair of khakis and a black silk shirt. This, again, made everyone laugh.
Lily of course was still holding her bouquet. "Gather 'round girls!" Lily called. She then turned her back and threw the bouquet, which landed right in the hands of…
Jem screamed. She was so excited, she was jumping up and down, holding on the bouquet as if for dear life. She ran straight in the direction of Sirius, whose eyes opened wide. He then started to run away from her. "Oh no! Lily! I'll get you for this!" he shouted.
Lily and James couldn't help but laugh at the situation. They then turned to head down the walkway and leave for the first night of their honeymoon.
"How are we getting to London?" Lily asked.
"Sirius is letting us use his new motorcycle… don't worry, it's magical… it flies," James told her.
"Really? I'm surprised that he's letting it out of his sight!"
"I know, but he's coming to get it in the morning," James said.
They then started walking, rather quickly, as everyone pulled out their wands and bubbles came flying at Lily and James on their way to the motorcycle.
"Goodbye!" they called, waving at all of their guests.
"Bye! Have fun! Don't get into too much trouble!" came the various calls, as they climbed onto the motorcycle and flew off into the night.
James and Lily flew the motorcycle to Diagon Alley where its arrival was far more accepted than it would have been anywhere else in London. After leaving it in a safe location that James and Sirius had agreed upon earlier, James led Lily through the Leaky Cauldron and out onto the streets of London. They then flagged down a taxi, and James told the driver they were going to the Langham Hilton on Oxford Street.
James paid the driver with some muggle money he had exchanged at Gringotts earlier in the week, and the couple then entered the hotel. Lily was awed by the hotel's extravagance. James checked them in, and they were then escorted to the honeymoon suite, where Lily was surprised to find their luggage already there.
As soon as the door shut behind the bellboy, Lily and James pounced on each other. At last, the night they had been waiting for had arrived. Even though the last thing Lily wanted was to be apart from James for another minute, she forced herself to step out of his embrace. "I'll be right back," she told him, as she picked up a bag and headed for the dressing room. James nodded, breathing heavily and made a flying leap for the bed, tearing most of his clothes off on the way.
When Lily returned, she found James sitting on the bed, waiting expectantly for her. He had lit candles all over the room, and was holding two glasses of champagne. He almost dropped them however when he saw Lily. She was wearing one of the white teddies that she had received at her bridal shower. "Why thank you," she whispered, as she glided toward James and joined him on the bed, taking a glass from him.
"To my beautiful wife," James said.
"To my handsome, husband," Lily said, clinking their glasses together and taking a sip of the champagne. She set her glass down on the nightstand. "To my handsome," she kissed James's forehead, "wonderful," she kissed his nose, "kind," she kissed his lips, "sexy," she kissed his neck, "perfect," she kissed his chest over his heart, "husband," she finished, coming back up to kiss his lips again. James had put his glass down as well, took Lily in his arms, and kissed her, never wanting to let go.
When the young married couple woke up the following morning, they were of course running a bit late. James had arranged for a car to pick them up and transport them to Heathrow Airport where they would be taking a plane to California. Lily had insisted that James try this muggle form of flying, and he was actually rather excited by the idea. Unfortunately, when James put his glasses on, he noticed that the car was supposed to be downstairs waiting for them 10 minutes earlier.
"Lily," he whispered, "it's time to get up. We've got a plane to catch."
"Mmm hmm…" she said, turning over on the bed.
"Lily, really," James said. "I'm sorry, but we overslept. The car is waiting…"
"Okay, I'm awake," insisted Lily, eventually letting her eyes flutter open. She yawned. "I've got to get ready."
"Alright, you do that and I'll ring downstairs to check on the car. But hurry ok?"
"Don't worry, I'll be ready in a few minutes," she told him, smiling.
Lily and James made it to Heathrow just as the boarding for their flight was beginning. James was fascinated by everything in the airport, from the muggles waiting for their different flights to the different shops and kiosks.
"What's that?" James asked Lily, pointing out the window.
Lily looked around hoping nobody overheard him. Luckily, they hadn't. "James," she hissed, "that's a plane."
"How on earth is that big heavy thing going to fly with all those people in it and without any magic?"
"James, trust me, it does. It's all about aerodynamics and mechanics. Don't worry about it." She pointed out another window. "Look, there's one taking off now."
James stared out the window thoroughly awed. "That's amazing…" he whispered.
Lily giggled and rolled her eyes. "Come on, we're about to board our plane." She then had to drag him away from the window and to their departure gate.
"Now boarding, British Airways flight 42 to San Francisco, California, First Class Passengers only," one of the flight attendants announced.
"That's us, come on," Lily said.
She and James walked arm-in-arm through the gate and onto the plane. When they found their seats, James started reading all of the flight literature that the airline had to offer.
"Absolutely fascinating…" he kept saying.
Lily just shook her head and tried to steal his attention. It wasn't until the plane had actually taken off though that she was successful.
For the remainder of the flight, it was quite obvious to everyone that Lily and James were the newlyweds on the plane. They were constantly whispering things to each other, holding hands, kissing, drinking champagne through linked arms… All of the flight attendants smiled at them whenever they walked by, and were more than willing to do anything that the couple asked of them. James was especially thrilled when they offered to show him the cockpit.
"Just like a little boy," one of the attendants said to Lily.
Lily laughed. "You have no idea… it's his first time on a plane."
"Really?" Lily nodded. "Well then, no wonder he was excited about this. Where are you two going?"
"To Napa, for our honeymoon."
"We all thought that was why you were traveling," she smiled. She then saw James on his way back to his seat and smiled again. "If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," Lily said, laughing at James who returned to her with the wide eyes and smile of the 11-year-old boy she first met.
"Incredible! All of that stuff…" he started. "And they actually do fly without magic!" he added in a whisper.
Lily laughed. "I told you, didn't I?"
"I just thought you were nuts, but now… wow."
"Thank you, darling."
"I'm only kidding," he said, taking her hand and kissing it. "I love you."
"I love you too, even though I find myself wondering why more and more recently…"
Nearly 12 hours later, the plane arrived in San Francisco. Lily and James got off the plane and went to collect their luggage at baggage claim. After this, they found the car that was waiting for them and were driven to a quaint bed & breakfast in the Napa Valley.
For the next 2 weeks, Lily and James didn't have a care in the world. They spent every moment together, and did everything from riding bicycles through various vineyards, to taking a hot air balloon ride over the valley. They enjoyed the barrel making tour at Seguin Moreau Cooperage, and went canoeing in the Russian River region. They spent a wonderful day relaxing on the sands of the beach in Carmel, and hiked to the top of Mt. St. Helena. They made sure to go to several wine tastings, and sample the nightlife of San Francisco. One evening they even went to see the Napa Valley Symphony play.
Needless to say, Lily and James were not excited when their honeymoon was over and they had to head home.
"I can't believe it's already time to say goodbye to this place," Lily said, shaking her head as she finished packing.
"It was fun though, wasn't it?" James asked, coming up behind her and putting his arms around her waist.
"I know I'll never forget it," she told him, turning around and kissing him.
They then heard a car honking outside.
"That's our ride," James said, frowning.
"I know, let's go."
They took one final look around the room to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything and then went out to the car.
Upon their arrival back at Heathrow, the last person they expected to find waiting for them at the gate was Kenneth Turnipseed, the Minister of Magic, who they had last seen at their wedding. Once they saw his expression though, the smiles disappeared from their faces, and Lily would have fallen to the ground, had James not been quick enough to catch her.
"What happened?" James asked.
"I think you had both best come with me," Mr. Turnipseed told them gravely.
Lily could barely breath. Horrible images flashed through her mind. Could it be Victoria? Or maybe Marilyn was dead. Sirius was dead. Or perhaps it was Remus and Aaron? What about Claire?
"I can't handle this!" she cried. This outburst caused several muggles to turn around and try to see what was going on. "I'm going to go mad if you don't tell us what happened!"
"Please, calm yourself, Mrs. Potter," Mr. Turnipseed pleaded. "This is not the place to discuss such matters."
"Well, let's go somewhere more appropriate then," James said, trying to conceal an angry tone.
Mr. Turnipseed led the couple to a Ministry car that was waiting for them. Once they entered the car, they were sped out of London and onto the street where they lived. That's when Lily and James saw it. There, lurking in what seemed to be a deep fog was the Dark Mark, the calling card of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
"What's going on? Why is that over our street?" Lily asked, nearly frantic.
Mr. Turnipseed couldn't speak. The car then stopped and Lily and James got out and saw what had happened.
Their house had been destroyed, and the Mark was hovering above what remained.
"Why?" asked James.
"First, let me say that nobody was hurt. The house was in fact empty. We believe that they were after you and your wife, but due to an anti-tracking spell that Professor Dumbledore placed on you before you left, they were unable to find you while you were gone. Dumbledore said you would know what they were after. Does that make sense?"
Lily was in tears, collapsed on the sidewalk, but she managed a nod.
James took a deep breath, knelt down, and held Lily in his arms. "Yes," he said. "We know."
"Then I am certain it will come as no surprise that Dumbledore has requested to meet with you as soon as possible. We are to apparate to Hogsmeade and then continue to Hogwarts. He wishes to perform the Fidelius Charm as soon as possible."
"We understand," James said.
"Have you a Secret-Keeper in mind?"
"Yes," James answered. "Come on, baby," he said, helping Lily to her feet. "We've got to go…"
She was still crying. "Our home, James… that's where we were going to raise a family!" She turned her tear-stained face to James. "What are we going to do now?"
James shook his head. "I don't know, baby. I just don't know…"
They all apparated to Hogsmeade a few minutes later and found a carriage waiting for them. When they arrived at the Hogwarts entrance, Lily and James were shocked to find half of the school's professors there waiting, along with Marilyn, Sirius and Remus.
"Peter would have been here, but he had to do some work for Lockhart in Brazil," Remus said.
Lily started crying again, and Marilyn took her in her arms.
"Follow me, please," Dumbledore said. James noticed that the usual twinkle in his eye was missing.
The group was led through the castle and down to the charms classroom. As they walked through the hallways, they passed several students wandering around.
"All students were instructed to remain in their house common rooms. Five points from Ravenclaw for each of you," Professor McGonnagall said. The students went running back to their house.
When they reached the classroom, Dumbledore stopped outside the door. "Thank you, Professor McGonnagall. If you would please notify the other professors that we are not to be disturbed, it would be much appreciated."
"Of course, Professor," she replied before walking off.
Dumbledore then entered the room and gestured for Lily and James to follow him. After they entered, the door closed behind them.
"I am very sorry that things have come to this, but alas, it is out of my control," he said.
"We understand, Professor," James said.
"Do you have anywhere to go?"
James nodded. He then turned to Lily, who looked very nervous. This obviously hadn't even occurred to her. "I think that we will return to the Evans' house, if that's alright with you, Lily. I mean, we never did get the chance to put it on the market…"
Lily gulped down her tears. "You're right, it makes the most sense…"
"Have you decided on someone to be your Secret-Keeper?"
"Yes," Lily answered.
"My mother," James said.
"You are certain?" They both nodded. "Very well then. I shall ask her to join us then."
Marilyn went into the room and the charm was performed. This meant that as long as Marilyn kept her son and daughter-in-law's secret, Voldemort and his followers could walk right passed James and Lily's home and not know that they were living there.
After a very long night, Remus escorted Marilyn home and Sirius went with Lily and James. The unfortunate collapse of the Potter house also left Sirius without a home, but he had moved into Remus and Aaron's apartment for the time being.
"I'm so sorry," Sirius kept repeating. "I should have been able to do something, but none of the Aurors even found out until it was too late…"
"It's not your fault," James said.
"We'll be fine now. Everything will be alright," Lily said, trying to convince herself more than anyone else.
A/N: reviews? please? thanks!