Disclaimer: Anything you recognise does not belong to me it belongs to JK
Rowling. I'm not making anything from this, so please don't sue me.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews – You guys are great.
MEETING THE PARENTS
Before the student's noticed it was Easter and Lily was packing, she was going to Jeanne's house for most of the two weeks. Jeanne had invited her to stay so that Lily could be fitted for her bridesmaid's dress. The only other person to be going home from the group of friends was James.
Stood in the middle of the girl's dorm Lily was starting to panic as she searched her wardrobe for something suitable to take with her.
"Oh god…why have I got nothing to wear?…Please help me?" she moaned at her friends
"Lily calm down…You have loads of clothes" Annie said
Throwing a selection of Muggle clothing into her trunk Lily said "Yes for going to Jeanne's but I'm also going to meet James's parent's as well in case you have forgotten"
Aggy couldn't help chuckling at Lily "No Lily…how could we forget…You have only told us about 100 time this morning"
At this Lily snapped to her senses "Sorry you guys…I'm just a little nervous about meeting James parent's for the first time."
"But you have already met his mum…so what's the worry" Marie looked confused
Lily frowned at Marie "Yes but not as her baby son's girlfriend"
Aggy decided enough was enough and took over the responsibility of packing Lily's trunk. With in half an hour she had raided all their wardrobes and packed something for every eventuality.
James knocked on the girl's door and pushed it open "Are you ready?…We need to get down to the entrance the carriages are due in 15 minutes"
Lily smiled at him "Yes all packed" and turned to hug her friend's goodbye, she whispered to Aggy "Thanks". Commanding her trunk to follow Lily left the dorm followed by her floating luggage.
The Hogwart's Express was not very crowded many student's chose to stay at school over Easter so they could get some extra studying done before the exams.
Sitting in the Marauders usual compartment James put his arms around Lily and cuddled her. Kissing her gently on the lips they were soon reminded of the gift her brother had left her at Christmas.
Laughing Lily said, "We might as well do some revision…We won't get much time once we get home"
Reluctantly James agreed and the pair studied testing each other on different topics.
As the train arrived at King's cross station Lily and James had put their books away and James gave her last hug and a kiss before they had to get off.
Unloading their trunks Lily saw Jeanne coming towards her and she waved.
"Hi…Thanks for coming to get me and letting me stay with you" Lily said has she hugged Jeanne
"It's my pleasure…So this must be James?" and Jeanne smiled at the tall 17 year old and thought Well done Lily…He is very cute.
Holding out his hand James said, "Hello…It's nice to meet you" shaking Jeanne's hand "Is it still ok for me to pick Lily up on Friday"
As she nodded at him he said "Oh there is my mum…I'll see you Friday" squeezing Lily's hand he said "Bye" and gave her a wink before he dashed over to where his mum was waiting.
Catching the look on Jeanne's face Lily smiled "What?"
Jeanne put her arm around Lily's shoulder and said "Nothing…Come on let's go and get a taxi" and they headed for the barrier.
Lily loved Jeanne's apartment it was so chic. After unpacking she went into the open kitchen area.
"Would you like a drink?" Jeanne asked her.
"Yes please…Is Phil coming round?" Lily asked
Handing her a glass "You know I'm not sure…He seemed a little twitchy when I asked him…Really weird normally he would jump at the chance to see you, plus should you not be training with them this week"
Lily couldn't help but laugh and thought he hasn't told her.
"What's so funny?" Jeanne looked very confused
"Yes I am supposed to go training this week and I have a feeling I know why Phil is acting weird." Chuckling to her-self Lily explained to Jeanne what the boys had done for her when they came to Hogwart's before Christmas.
Jeanne was shocked "I can't believe they would do that?…What till I get my hands on him!"
But Lily just laughed "It's all right…I've forgiven them…Not forgotten but forgiven" and an evil grin flashed over her face. Lily told Jeanne about the howlers she had sent and the apology letters and gifts she had received.
Monday found Lily and Jeanne in Diagon Alley at Madame Makin's trying on traditional wedding outfits and making a final decision on a style, colour and fabric. Madame Makin agreed to have the dress ready for a fitting at the end of the next week, so they made an appointment to return. As they were leaving Lily saw a set of deep green dress robes and went over for a closer look.
"Why don't you try them on?" Jeanne encouraged
Looking at the price tag "I can't afford them…it will just make me sick to try them on and then not be able to get them"
But at this Jeanne waved a small key at her "I am sure that dear Philip can treat you" and laughing pushed Lily towards the changing room. Coming out a few moments later Lily heard gasps from both Jeanne and Madame Makin.
"Well what do you think?" she asked but the only answer she got was Jeanne turning to Madame Makin saying, "We'll take them".
Phil was dreading the arrival of Tuesday, he would have to face Lily but the only thing he was sure of he wasn't going to do it alone. He had organised for him and Richard to arrive at Jeanne's apartment together to take Lily to practice.
Together the two men apparated into Jeanne's apartment right on time, to find Lily in her Quidditch practice robes waiting for them with her arms folded and a very stern look on her face. From Lily's view it was all she could do to not laugh at the look of terror on their faces as they saw her.
"Hi Lily flower are you ready?" Phil asked tentatively and Richard smiled at her.
Glancing over at Jeanne and watching her duck behind the kitchen counter Lily could hold it in no longer and roared with laughter, the two men looked at her as if she had gone mad.
Finally Lily said "Your faces were a picture!…I only wish I had a camera" and she started laughing again
Looking at Phil Richard started to laugh as well "You are a minks…we've been dreading seeing you"
"You were so lucky I was trapped at Hogwart's over Christmas" and she moved over to them kissing them both on the cheek "But I have learned to live with it…Not that I had much choice though did I"
And the two men grimaced again but it was Jeanne who stopped the torture by saying "Don't you think you three should be getting going or you will be late". Kissing Phil she said goodbye to them all and watched them step up to her fireplace and disappear.
The rest of the week passed quickly and it was soon Friday morning and Lily was packing to go to James's house. Right on schedule James walked out of the fireplace.
"Hi…Are you ready?" James flashed her one of his famous smiles and kissed her on the cheek, "Hello Jeanne…I promise to have her back on Monday…ok"
"It's nice to see you again James" turning to Lily she said "Have a good time and I'll see you Monday".
As they stepped up to the fire James said "I live at 'Archer's Lodge' ok" and Lily nodded. Waving goodbye to Jeanne James went first with Lily's luggage and Lily followed his lead and stepped into the fire.
As the whirling came to an end Lily made to step out of the fireplace but tripped on the hearth and stumbled only to be caught by James.
All she could say was "God I hate travelling by floo powder"
James laughed at her "Come on let's go and find mum and then I'll take you to your room". Taking her hand James led her out of the room and into a very grand hallway, where he dropped her bag and guided her through another doorway.
As they entered the Kitchen they found Mrs Potter giving instructions to a small staff of house elves. Turning to see whom it was, she looked at her son and his guest and thought Well she has turned into a beautiful young woman…lucky James…he had better be good to her
"Hello dear…It's nice to see you" turning to James "Why don't you show Lily to her room and give her a quick tour so she knows where everything is"
Nodding to her he smiled and said "Any chance of a snack?"
"Yes I'll have something put in the drawing room for you when you get down" and she rolled her eyes at him and thought boy's and food
Lily smiled "Mrs Potter thank you for inviting me to stay…It is very kind of you"
Eleanor Potter thought I like this girl "You are very welcome to come and stay any time Lily" and with this she shooed them out of the kitchen.
Following James Lily was led back into the hallway and then up the large open staircase. At the top James turned left and they wandered down to the end of a corridor and then up three steps before he opened a door.
Smiling at her "Here we are…I hope it's ok"
Lily stood in the doorway stunned; it was a beautiful room. Soft light was filtering through the wispy curtains, flooding the room in a golden glow making the walls seem to shimmer. The Four poster bed had soft cream and rose hangings, with matching bedding and the room had a feel of a French country style.
"James it's beautiful"
Pulling her into the room he helped her unpack and sitting on her bed he said "Are you ready for a quick tour?…I'll just show you the highlights"
Getting up he went over to a door she had not noticed, as he opened it she saw a bathroom and then he led her out of the room. He showed her were his room was (just round the corner from hers) and his parent's room. Heading back to the staircase he pointed to the right and said they were just another set of guestrooms. Going down he showed her the library (lily thought she was in heaven, it was huge), pointed to the door of his father's study, the dining room and then led her into the drawing room.
"James you never said your house was this big or this beautiful"
As he went over to the tea tray he said "I don't really think about it like that it's just home" Lifting the tray onto the floor in front of the fire he motioned for Lily to sit down. That was how Mrs Potter found the two teenagers sat eating the sandwiches and cakes she had sent for them. Stood at the door she thought James looks like he is glowing...They make a beautiful couple…Young love and she walked in.
"James we do have chairs" and she sat down near to them "Is your room all right Lily?"
"Oh yes…Mrs Potter it is beautiful…Thank you"
"James after you have finished here why don't you show Lily the gardens" she said to him "But make sure you back in for dinner"
Looking up at her "Will dad be home tonight?"
"No dear but Rachel and Eric will be" and she smiled
James glanced at Lily and then back to his mother "Cool…I've not seen her for ages…What time are they arriving?"
"They should be here just in time for dinner" and she brushed his hair with her hand "Have you finished (Watching them nod) right well out you go"
Lily was in for more surprises; the gardens were huge and as glorious as the house.
Lying in bed that night Lily thought James's mum was great and his sister was really nice. Only his father to go…I wonder what he is like?…James doesn't talk about him very much but it was with this thought that she drifted into sleep.
Saturday morning went past in a blur for Lily and it wasn't until late afternoon that Lily felt the panicky feeling return. The party was in 5 hours and if the house was anything to go by it was probably going to be grand. Opening the doors to her wardrobe Lily sat on her bed and just stared into it thinking Would the new robes she had bought be ok or should she wear Aggy's robes but at that moment help arrived. Turning to the knocking on her door Lily shouted, "Come in" and saw Rachel.
"Hi Lily…Are you ok?… Eric and James are playing chess so I thought I'd come and see what you were doing?"
Lily smiled at her "Oh not much…just sat here panicking about tonight…You now usual stuff…What will I wear?…Will I make a fool of myself?" and she flopped back onto the bed.
"Don't worry about it…Rachel is here to help…I've not had a girlie afternoon for ages" and she hauled Lily up off the bed "Can I ask you something first though?"
Lily nodded at her "Sure" and hoped it was not going to be about James.
Studying Lily's face she said "You mentioned you had a brother last night…It wouldn't be Rowan Evans by any chance would it?"
"Yes…were you at Hogwart's with him?" and she hoped this wasn't a bad thing.
"He was a year older than me" grinning wickedly she asked "Is he still cute?" and laughed at the look on Lily's face. The two girls spent the remainder of the afternoon talking about clothes and Rachel told Lily some stories of James when he was little.
Lily stiffened as she heard a knock at the door and thought Oh god it's time to go and went over to open the door but was surprised to see Rachel and not James.
"Hello Rachel…I was expecting James"
"Mother's idea…she want's to meet us in her room…then all go down together" Rachel held a hand out towards Lily "If your ready…come on let's go and find out what she is up to?"
The two women soon found themselves being inspected by Mrs Potter. "You too look beautiful…Oh this is going to be good!"
"Mum…what have you got planned?" Rachel was now getting a little nervous
Chuckling she said "I just thought it would be nice for the three Potter women to make a grand entrance…You know sweeping down the staircase while their men wait at the bottom" and she winked at a very stunned looking Lily.
At this moment James was walking into his father's study "Hello dad…Eric…do either of you know what mother is up to?"
Raising from his chair Mr Potter went over to his son "No …I have not got a clue but knowing your mother it will be theatrical to say the least." And Eric simply shook his head
Hugging his father James said "Happy birthday dad…It is good to see you" and eyeing his father up said, "Flashy robes"
Running his hand down them Mr Potter smiled "Birthday gift from your mother…So James how is school going? And I believe you have brought a guest home with you care to enlighten me?" Harold Potter smiled watching his tall teenage son to blush.
"School is great dad…Yes mum said it would be ok to invite Lily to the party" James felt him self stutter a little.
"Well…What is she like?" Chuckling at the sight of his son now squirming Harold Potter elbowed James
"She is really nice, you'll like her…She is really smart, a prefect and an outstanding chaser."
"Oh there's the signal…Your mother wants us assembled at the bottom of the stair case…better get going." James had never been so relieved and followed his father and brother in-law into the hallway.
As they lined up at the bottom of the stairs, Mrs Potter and Rachel came into view and it was not until they were stood at the top of the stairs that Lily stepped out from behind Mrs Potter.
Lily gasped as she took at the scene awaiting her and whispered to Mrs Potter "That's James's dad…but that's the Minister of Magic"
Nodding at her Mrs Potter said "Did James not tell you?" and Lily shook her head and whispered (to her self) "I'm going to kill him"
Squeezing her hand Mrs Potter whispered "Could you wait till after the party?" and smiled at Lily.
Looking up at the three beautiful women Mr Potter leaned towards his son and whispered "You forgot to say that she was also extremely beautiful" and nudged his son, who was stood with his mouth open at the sight of Lily coming down the stairs holding his mother's hand.
Grateful to be holding Mrs Potter's hand Lily allowed herself to be guided down to meet the men waiting at the bottom, were Mrs Potter gave her hand to James.
James bent to kiss her hand and then her cheek as he did this Lily whispered so only he could hear "Now who is the one keeping secrets". At this James stiffened slightly but soon relaxed as he saw the wicked look on Lily's face.
Turning her around he said "Lily I would like to introduce my father Harold Potter…Dad this is Lily."
Lily shook the outstretched hand "It is a pleasure to meet you Mr Potter"
Smiling at her he replied "believe me Lily the pleasure is all mine" and Lily thought So that's where James got the smile.
Beaming at the little group Mrs Potter announced "Well family shall we join our guests". She and Mr Potter lead the way to the ballroom.
As they entered Lily whispered to James "I didn't see this on the tour…more secrets James…tut tut." Which earned her a Potter smile.
The rest of the evening went far to quickly, lot's of dancing, eating and being introduced to lots of people as James's girlfriend. At one point Lily even thought she heard Mrs Potter say fiancée but dismissed this very quickly.
As the last dance was being played Lily and James were on the floor arms around each other, moving around the floor very gracefully to the music and totally unaware they were being watched.
Dancing with his wife Harold said, "Looks like we might be alone together again very soon. I'll be surprised if those to are not married as soon as they graduate"
Stealing a glance at her son Eleanor Potter nodded "You might be right there Harry…They make a very beautiful couple…James is very lucky" smiling she reached up and kissed her husband gently.
***************************************************************
A/N: Thanks for reading – Don't forget to review - the question about changing the rating to R was really related to later chapters – Maybe to add a little spice to the students love life but not sure – Maybe we'll just wait and see
Thanks
Madame Padfoot
A/N: Thank you for the reviews – You guys are great.
MEETING THE PARENTS
Before the student's noticed it was Easter and Lily was packing, she was going to Jeanne's house for most of the two weeks. Jeanne had invited her to stay so that Lily could be fitted for her bridesmaid's dress. The only other person to be going home from the group of friends was James.
Stood in the middle of the girl's dorm Lily was starting to panic as she searched her wardrobe for something suitable to take with her.
"Oh god…why have I got nothing to wear?…Please help me?" she moaned at her friends
"Lily calm down…You have loads of clothes" Annie said
Throwing a selection of Muggle clothing into her trunk Lily said "Yes for going to Jeanne's but I'm also going to meet James's parent's as well in case you have forgotten"
Aggy couldn't help chuckling at Lily "No Lily…how could we forget…You have only told us about 100 time this morning"
At this Lily snapped to her senses "Sorry you guys…I'm just a little nervous about meeting James parent's for the first time."
"But you have already met his mum…so what's the worry" Marie looked confused
Lily frowned at Marie "Yes but not as her baby son's girlfriend"
Aggy decided enough was enough and took over the responsibility of packing Lily's trunk. With in half an hour she had raided all their wardrobes and packed something for every eventuality.
James knocked on the girl's door and pushed it open "Are you ready?…We need to get down to the entrance the carriages are due in 15 minutes"
Lily smiled at him "Yes all packed" and turned to hug her friend's goodbye, she whispered to Aggy "Thanks". Commanding her trunk to follow Lily left the dorm followed by her floating luggage.
The Hogwart's Express was not very crowded many student's chose to stay at school over Easter so they could get some extra studying done before the exams.
Sitting in the Marauders usual compartment James put his arms around Lily and cuddled her. Kissing her gently on the lips they were soon reminded of the gift her brother had left her at Christmas.
Laughing Lily said, "We might as well do some revision…We won't get much time once we get home"
Reluctantly James agreed and the pair studied testing each other on different topics.
As the train arrived at King's cross station Lily and James had put their books away and James gave her last hug and a kiss before they had to get off.
Unloading their trunks Lily saw Jeanne coming towards her and she waved.
"Hi…Thanks for coming to get me and letting me stay with you" Lily said has she hugged Jeanne
"It's my pleasure…So this must be James?" and Jeanne smiled at the tall 17 year old and thought Well done Lily…He is very cute.
Holding out his hand James said, "Hello…It's nice to meet you" shaking Jeanne's hand "Is it still ok for me to pick Lily up on Friday"
As she nodded at him he said "Oh there is my mum…I'll see you Friday" squeezing Lily's hand he said "Bye" and gave her a wink before he dashed over to where his mum was waiting.
Catching the look on Jeanne's face Lily smiled "What?"
Jeanne put her arm around Lily's shoulder and said "Nothing…Come on let's go and get a taxi" and they headed for the barrier.
Lily loved Jeanne's apartment it was so chic. After unpacking she went into the open kitchen area.
"Would you like a drink?" Jeanne asked her.
"Yes please…Is Phil coming round?" Lily asked
Handing her a glass "You know I'm not sure…He seemed a little twitchy when I asked him…Really weird normally he would jump at the chance to see you, plus should you not be training with them this week"
Lily couldn't help but laugh and thought he hasn't told her.
"What's so funny?" Jeanne looked very confused
"Yes I am supposed to go training this week and I have a feeling I know why Phil is acting weird." Chuckling to her-self Lily explained to Jeanne what the boys had done for her when they came to Hogwart's before Christmas.
Jeanne was shocked "I can't believe they would do that?…What till I get my hands on him!"
But Lily just laughed "It's all right…I've forgiven them…Not forgotten but forgiven" and an evil grin flashed over her face. Lily told Jeanne about the howlers she had sent and the apology letters and gifts she had received.
Monday found Lily and Jeanne in Diagon Alley at Madame Makin's trying on traditional wedding outfits and making a final decision on a style, colour and fabric. Madame Makin agreed to have the dress ready for a fitting at the end of the next week, so they made an appointment to return. As they were leaving Lily saw a set of deep green dress robes and went over for a closer look.
"Why don't you try them on?" Jeanne encouraged
Looking at the price tag "I can't afford them…it will just make me sick to try them on and then not be able to get them"
But at this Jeanne waved a small key at her "I am sure that dear Philip can treat you" and laughing pushed Lily towards the changing room. Coming out a few moments later Lily heard gasps from both Jeanne and Madame Makin.
"Well what do you think?" she asked but the only answer she got was Jeanne turning to Madame Makin saying, "We'll take them".
Phil was dreading the arrival of Tuesday, he would have to face Lily but the only thing he was sure of he wasn't going to do it alone. He had organised for him and Richard to arrive at Jeanne's apartment together to take Lily to practice.
Together the two men apparated into Jeanne's apartment right on time, to find Lily in her Quidditch practice robes waiting for them with her arms folded and a very stern look on her face. From Lily's view it was all she could do to not laugh at the look of terror on their faces as they saw her.
"Hi Lily flower are you ready?" Phil asked tentatively and Richard smiled at her.
Glancing over at Jeanne and watching her duck behind the kitchen counter Lily could hold it in no longer and roared with laughter, the two men looked at her as if she had gone mad.
Finally Lily said "Your faces were a picture!…I only wish I had a camera" and she started laughing again
Looking at Phil Richard started to laugh as well "You are a minks…we've been dreading seeing you"
"You were so lucky I was trapped at Hogwart's over Christmas" and she moved over to them kissing them both on the cheek "But I have learned to live with it…Not that I had much choice though did I"
And the two men grimaced again but it was Jeanne who stopped the torture by saying "Don't you think you three should be getting going or you will be late". Kissing Phil she said goodbye to them all and watched them step up to her fireplace and disappear.
The rest of the week passed quickly and it was soon Friday morning and Lily was packing to go to James's house. Right on schedule James walked out of the fireplace.
"Hi…Are you ready?" James flashed her one of his famous smiles and kissed her on the cheek, "Hello Jeanne…I promise to have her back on Monday…ok"
"It's nice to see you again James" turning to Lily she said "Have a good time and I'll see you Monday".
As they stepped up to the fire James said "I live at 'Archer's Lodge' ok" and Lily nodded. Waving goodbye to Jeanne James went first with Lily's luggage and Lily followed his lead and stepped into the fire.
As the whirling came to an end Lily made to step out of the fireplace but tripped on the hearth and stumbled only to be caught by James.
All she could say was "God I hate travelling by floo powder"
James laughed at her "Come on let's go and find mum and then I'll take you to your room". Taking her hand James led her out of the room and into a very grand hallway, where he dropped her bag and guided her through another doorway.
As they entered the Kitchen they found Mrs Potter giving instructions to a small staff of house elves. Turning to see whom it was, she looked at her son and his guest and thought Well she has turned into a beautiful young woman…lucky James…he had better be good to her
"Hello dear…It's nice to see you" turning to James "Why don't you show Lily to her room and give her a quick tour so she knows where everything is"
Nodding to her he smiled and said "Any chance of a snack?"
"Yes I'll have something put in the drawing room for you when you get down" and she rolled her eyes at him and thought boy's and food
Lily smiled "Mrs Potter thank you for inviting me to stay…It is very kind of you"
Eleanor Potter thought I like this girl "You are very welcome to come and stay any time Lily" and with this she shooed them out of the kitchen.
Following James Lily was led back into the hallway and then up the large open staircase. At the top James turned left and they wandered down to the end of a corridor and then up three steps before he opened a door.
Smiling at her "Here we are…I hope it's ok"
Lily stood in the doorway stunned; it was a beautiful room. Soft light was filtering through the wispy curtains, flooding the room in a golden glow making the walls seem to shimmer. The Four poster bed had soft cream and rose hangings, with matching bedding and the room had a feel of a French country style.
"James it's beautiful"
Pulling her into the room he helped her unpack and sitting on her bed he said "Are you ready for a quick tour?…I'll just show you the highlights"
Getting up he went over to a door she had not noticed, as he opened it she saw a bathroom and then he led her out of the room. He showed her were his room was (just round the corner from hers) and his parent's room. Heading back to the staircase he pointed to the right and said they were just another set of guestrooms. Going down he showed her the library (lily thought she was in heaven, it was huge), pointed to the door of his father's study, the dining room and then led her into the drawing room.
"James you never said your house was this big or this beautiful"
As he went over to the tea tray he said "I don't really think about it like that it's just home" Lifting the tray onto the floor in front of the fire he motioned for Lily to sit down. That was how Mrs Potter found the two teenagers sat eating the sandwiches and cakes she had sent for them. Stood at the door she thought James looks like he is glowing...They make a beautiful couple…Young love and she walked in.
"James we do have chairs" and she sat down near to them "Is your room all right Lily?"
"Oh yes…Mrs Potter it is beautiful…Thank you"
"James after you have finished here why don't you show Lily the gardens" she said to him "But make sure you back in for dinner"
Looking up at her "Will dad be home tonight?"
"No dear but Rachel and Eric will be" and she smiled
James glanced at Lily and then back to his mother "Cool…I've not seen her for ages…What time are they arriving?"
"They should be here just in time for dinner" and she brushed his hair with her hand "Have you finished (Watching them nod) right well out you go"
Lily was in for more surprises; the gardens were huge and as glorious as the house.
Lying in bed that night Lily thought James's mum was great and his sister was really nice. Only his father to go…I wonder what he is like?…James doesn't talk about him very much but it was with this thought that she drifted into sleep.
Saturday morning went past in a blur for Lily and it wasn't until late afternoon that Lily felt the panicky feeling return. The party was in 5 hours and if the house was anything to go by it was probably going to be grand. Opening the doors to her wardrobe Lily sat on her bed and just stared into it thinking Would the new robes she had bought be ok or should she wear Aggy's robes but at that moment help arrived. Turning to the knocking on her door Lily shouted, "Come in" and saw Rachel.
"Hi Lily…Are you ok?… Eric and James are playing chess so I thought I'd come and see what you were doing?"
Lily smiled at her "Oh not much…just sat here panicking about tonight…You now usual stuff…What will I wear?…Will I make a fool of myself?" and she flopped back onto the bed.
"Don't worry about it…Rachel is here to help…I've not had a girlie afternoon for ages" and she hauled Lily up off the bed "Can I ask you something first though?"
Lily nodded at her "Sure" and hoped it was not going to be about James.
Studying Lily's face she said "You mentioned you had a brother last night…It wouldn't be Rowan Evans by any chance would it?"
"Yes…were you at Hogwart's with him?" and she hoped this wasn't a bad thing.
"He was a year older than me" grinning wickedly she asked "Is he still cute?" and laughed at the look on Lily's face. The two girls spent the remainder of the afternoon talking about clothes and Rachel told Lily some stories of James when he was little.
Lily stiffened as she heard a knock at the door and thought Oh god it's time to go and went over to open the door but was surprised to see Rachel and not James.
"Hello Rachel…I was expecting James"
"Mother's idea…she want's to meet us in her room…then all go down together" Rachel held a hand out towards Lily "If your ready…come on let's go and find out what she is up to?"
The two women soon found themselves being inspected by Mrs Potter. "You too look beautiful…Oh this is going to be good!"
"Mum…what have you got planned?" Rachel was now getting a little nervous
Chuckling she said "I just thought it would be nice for the three Potter women to make a grand entrance…You know sweeping down the staircase while their men wait at the bottom" and she winked at a very stunned looking Lily.
At this moment James was walking into his father's study "Hello dad…Eric…do either of you know what mother is up to?"
Raising from his chair Mr Potter went over to his son "No …I have not got a clue but knowing your mother it will be theatrical to say the least." And Eric simply shook his head
Hugging his father James said "Happy birthday dad…It is good to see you" and eyeing his father up said, "Flashy robes"
Running his hand down them Mr Potter smiled "Birthday gift from your mother…So James how is school going? And I believe you have brought a guest home with you care to enlighten me?" Harold Potter smiled watching his tall teenage son to blush.
"School is great dad…Yes mum said it would be ok to invite Lily to the party" James felt him self stutter a little.
"Well…What is she like?" Chuckling at the sight of his son now squirming Harold Potter elbowed James
"She is really nice, you'll like her…She is really smart, a prefect and an outstanding chaser."
"Oh there's the signal…Your mother wants us assembled at the bottom of the stair case…better get going." James had never been so relieved and followed his father and brother in-law into the hallway.
As they lined up at the bottom of the stairs, Mrs Potter and Rachel came into view and it was not until they were stood at the top of the stairs that Lily stepped out from behind Mrs Potter.
Lily gasped as she took at the scene awaiting her and whispered to Mrs Potter "That's James's dad…but that's the Minister of Magic"
Nodding at her Mrs Potter said "Did James not tell you?" and Lily shook her head and whispered (to her self) "I'm going to kill him"
Squeezing her hand Mrs Potter whispered "Could you wait till after the party?" and smiled at Lily.
Looking up at the three beautiful women Mr Potter leaned towards his son and whispered "You forgot to say that she was also extremely beautiful" and nudged his son, who was stood with his mouth open at the sight of Lily coming down the stairs holding his mother's hand.
Grateful to be holding Mrs Potter's hand Lily allowed herself to be guided down to meet the men waiting at the bottom, were Mrs Potter gave her hand to James.
James bent to kiss her hand and then her cheek as he did this Lily whispered so only he could hear "Now who is the one keeping secrets". At this James stiffened slightly but soon relaxed as he saw the wicked look on Lily's face.
Turning her around he said "Lily I would like to introduce my father Harold Potter…Dad this is Lily."
Lily shook the outstretched hand "It is a pleasure to meet you Mr Potter"
Smiling at her he replied "believe me Lily the pleasure is all mine" and Lily thought So that's where James got the smile.
Beaming at the little group Mrs Potter announced "Well family shall we join our guests". She and Mr Potter lead the way to the ballroom.
As they entered Lily whispered to James "I didn't see this on the tour…more secrets James…tut tut." Which earned her a Potter smile.
The rest of the evening went far to quickly, lot's of dancing, eating and being introduced to lots of people as James's girlfriend. At one point Lily even thought she heard Mrs Potter say fiancée but dismissed this very quickly.
As the last dance was being played Lily and James were on the floor arms around each other, moving around the floor very gracefully to the music and totally unaware they were being watched.
Dancing with his wife Harold said, "Looks like we might be alone together again very soon. I'll be surprised if those to are not married as soon as they graduate"
Stealing a glance at her son Eleanor Potter nodded "You might be right there Harry…They make a very beautiful couple…James is very lucky" smiling she reached up and kissed her husband gently.
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A/N: Thanks for reading – Don't forget to review - the question about changing the rating to R was really related to later chapters – Maybe to add a little spice to the students love life but not sure – Maybe we'll just wait and see
Thanks
Madame Padfoot