Lily patiently sat next to James as they waited for Professor Dumbledore to finish whatever he was writing down. She looked beside her as she felt a tickling sensation, it was James of course. The red chair that Dumbledore had motioned them to sit in as he had briefly looked up, was big enough for the two of them. Lily frowned slightly as James tickled her again. Distractions would not help if they were here for something serious. A mischievous glint came into her eyes as she thought of a way to shock him into stopping. Very carefully, she moved her hand around James's waist, leaning her head gently on his shoulder as she did so. Very quickly, she pinched his backside, returning her hand to his hip as if nothing had happen.
"Lily!" he hissed. The tone of his voice plainly indicated that he was shocked that she had done that, in Dumbledore's presence nonetheless. "Save it for later, alright?"
Lily smiled sweetly at her boyfriend, "Save what Prongs?"
As James shook his head, clearly preparing to say something else, a voice interrupted.
"Master Potter, Miss Evans, if you would be so kind as to save your flirtations for later I would like to discuss something of the utmost importance." His eyes twinkled as he smiled at the couple before him.
Lily blushed, as did James, but it was less noticeable. "You can continue, Headmaster," She replied.
"Very well then, I assume that you have been pondering the prophecy that I vaguely referred to at our last meeting. I am afraid that I cannot divulge the details to you at this time."
Lily looked over at James, seeing her questioning gaze reflecting in his eyes too.
"But I can warn you to be careful. Your relationship and future will play a key part in the eventual ending of these dark times. If something happens too soon or at the wrong time, the results could be catastrophic."
Lily bit her lip; clearly, they were going to skirt around the issue yet again. James wrapped his arm around her waist and giving a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"I promise that I will explain everything when the right time presents itself."
Lily looked over at James again, practically reading his thoughts this time. "Unless we find the prophecy before you tell us. Then we could figure it out ourselves."
"On a lighter note," Professor Dumbledore continued, putting a stop to their thoughts. "I think this school needs a moral booster. Thoughts are still heavy since the attack at the first of the year. I believe that it would be a wonderful idea if we could hold a ball."
Lily's head snapped up, "A ball sir?"
Dumbledore continued as if she had never questioned his statement. "Naturally the Head Boy and Girl would be the ones to plan and arrange it. All details, including when it will be held, are up to you. If you need money or help making arrangements, feel free to ask me. That is all. You may go on your way now."
Lily and James stood up, thanked the Headmaster, and exited his office.
Walking to the library, James remarked, "That was the one of the oddest conversations I've ever had. If you include the ones with Sirius, that's saying something."
Lily laughed, "What would you like to get started on first, the ball or looking for the prophecy?"
James grinned as he pulled her to a spacious closet she hadn't noticed before. "How about we finish what we started earlier?"
*~*
Lily leaned back into James's embrace as they sat together in the Common Room. Nothing out of the ordinary had happened in the last week. Well, the Marauders had played quite a good prank on a few Slytherins, but that was't anything new. She sighed as James leaned over, kissing her on the cheek, then gently coming to her lips. Lily smiled as he pulled away, but wrapping his arms around her. Suddenly Lily realized what had been bothering her in the back of her mind. "James!" She gasped, glancing at her watch. "We were supposed to meet Cassandra ten minutes ago!"
They quickly made their way down to the empty Transfiguration classroom where the Tarot reading would take place. Cassandra was seated and waiting patiently when they entered. She promptly handed them the deck, "Would you both please shuffle this?"
James took the cards first, shuffled them quickly, and handed them to Lily. Who paused for a moment, examining the cards. She wondered what they would tell. Could it really show the possible future? Similar thoughts ran through her mind as she slowly took her turn at shuffling the deck. Handing them back to Cassandra, she wiped her mind of any troublesome thoughts, and waited.
Cassandra deftly shuffled the cards and efficiently laid ten down on the table in front of her. She smoothly turned over a card, which appeared to be in the middle of the figure to Lily. "It is the Lovers, an appropriate description of your character and position. You approach a time of choice, the outcome of great importance."
James reached over to squeeze her hand. So far, this seemed to coincide with the limited advice from Professor Dumbledore.
"Beware of deception, as the Nine of Swords implies, for it shall cross your paths soon. Ah, next we have the Ace of Cups. Lily, your hopes of marriage and motherhood shall soon come to pass."
She was grasping James's hand with both of hers now. A smile began to play on her lips at the thought of marriage, for the implicated husband was blatantly obvious.
"As the Eight of Swords tells us, your current position has already been foretold. The past, present, and future circumstances have been dictated by fate."
The smile on Lily's face vanished, yet another reference to the ancient prophecy.
"Fear not of the recent events, for here is the Three of Swords. The times of conflict and strife were necessary."
Lily blanched, fear not? What kind of statement was that? She didn't like to think that her parents' deaths and the Death Eater attack were necessary conflicts.
"The Hermit tells to be cautious but take heart. Help and advice from a wise power are forthcoming."
The only wise power Lily could think of was Dumbledore. Did this mean that he would give more guidance soon?
"Your future role in these events is depicted by the Empress, who shows the protection of a child."
Lily relaxed slightly by the reassurance in the fact that whatever child she had in the near future, would be safe from harm.
"The Seven of Swords, this card discloses a warning. Do not engage in direct confrontation, for it would result in danger. There shall be another, not you, destined to succeed in this venture."
She felt confused, direct confrontation which who? Could it be referring to You-Know-Who?
"Hidden attitudes are shown in the Six of Rods. Do not brood over the fears you hold of the future. The last and final card gives assurance that the opposition will eventually be defeated. For it is the Nine of Rods. I leave you now, the cards have spoken."
Lily gave a shudder, how could something hold so much of both hope and despair? She sat immobile in her seat as Cassandra gathered up her cards and left the classroom.
James gathered her hands in his once again, examining her face closely. "Are you alright Lils? Do you want to talk about anything Cassandra said?"
Lily felt confused, "I honestly don't know what to think of anything right now."
James nodded in agreement. "How about we grab a snack, and then head up to Gryffindor Tower?"
She considered this suggestion a moment before agreeing. They had much to think and talk about before the day was done.
A/N: I am so incredibly sorry about taking so long to get this chapter up. I wanted to get the Tarot spread right, and my research took much longer then I expected. I had to exert a great deal of self-control when I resolved not to distract my studies with writing the week before, and during finals. A thank you goes to hermione0327 and an even bigger one to my beta greeneyes for the advice they gave on this chapter. I also want to thank the people who have taken the time to review this story. I'm happy to take and consider pieces of advice or criticism you give. So don't forget to review! ~TigerLily