Chapter 2
James woke up to the sound of screaming and yelling. He instantly wished he were still asleep. It was always like this. There was always yelling, always screaming, and then his father would go to work, and his mother would relax for an hour before they would go out and do something that would get both their minds off their problems.
He sat up and wiped the sleep out of his eyes. He then looked down and saw he was still wearing his clothes from the day before.... and that's when he remembered. The wedding. The mysterious bride. Lily Evans. The dream he had had. It all came crashing back at him. There was no way he would be able to concentrate on his day now. Nope. He would be too busy concentrating on Lily Evans, and his wedding. Great. His wedding. Why, oh why did he have to get married now?
"James?" His mother called, her voice weak from yelling and screaming. "I doubt I'll be around much today, I have to help make preparations for your wedding. Your father has gone to work, please stay out of trouble." And with that he heard a whoosh from the fireplace.
James decided it would be nice to go out for another gallop, so he headed out side and got to the woods before he changed into a stag. Although he was an unregistered animagus, he was not the typical criminal, but he still made sure no one was there when he changed into a stag.
^^^^^^^
Lily woke up in a state of confusion. 'What the hell was with that dream?' she got up and began pacing around her room, going over every detail. 'Well, I got married, to James, and we had a child, WAIT! I got married to James? Since when am I calling him James, it is Potter! But James suits him so much more...NO it's POTTER! UGH! Now I'm having fights in my head, and since when did my subconscious start talking to me?'
"Lily, dear, are you awake?" Her mother called from down the hall.
"Yes mum...I'll be down stairs in a minute." Lily grabbed a dark green sweater and a pair of chocolate color pants on. She loved this outfit. It made her feel like a wood nymph, to be able to blend into the forest. Deciding she looked fine, she was able to head downstairs and face the day.
When Lily got downstairs she saw her mom's purse and jacket on the table. "Where are you off to mum?"
"I'm off to make wedding arrangements dear. Don't worry, we'll take care of everything." It was only then that she saw her father's jacket on the table too.
"Dad's going to? What about me? It's MY wedding! It's one of
most important days of my life, and you know it is incredibly hard to get a divorce in the wizarding world! You can't be serious!"
"Lillian, you stop using that tone with me! I say you'll go to work, and act normal, and you will! Now, your father and I are off, please be good, and have a good day at work." Lily turned and huffed away. She knew she would have to go to work for another hour or two.
Lily owned a little bookshop in Diagon Alley. She had bought a little place and set it up with all of her savings. It had been a dream. Although it was small, it was quite popular, and was her favorite place to be. She decided to take a walk, before going into work. She almost always arrived with a smile on her face, and a cheery disposition, and arriving with the sullen look on her face that she had now would do her no good at all.
Lily drove back to the pond in the grove, and was surprised to find that the Stag was back. She spotted him just as he spotted her. Crystal blue eyes met sparkling green ones. Had anyone looked into the stag's eyes they would have said they looked positively human. She took a step closer, and then another. Before she, or the stag, had realized it she was standing in front of him, eyes still connected.
She reached out to pet him. He almost seemed to lean into her touch. Smiling, she pulled away. He looked at her, as if asking her to go back to petting him. She was tempted to, and after a moment or two she finally relented, and did as he had asked. She felt as if she were on top of the world.
"There, there you beautiful creature." She smiled, looking deep in to his eyes. "How are you today?"
'I'm great! What about you?' James hoped his eyes gave the message he wanted them too.
"I'm ok, I guess."She went on to telling him about herself, the fight she had just had, her job, her friends, ECT. He looked at her patiently, as if processing the information. "You're so easy to talk to. I feel as if I have met you somewhere before. I wish you could talk." She sighed, hoping that what she was saying was untrue.
'I wish you liked me. Then I'd talk to you all you liked. It's nice to finally know you, Lily Evans.' His eyes looked at her hopefully, as if to say they could maybe talk in the future.
"Oh dear, I must be going. Jen will have a fit if I'm not there to open the shop. I'll talk to you later, your majesty." Checking her watch one last time, Lily left to find her car.
^^^^^^^
James watched Lily go with a heaving heart. Knowing she would be leaving for work made James think about the things he had to do. He decided to get back home, before anyone realized he was gone. He galloped off to the edge of the forest, near is house, before transforming back into a person. He waited until he was safely tucked inside the lounge before calling for some food.
Instantaneously a House-Elf appeared. He was carrying a platter containing a well-balanced breakfast, under his mother's orders for him, every single morning. While James would have loved a chocolate frosted donut, he had to have at least one item of food from every food group for every meal. After a month of a diet like this, one became sick of well-balanced food, but it wasn't like James had a choice. If he had been in charge, it would have been something that wouldn't taste like ash in his mouth, but he had no control over what he ate, much like half of his life.
"Why thank you, Mippy." He said, after taking the platter from the elf. Turning away, James found that there was a head in his fireplace. "Sirius! How good to see you!" He said, with a mock formal tone.
"James, my mate, what are you up to?"
"Nothing, dear Sirius. And may I add, and I am definatly Serious."
"No, I'm Sirius, how many times must we go over this?" The boys exchanged a grin. When someone was up to something, or something was up, this was the code. Other people found it amusing, or annoying, but they found it to be quite a good way to alert their friends that something wasn't right. It had worked in school, and it was still working one.
"So, how life in the States? Have you met anyone?"
"Me? Meet someone? Nah!"
"Hah. Who is she?"
"Well, a little shorter than me, brown hair, brown eye, great figure."
"Ooh. Will I get to meet her?"
"Not now. Later. And stick your tongue back in your mouth!" They both laughed because it was often James who had to tell Sirius that. "So, what was your big news?"
"Not now. Later. And stick your tongue back in your mouth!" Once again, they were laughing. Not only because James had done a perfect imitation of Sirius, but also because Sirius really did have his tongue out of his mouth.
"Fine, spoil my fun!" Sirius said with a mock pout.
"I always do!"
"Anyway, I'll see you in a while."
"Yah, see you." And with those words, Sirius's head disappeared from the fireplace.
^^^^^^^
"Hi, Jen, sorry I'm late." Lily arrived flushed and rushed as she raced to get behind the register at her bookshop. It was called The Book Nook and was solely owned by her, although Jen and Phil worked in the shop, and Jack worked part time, or whenever he felt like it. There was never any need for more workers because everyone loved working there so much. There was always a friendly atmosphere, and because it was quite a small place, it wasn't like they would have to yell to have a conversation.
Because the rent per month wasn't very much there was never any need to have over the top prices, and was a wonderful substitute for Flourish and Blotts. Many of the residents of Diagon Alley preferred the relaxed atmosphere of The Nook, as it was often called. Never was there a day when no one came in to say hi. The Nook was one of the most coveted, and most important stops at Diagon Alley for some people. There was always some new book or other, and often times there were rare copies of it too. Of course, they always kept well stocked on schoolbooks, but mainly they were a shop for people who wanted to relax, and spend an hour in a nicer atmosphere that many other places.
"It's no problem. Phil is going to be at you though. He got here early, and he doesn't have a key." Jen new this wasn't a big deal. It was just a little setback, but Phil would act like it was the end of the world. He could really hold a grudge, most of the time. Jen was not quite short, at 5' 6", but she was pleasantly thin. She had a killer figure, dirty blonde hair, and gray-blue eyes. Often time she wore outrageous outfits, and although she was wacky, and really into divination, she was a gem. She was still single, which surprised everyone. Not for lack of suitors, mind you. She was picky. Today she wore one of her favorite robes. It was silver-blue in color, to match her eyes. It was made of a silky shimmering material, which felt nice against her skin. It had a silver trim, and it was stunning.
"I thought I made him a new one?"
"Nope, it appears he lost it too."
"Damn! That's the third one!"
"Give the guy a break. Working in a little bookshop doesn't pay like the ministry, and he does have 3 children. Put yourself in his place."
"I will soon enough" Lily mumbled, while going through the receipts from yesterday.
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing, just ignore me. I'm in a bit of a bad mood. Did we get that new shipment of Weather: What's a Witch to Do? Yet? I'm still waiting to hear back from Henry on those Pranking books. He says they're in popular demand, but will let us know when he can send us some more." Lily continued to go through her receipts all the while.
"Yes, and I'll need some help with unloading them. When is Jack's next work day?" Phil walked in. He was a strong wizard. Nearly 6ft in height, he wore a standard navy blue robe that set off his dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. "Jen please let lily know all of this, when she gets in from her stroll." Lily scowled at Phil, and he scowled right back.
"Phil, I'm not in a good mood. If I was you, I would keep my mouth shut, and try to suck up to my boss all day, all the while praying she wasn't going to fire me because I LOST my third key to the shop."
"Yes, well you're not me, now are you? If I was I, and I am, I would continue as if this were a normal day. I did NOT lose my key, I was never given a replacement for my second, and I would tell my boss as much."
"Yes, you did, because I have it marked down as giving it to you last Friday. Check the action book if you must." The action book was a charmed book that wrote down every important action done by a member of the staff at The Nook. (Such as 9:00am Saturday- Phil unloads new shipment of booing Bookmarks, determine trash from treasure when you read.)
"Fine. I will!" Phil opened the book. 10:00am Friday- Lily gives new key to Phil. "Oh."
"I told you. I'm not a ditz!"
"Fine! You win. La de da. Can I have a new key?"
"Yes, I'll get one to you next Friday. That means next week, not this Friday."
"Fine."
"Ok, Now that that's taken care of, can someone please man the register, I have to put this book back in place. We are opening in 5 minutes people!"
"Alright Jen, we're going." Lily stood behind the register and waited for the masses of customers to buy from her humble shop today.
^^^^^^^
Hello, my dear readers! It is I, the author. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It really was to set the scene more than anything else. I hope you liked it though. I will update soon! I am in great need of a beta for this story. If anyone would like to volunteer, please e-mail me. My e-mail address is on my profile. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and will review it!
~Lily Bell
James woke up to the sound of screaming and yelling. He instantly wished he were still asleep. It was always like this. There was always yelling, always screaming, and then his father would go to work, and his mother would relax for an hour before they would go out and do something that would get both their minds off their problems.
He sat up and wiped the sleep out of his eyes. He then looked down and saw he was still wearing his clothes from the day before.... and that's when he remembered. The wedding. The mysterious bride. Lily Evans. The dream he had had. It all came crashing back at him. There was no way he would be able to concentrate on his day now. Nope. He would be too busy concentrating on Lily Evans, and his wedding. Great. His wedding. Why, oh why did he have to get married now?
"James?" His mother called, her voice weak from yelling and screaming. "I doubt I'll be around much today, I have to help make preparations for your wedding. Your father has gone to work, please stay out of trouble." And with that he heard a whoosh from the fireplace.
James decided it would be nice to go out for another gallop, so he headed out side and got to the woods before he changed into a stag. Although he was an unregistered animagus, he was not the typical criminal, but he still made sure no one was there when he changed into a stag.
^^^^^^^
Lily woke up in a state of confusion. 'What the hell was with that dream?' she got up and began pacing around her room, going over every detail. 'Well, I got married, to James, and we had a child, WAIT! I got married to James? Since when am I calling him James, it is Potter! But James suits him so much more...NO it's POTTER! UGH! Now I'm having fights in my head, and since when did my subconscious start talking to me?'
"Lily, dear, are you awake?" Her mother called from down the hall.
"Yes mum...I'll be down stairs in a minute." Lily grabbed a dark green sweater and a pair of chocolate color pants on. She loved this outfit. It made her feel like a wood nymph, to be able to blend into the forest. Deciding she looked fine, she was able to head downstairs and face the day.
When Lily got downstairs she saw her mom's purse and jacket on the table. "Where are you off to mum?"
"I'm off to make wedding arrangements dear. Don't worry, we'll take care of everything." It was only then that she saw her father's jacket on the table too.
"Dad's going to? What about me? It's MY wedding! It's one of
most important days of my life, and you know it is incredibly hard to get a divorce in the wizarding world! You can't be serious!"
"Lillian, you stop using that tone with me! I say you'll go to work, and act normal, and you will! Now, your father and I are off, please be good, and have a good day at work." Lily turned and huffed away. She knew she would have to go to work for another hour or two.
Lily owned a little bookshop in Diagon Alley. She had bought a little place and set it up with all of her savings. It had been a dream. Although it was small, it was quite popular, and was her favorite place to be. She decided to take a walk, before going into work. She almost always arrived with a smile on her face, and a cheery disposition, and arriving with the sullen look on her face that she had now would do her no good at all.
Lily drove back to the pond in the grove, and was surprised to find that the Stag was back. She spotted him just as he spotted her. Crystal blue eyes met sparkling green ones. Had anyone looked into the stag's eyes they would have said they looked positively human. She took a step closer, and then another. Before she, or the stag, had realized it she was standing in front of him, eyes still connected.
She reached out to pet him. He almost seemed to lean into her touch. Smiling, she pulled away. He looked at her, as if asking her to go back to petting him. She was tempted to, and after a moment or two she finally relented, and did as he had asked. She felt as if she were on top of the world.
"There, there you beautiful creature." She smiled, looking deep in to his eyes. "How are you today?"
'I'm great! What about you?' James hoped his eyes gave the message he wanted them too.
"I'm ok, I guess."She went on to telling him about herself, the fight she had just had, her job, her friends, ECT. He looked at her patiently, as if processing the information. "You're so easy to talk to. I feel as if I have met you somewhere before. I wish you could talk." She sighed, hoping that what she was saying was untrue.
'I wish you liked me. Then I'd talk to you all you liked. It's nice to finally know you, Lily Evans.' His eyes looked at her hopefully, as if to say they could maybe talk in the future.
"Oh dear, I must be going. Jen will have a fit if I'm not there to open the shop. I'll talk to you later, your majesty." Checking her watch one last time, Lily left to find her car.
^^^^^^^
James watched Lily go with a heaving heart. Knowing she would be leaving for work made James think about the things he had to do. He decided to get back home, before anyone realized he was gone. He galloped off to the edge of the forest, near is house, before transforming back into a person. He waited until he was safely tucked inside the lounge before calling for some food.
Instantaneously a House-Elf appeared. He was carrying a platter containing a well-balanced breakfast, under his mother's orders for him, every single morning. While James would have loved a chocolate frosted donut, he had to have at least one item of food from every food group for every meal. After a month of a diet like this, one became sick of well-balanced food, but it wasn't like James had a choice. If he had been in charge, it would have been something that wouldn't taste like ash in his mouth, but he had no control over what he ate, much like half of his life.
"Why thank you, Mippy." He said, after taking the platter from the elf. Turning away, James found that there was a head in his fireplace. "Sirius! How good to see you!" He said, with a mock formal tone.
"James, my mate, what are you up to?"
"Nothing, dear Sirius. And may I add, and I am definatly Serious."
"No, I'm Sirius, how many times must we go over this?" The boys exchanged a grin. When someone was up to something, or something was up, this was the code. Other people found it amusing, or annoying, but they found it to be quite a good way to alert their friends that something wasn't right. It had worked in school, and it was still working one.
"So, how life in the States? Have you met anyone?"
"Me? Meet someone? Nah!"
"Hah. Who is she?"
"Well, a little shorter than me, brown hair, brown eye, great figure."
"Ooh. Will I get to meet her?"
"Not now. Later. And stick your tongue back in your mouth!" They both laughed because it was often James who had to tell Sirius that. "So, what was your big news?"
"Not now. Later. And stick your tongue back in your mouth!" Once again, they were laughing. Not only because James had done a perfect imitation of Sirius, but also because Sirius really did have his tongue out of his mouth.
"Fine, spoil my fun!" Sirius said with a mock pout.
"I always do!"
"Anyway, I'll see you in a while."
"Yah, see you." And with those words, Sirius's head disappeared from the fireplace.
^^^^^^^
"Hi, Jen, sorry I'm late." Lily arrived flushed and rushed as she raced to get behind the register at her bookshop. It was called The Book Nook and was solely owned by her, although Jen and Phil worked in the shop, and Jack worked part time, or whenever he felt like it. There was never any need for more workers because everyone loved working there so much. There was always a friendly atmosphere, and because it was quite a small place, it wasn't like they would have to yell to have a conversation.
Because the rent per month wasn't very much there was never any need to have over the top prices, and was a wonderful substitute for Flourish and Blotts. Many of the residents of Diagon Alley preferred the relaxed atmosphere of The Nook, as it was often called. Never was there a day when no one came in to say hi. The Nook was one of the most coveted, and most important stops at Diagon Alley for some people. There was always some new book or other, and often times there were rare copies of it too. Of course, they always kept well stocked on schoolbooks, but mainly they were a shop for people who wanted to relax, and spend an hour in a nicer atmosphere that many other places.
"It's no problem. Phil is going to be at you though. He got here early, and he doesn't have a key." Jen new this wasn't a big deal. It was just a little setback, but Phil would act like it was the end of the world. He could really hold a grudge, most of the time. Jen was not quite short, at 5' 6", but she was pleasantly thin. She had a killer figure, dirty blonde hair, and gray-blue eyes. Often time she wore outrageous outfits, and although she was wacky, and really into divination, she was a gem. She was still single, which surprised everyone. Not for lack of suitors, mind you. She was picky. Today she wore one of her favorite robes. It was silver-blue in color, to match her eyes. It was made of a silky shimmering material, which felt nice against her skin. It had a silver trim, and it was stunning.
"I thought I made him a new one?"
"Nope, it appears he lost it too."
"Damn! That's the third one!"
"Give the guy a break. Working in a little bookshop doesn't pay like the ministry, and he does have 3 children. Put yourself in his place."
"I will soon enough" Lily mumbled, while going through the receipts from yesterday.
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing, just ignore me. I'm in a bit of a bad mood. Did we get that new shipment of Weather: What's a Witch to Do? Yet? I'm still waiting to hear back from Henry on those Pranking books. He says they're in popular demand, but will let us know when he can send us some more." Lily continued to go through her receipts all the while.
"Yes, and I'll need some help with unloading them. When is Jack's next work day?" Phil walked in. He was a strong wizard. Nearly 6ft in height, he wore a standard navy blue robe that set off his dark brown hair and deep blue eyes. "Jen please let lily know all of this, when she gets in from her stroll." Lily scowled at Phil, and he scowled right back.
"Phil, I'm not in a good mood. If I was you, I would keep my mouth shut, and try to suck up to my boss all day, all the while praying she wasn't going to fire me because I LOST my third key to the shop."
"Yes, well you're not me, now are you? If I was I, and I am, I would continue as if this were a normal day. I did NOT lose my key, I was never given a replacement for my second, and I would tell my boss as much."
"Yes, you did, because I have it marked down as giving it to you last Friday. Check the action book if you must." The action book was a charmed book that wrote down every important action done by a member of the staff at The Nook. (Such as 9:00am Saturday- Phil unloads new shipment of booing Bookmarks, determine trash from treasure when you read.)
"Fine. I will!" Phil opened the book. 10:00am Friday- Lily gives new key to Phil. "Oh."
"I told you. I'm not a ditz!"
"Fine! You win. La de da. Can I have a new key?"
"Yes, I'll get one to you next Friday. That means next week, not this Friday."
"Fine."
"Ok, Now that that's taken care of, can someone please man the register, I have to put this book back in place. We are opening in 5 minutes people!"
"Alright Jen, we're going." Lily stood behind the register and waited for the masses of customers to buy from her humble shop today.
^^^^^^^
Hello, my dear readers! It is I, the author. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It really was to set the scene more than anything else. I hope you liked it though. I will update soon! I am in great need of a beta for this story. If anyone would like to volunteer, please e-mail me. My e-mail address is on my profile. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and will review it!
~Lily Bell