Chapter 11- One more Chat

The next two weeks were the best that James could ever remember having. There weren't any huge signs that said 'I like James' coming from Lily's direction, but she appeared to have a more pleasant disposition toward him. Lily had to admit that she felt herself slipping into thoughts she never imagined would be for James.

James kept his distance. Don't be overbearing, he told himself, once again repeating Kyla's advice. James did take pleasure in Lily's company more often, though. He even started studying with Lily… life was perfect. That Friday was going to be a Hogsmeade visit too. It was the Friday before vacation and Professor Dumbledore had given the day off, much to the chagrin of many of the teachers, but none of the students. "So, Lily, uh… will you go with me to Hogsmeade?" James asked at dinner Wednesday night before the rest of the gang showed up.

"I can't," Lily said, nose still in book.

"Why not?" James whined.

Lily put down the book and gave him a 'don't-use-that-tone-with-me' look. "Sam and I are going shopping for dress robes."

"Why?"

"You really are dense," Lily said, and waited for it to dawn on James what dress robes could possibly be for.

"Who's Samantha going with?" James asked before stuffing his face with mashed potatoes.

"Sirius," Lily replied, curious to why James didn't know this.

"Really?" James said through a full mouth.

"Yes, really; so we have to go shopping," Lily picked the book back up, ending that conversation.

When Friday came along, the Marauders all went about their normal Hogsmeade routine while Samantha and Lily went on a mission to find the perfect dress robes. Lily had seen in a Witch Weekly magazine some new dress robes that had invisible seams, and they came in a variety of colors and design. Samantha had been looking at robes that buttoned down the back with a low-cut neckline.

"Let's just hope they have what we want," Samantha said, referring to Katherine's Kit 'n' Caboodle in Hogsmeade. They got into the shop and there was a flood of girls.

"Goodness," Lily exclaimed.

Samantha took a deep breath. "We better start digging."

They spent two hours 'digging' through the dresses. There happened to be a large order that had come in a week or two before, since the store's manager heard about the up coming dance. Lily had to have tried on three dozen dresses, at least. "UGH!" Lily shouted at Sam, who was equally frustrated. Samantha had found a dress she liked, but it was taken by the Prewitt girl.

"What about that red one?" Samantha suggested.

"A red dress robe? With my hair?"

"Oh yeah, you're right."

Lily started in on the racks again, but stopped. "Sam, I think I found it."

Lily was right, she had found the dress and she couldn't wait to show her mother. She's going to love it, Lily thought as she packed the new robes carefully. Ever since her date with James, Lily had been staying at Hogwarts for the weekends. It was her first time back in nearly four weeks, but she had to go this weekend. This time for testing instead of Chemo, but to Lily it was still a hospital. Once Lily was done packing, she made her way to the grounds to go back to Hogsmeade.

Lily didn't have to wait long before going home. She threw some Floo powder into the fire and was standing in her living room before she knew it. Her dad was sitting with his head in hands, hardly noticing the arrival of his younger daughter. "Dad?" Lily asked.

Josh lifted his head, showing red swollen eyelids, but he forced on a smile, none the less. "Hey Fred," he said.

Lily didn't reciprocate the smile. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Lily. You're mum's been waiting to see you," he told her, standing up and grabbing the suitcase in Lily's hand. "Why don't you go say hello."

Lily didn't need to be told twice. In no time she was up the stairs and in her mother's door. Lily hadn't expected to see her like this. Violet had really digressed in the past few weeks. She lay there, pale with almost a gray tint to her skin, her once thick lively hair looked dulled and thinning, but it was nothing compared to the hollow look that her skin had formed. Lily thought her mother looked so light that she might just float right on up. "Mum?" Lily said quietly.

Violet opened her eyes and smiled brightly at Lily. "Hey, I was wondering when you would come home again."

Lily went to the bed and hugged her mother gently, she looked so frail. "Sorry, Mum, I should have come home and-"

"Don't worry about it, Lily," Violet said and put a thin hand on her daughter's cheek. "You've been busy, I've heard."

Lily smiled. "Yeah, just school and such."

"So who is this boy?"

"You know the one I said I'd never date?"

"The 'annoying' one?" Violet smiled.

"Yeah, that's him," Lily smiled back. "He's so much more considerate now, though."

"I'm sure he is. Boys just don't mature as quickly as girls, Lily, he just needed some time to catch up."

Lily grabbed her mother's hand. "Do you need some water? Have you had dinner?"

"Your father ordered out. Petunia went out with Vernon tonight, so it'll just be the three of us."

"You shouldn't be eating out, Mum."

"Don't worry, your father is making something different for me." Violet rolled her eyes.

"Have you been feeling alright?" Lily was becoming worried again.

"Fine, I'm fine, I just missed my baby girl."

Lily talked with her mother about her date, and almost enjoyed the retelling of it as much as the date itself. They played a game of Trivial Pursuit when Josh had come into the room, and started watching a movie as they ate dinner.

The next day Lily had to go to the hospital. She couldn't drive herself, and Josh had to stay with Violet so Petunia took Lily to the testing. They sat in the waiting room to be called in by the doctor. "How have things at Ho- your school been?" Petunia asked, her voice sounding intrigued, but her eyes still scanning the magazine in her hands.

"Good," Lily answered. There wasn't much she wanted to say right now. Butterflies were jumping around in her stomach, she never did like medical tests and such.

"How have you been?" Petunia's eyes tore away from the magazine and looked strangely full of concern.

"I've been doing fine," Lily gave a lopsided grin for reassurance.

"Dad wouldn't have me tell you, but they don't expect Mum to-" Petunia stopped herself before actually saying it.

"I know," Lily had suspected this.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this," Petunia said, putting an arm around her little sister. "I really am."

"It's okay, at least they can do something for me," Lily said, she could feel tears welling up in her eyes and it didn't help that Petunia already had some sliding down.

"Mum said you've got yourself a boyfriend," Petunia brought up.

"No, not really, we've only really been on two dates."

"Do you like him?"

Lily thought about this. She used to think he was a complete and utter git… but did she think so now? "I don't know," she answered.

"Just be careful, boys can be… you know," Petunia attempted a smile in Lily's direction.

"I know," Lily said again.

"Lily Evans," one of the nurses called.

There wasn't much to be done after the tests. The house was clean and no one had anywhere to go, so Josh carried his wife down the stairs and they all played games and joked, and had tea. Lily couldn't remember the last time the family had been so close like this. When it started to get dark Violet was taken back up the stairs and asked Lily to read to her. Petunia sat in the room as they read Emma. Vernon came to the house and Josh had let him come get Petunia in the room.

"Mrs. Evans," he greeted. He eyed Lily warily. Petunia must of told him, Lily thought. "If it's alright with you, I wanted to take Petunia to the park."

"Sure," Violet smiled.

Petunia got up, kissed her mother on the forehead and took her leave. "I'll be back around one."

When the couple had left, Lily continued her reading for about fifteen minutes until she noticed her mother's eyes struggling to stay open. "Do you want to go to sleep?" Lily asked.

Violet shook her head. "What kind of dress do you have?" she asked.

Lily smiled vaguely as her eyes started to well up again. "I can go get it and show you," she said.

"No, just describe it. You always have the best descriptions." Lily told her mother of the dress robes that had been neatly placed in her suitcase. "It sounds beautiful, your date might faint." Lily laughed. "I can't wait to see it," Violet's breathing was getting short and difficult. "You be a good girl, and help your dad out."

"Mum," Lily managed to get out.

"Shh, my girl. I love you Lily," Violet said. Lily grabbed her hand. Violet said no more and Lily put her mother's hand to her cheek, but somehow she still slipped away.

Monday morning came and Lily still wasn't back. "Where is she?" James asked, concerned. Lily was always back Sunday night, and she said she would be staying for Christmas break.

Samantha shrugged. "I wouldn't worry, she's a big girl."

Sirius was buttering a piece of toast when the owl post came in for the morning. A large black and white owl landed in front of the entire group. Everyone froze where they were. Only Samantha moved to grab the parchment from Darcy's outstretched leg. After removing the letter, the owl didn't even wait for a treat. Samantha scanned the paper and covered her mouth.

Sirius took the parchment and read it quickly. "Lily's mum is dead."

A/N: Not as light-hearted as the last two chapters, but I had to do it. Sorry folks! I know I haven't given you much of a chance to take in the last one I wrote, but I hope together, this one won't be so bad. BTW if you're dying to know what her dress looks like…. You'll have to read the NEXT chapter. I promise =) Next chapter will be serious, but it will have fluff in the mix! Also I know these last couple have been REALLY short in comparison. I'll write a long chapter to make up for it.

Peace out!

Thank you

Lilypad-7879: Hope this one is somewhat enjoyable!