Hello!
Thank you all for the comments and reveiws, they were all lovely.
I am so sorry for the length of time it has taken me to post.
I've had a busy schedule recently, and this chapter is long and quite sad.
I hope you all enjoy it, I'm sorry if I upset anyone. I assure u the next chapter will be happier!
Luv ya
Jessie xxx
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Year 2- Mr and Mrs
Chapter 1- Three in a bed
Lily and James arrived at the reception hall after a very long journey. Everyone else was already there and greeted them with a round of aplause. They sat at the head table the groomsmen and bridesmaids on their respective sides on Lily and James who sat in the centre. They all sat down and ate a three course dinner. When they finished the hall filled with chatter. Sirius decided he needed to make his speech. He stood up and tapped the side of his glass with his fork.
"May I have everybodies attention." He announced. Nobody paid any attention.
"JAMES IS RUNNING AROUND NAKED!" He shouted. Everyone turned silent and directed their glance towards Sirius. He grinned. "I knew that would get you attention." He smirked. "Now is time for my best mans speech."
"Ow melin no" James groaned placing his head in his hands. Sirius winked at him.
"Lily and James, Now what can I say about them? Well I'll start from the beginning. I met James when I was 7 years old through our fathers doing business. We hit it off straight away. Even then we used to do our little stunts, like putting newts in James' sisters bags. When my mother died, James was there for me. He helped me through it and remained my best friend through out the years. Because I know I can always rely on him, I know the same will count for Lily. James will alway be someone you can rely on, someone who will always help you through things, someone who can help you charm Professor Dumbledore's beard pink." The hall laughed. And Dumbledore called out;
"Your never too old to land yourself in detention you know mr Black, I can make you a special arrangement."
"Moving on..." Sirius added quickly. The hall erupted into more laughter. "As much as Lily will beable to rely on James, James will beable to rely on Lily. In the time I've known her, she's always one who puts her heart on her sleeve, she will help anyone at any time. I have never seen James happier in all the time I've known him, then when he's with Lily. You were truely made for each other. And now you've FINALLY got married, I have one more thing to add..." He paused for affect. "I call Godfather!" He grinned. Everyone gave a luke warm applause. Then Sirius added, "NOW LETS ROCK THIS JOINT!" he pointed his wand towards at the dj to start and suddenly the tables dissapeared and the music started.
"Now for the newly weds first dance as Mr and Mrs Potter." And Lily and James joined together and began dancing.
"Mrs Lily Potter, That sounds perfect." James whispered into her ear as everyone looked on adoring the scene.
"It had better, I'm stuck with it for the rest of my life." She whispered back with a chuckle. James pouted and opened his mouth to speak but Lily interrupted him with a deep passionate kiss. The crowd ohhed and ahhed and began to join the couple on the dance floor.
The night ran smoothly, after their encounter on their honey moon, Dumbledore and the order didn't want to risk another attack, so whilst everyone was inside having fun, there were a few aurours standing outside and around the room making sure everything was calm. Dumbledore had also made it so Some of the order weren't their incase there was an attack, there were people on stand bye. But only James knew about all these precautions. He didn't want to worry Lily any more then she was. To tell her that they half expected an attack would scare her senseless.
About 3 dances into the night, Mr Black asked James if he could cut in. So James went off to dance with Crystal, whilst Lily linked arms with Jonathan Black.
"You look beautiful tonight Lily." He complimented her. "I'm glad you finally made it to tonight. James is like a son to me and I have never seen him happier." Lily smiled at him.
"I've never been happier either, I'm so glad I'm now mrs James Potter." She trailed off dreamily. She then paused thoughtfully. "I... I ... there was a time I thought I'd never see James again. That was one of my lowest points. Sometimes I used to... to just stay in bed all day, too depressed to move... but ow never mind, You don't want to hear about this. Plus I have James now, we're married. I'm over it. How are you?" Mr Black laughed at her sudden change of subject.
"I'm good." He smiled. "Really happy to walk you down the aisle today."
Lily looked around and saw Sirius dancing with his wife.
"Don't they look happy?" She asked him pointing over. Mr Black turned his head.
"Yeah, who would've thought hey? They were at each others throats all through out the summer she stayed with us. Now look at them."
"Yeah he has someone to keep him under control." Then she realised she was talking to Sirius' dad and backtracked. "Not that Sirius is hard work." Mr Black laughed again.
"No he is hard work- childlike. I think he will never grow up, just wants to live life to the fullest. After what happened to Michelle, i think he's scared. Can't blame him really. But Andi keeps him in hand." Just then James came up behind them.
"Mind if I take my wife back?" He grinned. "I miss her."
"Five minutes it must be love." Jonathan laughed as he handed Lily back to James, "Treat her well, she deserves it."
"The carridge is out side waiting for the newly weds to take them on their honey moon. So If we quickly have the bouquet toss." Lily cameto the front of the hall and tossed her bouquet behind her into the sea of bachelorettes. A girl Lily worked with, Abbie. Then James did the garter toss and took Lily's hand leading her out the door to the beautiful white carridge as the crowd threw confetti over them. Whilst they had been dancing Sirius and Andi had charmed the back of the carridge to flash "Just Married" It also had cans dangling from the back. The happy couple waved to everyone as they left for the south of France for the next two weeks.
Lily and James enjoyed their honey moon. But for them it came to an end all too soon. It was lovely, just being them together alone once more. Meanwhile life for the others was long, boring. They were all bogged down with work. Sirius was havin trouble with his boys at school. They had come back from the summer holidays like hellions. He was having a hard time handling them in class. So when he got home he was always tired and irritable. Andi just laughed at him and told him that now he knew what teaching him, James, Remus and Peter would've been like. Andi had been promoted yet higher in her unspeakables job. She was now on the level of the stroodle Prewett brothers. Remus and Claire had been hitting it off... not only in the salon. Claire accepted Remus for who he was not what he was. James being one of Remus' best friends shared the same qualities as Claire, which in a way had a big atraction for him. They had gone out for a staff do. Claire Remus and a couple of other stylists went out for a meal and dinner dance. They all had a bit much to drink and Remus and Claire kissed. They hadn't really talked since. Everytime they saw each other they would blush. Infact they hadn't really talked atall since that night a week ago. Even though they had worked with each other everyday since. Neither could wait for Lily and James to come back, maybe just so they could break the ice. Peter was just plain bored. Nobody was hanging around with each other which left him pretty much on his own. So he went out on the pull. He found some air head and used her as he needed.
So the only ones who weren't glad that Lily and James were back were, well Lily and James.
The night that Lily and James arrived home, they enytered Godric's hollow, playfully flirting and showing a litte more affection then they normally would have. They had just spent two weeks alone, on their honey moon becoming so close and ever so comfortable with each other. This is why that when they were greeted with a warm
"SUPRISSE!" bellowed by their close friend who were desperately trying not to chuckle, their faces turned beet red.
Sirius coughed.
"Um Prongs your not on you honey moon any more. James blushed further but managed to brush the comment off.
"Hey guys, what you doing here?" He asked.
"Came to welcom you back but of course." Peter replied.
"Miss us that much?" Lily joked. Everyone laughed, not letting on to how close to the truth she really was. The night was a blast, they heard all about what a great time Lily and James had shared. (Well not ALL) And soon enough Lily and James were in bed sharing thier first night as Mr and Mrs Potter in Godrics hollow.
The month which passed was full of firsts as a married couple for Lily and James. They were really suprissed how quickly and blissfully time was passing together. The same however was not shared between Sirius and Andi. Things just got rougher and rougher. Sirius thought that with James home things would get easier, but alas they weren't, he was infactuated with Lily and although he still cared for Sirius and hung around with him. Things were not the same. Classes were not going well either. The boys he taught were a handful. They were doing things which he and James would not have even dreamed of doing at school. If they were the same age they wouldve been good friends he knew that. But he also knew why allot of the teachers at Hogwarts hated him. At home Andi was desperately pinning for a child, but past events still hung over Sirius' head and he could not accept it at that moment or meybe even ever. He would love a child, but he was scared. His mother had died during child birth. Sirius didn't want to lose his wife to it. He and Andi had been having blazing rows. Andi knew that he had lost his mother but she didn't know what to. When she found out, she was sympathetic. He suggested the idea of addoption, but she didn't agree to that, she want her own child. She wanted to create one, feel it growing inside her, see it's first appearance into this world. Witness it's first smile, laugh, word and love it from it's first real breath. He wanted this too, but he also still never truely moved on from his mothers death so he couldn't bring himself to even chance losing his wife. They had been having blazing rows for a few months now, the ones they had in Hogwarts seemed like cozy little chats compared.
How he regretted every fight they ever had a few days after their last row.
One day in early Autumn, Sirius was at work as per usual. He was in the middle of teaching his 3rd years how transfiguring a water goblet was easy if you just applied your mind to it.
"So you just flick your wrist as you bring you wand down like this then..." He was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in." He said, not many people knocked on his door. Andi came in smiling shyly. "Andi?" He asked.
"Sirius, I mean, Mr Black may I have a word outside?" She asked gazing around her as the boys all gave wolf whistles and howls.
"Sure." He replied glaring at his class as he led his wife outside. "Whats wrong?" he asked worredly.
"Nothing." She smiled. "I just came to tell you that your fathers taking me out shopping for the day, thats ok right? We probably won't be back till late. He said something bout dinner."
"Thats fine. Here.." He reached into his pocket pulling out a money bag. and handed it to her. "Treat yourself to something nice. I'm sorry things have been rough between us recently. Go out and have fun. We'll have a good talk when you get back." Sirius replied sincerely. Andi smiled.
"Thanks, that means allot to me. I still love you, you know." She lent up to meet his lips and kissed him long and hard. "I'll see you later." And she turned round and left. Sirius turned back into his room to see all the boys pressed against the window laughing.
"Who was that sir?" One daring boy asked. Sirius looked at him.
"My wife." He said indifferently. The boys were all taken back a little. They pictured their teacher to be cool and more of a player. "Now if you would all get over your teenage hormones and let me continue teaching, I would be pleased." He said moodily.
That was the last time he ever spoke to his wife.
It would become nothing but a sad memory.
Andi had a simply splendid time shopping with Sirius' father. They got along famously being father in law and daughter in law. He took her around all of Diagon ally. He had sensed some tension between her and his son. Thats why he thought he would offer to take her out to see what was troubling her. He arrived at her ouse to find her talking to Peter. When Jonathan asked her she turned to Peter.
"Thats not problem, don't worry about me I I er have to go anyway." He replied and dissapperated. She went and told Sirius then they left.
They ended up at dinner in the bistro.
"Andromeda, I know theres something wrong." He cut straight to the chase during the appetisers. She smiled weakly.
"What?" She questionned. "Theres nothing wrong Jonathan." She replied, with a false cheer.
"Andi hunny I know there is." She sighed.
"Well... I... I really feel that it's come to the point in our relationship that we are ready for more. We are in love, we're both quite settled in our jobs. I think we're ready for a child."
"Ah." Mr Black said. He had a feeling he knew what was coming.
"I know thats what I want, and I'm pretty sure Sirius wants it too. The thing is he is holding back because, well because..."
"Michelle." Jonathan whispered nodding sadly. She smiled guiltily. "Yes I understand." Jonathan put his hand gently over hers. "Listen, Andromeda. He'll come around. I could never imagine my son never having children. It's in his nature to have them. He'd make a great father I know he would. You just have to give him time. He needs to accept that Michelle was a special case, it is not common. Things are more advanced now anyway. I will talk to him for you if you want." He added as an after thought.
"I know, we've just been arguing allot lately. He said we'd talk tonight. I think things will get better. I suppose I need to be more supportive really." She sighed. Jonathan smiled at her sympathetically.
"It'll be ok, you love each other and in the end thats what will get you through these rough patches. They carried on throught out dinner. During the last course they were interrupted. The restaurante suddenly fell silent and panic was stricken through the air. Mr Black stood up his wand raised.
"Jonathan sit down!" Andi said.
"No I'm an aurour, it is my job to protect these people." He said heroicly.
Just then a group of death eaters began making thier way towards them. "Andi get under the table." Mr Black said harshly.
"NO" She argued.
"NOW!" He argued.
It was too late. The head death eater grabbed her from behind and pointed his wand to her head.
"Black." He acknoladged. "Surrender yourself or she gets it." He spoke to Jonathan.
Jonathan had no choice but to surrender himself. He loved his daughter in law. But even if he didn't he would have done it.
"Fine he said stepping forewards. Fine let him go. I'll come easily." Jonathan gave in.
"No!" Andi cried. But it was all to late. The death eater pointed his wand to Jonathans head. And a flash of green later, he fell to the floor. Dead.
"NO!" Andi cried once more but she was being held back by another death eater.
"The dark lord wanted us to kill them both?" he questionned.
"Yes. Our informant told us they would both be here." the lead said. Andi whimpered. She had no escape there was a wall of death eaters surrounding her. She reached for her wand. but she never even touched it before she too was dead. Voldemort was leaving his mark.
He had the two Blacks killed as they were both in high positions on his opposition. They were both a threat. The ring of death eater laughed at thier victory. They were going to be praised highly by their master for this.
It was the end of the day and Sirius was tired. He only had one hour to go, then it was home and a meal for one. The boys he taught seemed to have had a whole lot of sugar or something for lunch, as they were restless. Kept on asking him questions about the spell they were learning. They just couldn't grasp it.
"No no no, Mr Graves. You wave your wand like this." He flicked his own wand to demonstrate. "And don't let me catch you waving it at Mr Mann again either."
Just then the door burst open for a second time that day. "Remus?" He asked as a panting Remus came through the door.
"Oh my gosh, Sirius thank Merlin you're ok." Sirius stepped outside with him.
"Moony what's wrong?" He asked.
"There's been a mass attack on Diagon Alley, a few people are said to be dead but no names have been given. I was at Lily and James' when all the aurours were called. James went and Lily rushed off to help at St Mungo's. I checked for Claire she's safe. And you are, that just leaves Peter and…"
"Andi and dad!" Sirius yelped. "Oh no, they went shopping down Diagon alley today! Oh holy mother of Merlin! Remus stay here and look after my class I have to go."
"Sirius…" Remus yelled about to stop him. But he saw the determined look on his mates face. "Be careful ok?" Sirius nodded gravely and ran off. Remus looked around him then re entered the classroom.
"So…" He began. "Professor Black had to leave… due to a… err… family emergency… So I'll err be taking you I guess. What am I teaching?" He asked. Classic mistake.
"Muggle studies sir." One boy said as he raised his hand. The rest of the class sn!ggered at their classmates top attempt to study an easier topic.
"Sirius teaches muggle studies?" Remus exclaimed laughing to himself. Then realising. "No that's not right! And by the looks of all the posters on the walls I'd say it was transfiguration. And if I know him as well as I think I do then I'd say that was right." The boys looked at him impressed. "But I'm rubbish at that subject so I'll just give you all the opportunity to ask me any questions you want to. Immediately every hand shot up around the room.
"Sir, how do you know professor Black?" One asked.
"Is he your boyfriend?" Another added. Remus blushed.
"No he's not my boyfriend. I have in fact known him since I went to school. He was one of my three closest friends."
"He has friends?" Someone exclaimed and the rest of the class burst into laughter.
"You know what, your teacher was one of the most popular boys at our old school."
"Where did you go?"
"Hogwarts." The class gasped, they had heard of Hogwarts for it's prestige, and each one had often wondered what it would be like to attend. "We were in a group of four. There was Siri… Professor Black, Me, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew." He was interrupted once more.
"THE James Potter?" Someone asked. "The one whose dad was a quidditch player and then sentenced for killing his wife?"
"Yeah and now he's an aurour?"
"Professor Black was friends with him?" Remus smiled.
"Yes he was. Those two were inseparable. They still are. We were the Marauders of Hogwarts, we caused more mischief then the rest of the school put together…."
Remus went on to explain some of the pranks they pulled and when class let out all of the children were sad to leave. They left with a new awe of respect for their prankster teacher and from now on wouldn't hassle him as much.
Mean while Sirius was at Diagon alley, it was complete chaos. There were fires blazing everywhere, people running screaming, Aurours turning up left right and centre. Sirius tried to avoid the crowds and went running in and out of shops shouting, "ANDI! DAD!" But no one was answering. People were looking at him with fear also as he pushed them aside. Finally he entered the bistro at the end of the street. It had been his fathers favourite one. He quickly scanned the crowd, and there he saw two medi witches leaning over. Something drew him closer. He wasn't sure what. And there they were as clear as daylight. Andi and Jonathan Black laying on the floor, both with their eyes open cold as stone, just staring up at him.
"No" He whispered.
"Sir I'm afraid you can't be in here." One witch said.
"There, there dead aren't they?" He choked, unable to release the tears which stung his eyes. The witch nodded at him gravely.
"Are they friends of yours?" The other asked.
"My, My, Wife and my father." He said. The world was spinning. This was a nightmare, it couldn't be happening right? He had only spoken to Andi a few hours ago. And now he would never speak to her again. It was hopeless the world was hopeless. The witches tried to comfort him but it wasn't working.
"How, ho.." Was all he could say. But they understood what he was saying.
"They were both killed by the killing curse from our first examination. Listen, if we leave you alone with them for a minute. Then we have to take them to the hospital for a proper autopsy. I'm really sorry sir." One witch said. Then they both left. Sirius turned to his father.
"I'm sorry dad. I'm sorry I was such hard work as a child. I never intended to be. You really were the best father I could ever hope for. I'm really sorry you had to leave like this." In his mind he heard his fathers reply.
"It's ok son, now I can be happy and finally meet up with your mother and sister again. Enjoy your life. I enjoyed mine." A single tear was allowed to drop down Sirius' face as he hugged his father for a final time and turned to his wife.
"Andi, I love you so much nothing will ever change that. I am so sorry; I really wanted a child too. I was just scared of loosing you like I lost my mother. But now it's too late anyway. It doesn't matter cause I have lost you any way." He picked up her cold body and hugged it rocking side from side. "I love you, I love you, I love you…" He carried on chanting. The two medi witches watched this display of affection, and didn't have the heart to stop it. They silently cursed the world and how it was being ripped apart by evil. How everyday peoples lives were being affected. Sirius carried on until he saw the two witches looking at him. He gently placed his wife on the floor sad to have to leave her. "Be gentle with her," He said walking over to them. "She was the most gentle person I knew and deserves the best treatment." And he left.
***LATER ON THAT NIGHT***
Once Lily, James, Remus, Peter and Claire had heard what had happened. They were devestated. They all truely loved the two unfortunate Blacks and were beside themselevs with grief. But instead of being able to mourn, they had to go on the hunt for Sirius. He had dissapeared. Everyone was worried about him. Not only because he was nt in the right state of mind, but also because there was evidence that the other two Blacks had been targeted and he may well be too. They searched everywhere. Sirius' house, Mr Blacks house, Sirius' work place, Diagon alley, St Mungo's... Everywhere. Just when they were startng to get frantic, James had gone home to get something and found Sirius going hysterical in his living room. He alerted the others and everyone gathered around to help.
"WHY MY FAMILY? WHY? WHY? WHY? NOW I HAVE NO ONE, I'M COMPLETELY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT ALONE! I LOST MY MOTHER, MY SISTER, NOW MY FATHER AND MY WIFE? I HATE THIS CRUEL WORLD!" Sirius carried on taking all his agression out on James who was embracing him in a tight hug. James had been through this with Sirius before. He knew what Sirius was like. He had to hold onto him or he would start throwing all the objects he could around the room. He was getting a few briuses but none the less.
"Come on mate, calm down." James would sooth.
"CALM DOWN? CALM DOWN? WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME TO CALM DOWN? IT'S NOT AS IF YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS!" Sirius yelled.
"Sirius." James started calmly. "I too have lost a mother. And a father, who i never really had any way. Lily has lost both parents, Peter's lost a girlfriend, Remus has spent most of his life transforming into a monster once a month. Claire has lost both parents too. We know how unfair life can be."
"James what am I going to do?" Sirius broke down into tears. "I'm all alone." James tightened his grip.
"No your not, you have me, you have all of us." He comforted.
"Yeah, In fact you can stay with us for a while if that'd make you feel more comfortable." Lily stepped forewards. She took Sirius from James, as he had stopped beating her husband up, and hugged him. She whispered into his ear and he nodded. "Come on then, lets go upstairs." She said and took him up the stairs. James followed them. Lily took them to the spare bedroom nearest hers and James'. "You can stay in here." She layed Sirius onto the bed, tucked him under the covers and nelt by him. James just watched from the door way. Lily stroked Sirius' head talking calmly to him.
"Sirius, it's ok, there in a better place now. Your father gets to be with his wife and your sister. They can be a family again. They will always watch over you and I'm sure that whatever happens they will be proud of you because you are strong and you can fight through anythig you put your mind on. And Andi will be happy too, she would want you to move on from her. The man she married didn't mope around he laughed and joked, he made her smile, he was the man she fell in love with and you'rew still that man Sirius. So be brave for her. Dont let her have died in vein." But by this part of Lily's soft harmonious words, Sirius had fallen asleep. Lily looked at him, he was peaceful and child like, one lone tear sliding down his face. She kissed him on the forehead and turned to her husband who was in the door way. The grim smile on his face said it all. Just a month and a half ago they had been celebrating their marridge and now so soon it had changed into death and dispair, it was dark times. They would have to do their best to fight for what they believed in and try to live through till they could see the light of day again.
Lily and James went back downstairs to see the others. They were all just sitting there staring into space. Everyone seemed lost. To have one of your own lost was a great eye opener. Especially since everyone had considered Mr Black to be so strong. It just went to show, if Voldemort wanted you dead you didn't stand a chance. This thought scared Lily at first. Then she realised herself. If Voldemort were going to kill her he would regret it. She was going to prove that she could survive Voldemort. Either that or she would die trying.
After about 10 more minutes of nothingness, Lily, who was desperately trying to hold back tears asked if anyone wanted a coffee.
"No thanks Lily, I'd best be off home." Claire said getting up. Remus immediately jumped up.
"I'll take you home." He said holding out his arm. Claire smiled at him.
"You don't have to." She replied.
"No Remus is right, it's not safe anymore." James butted in. Claire glared at her brother.
"Fine" she said sn@ching Remus' arm in her own and exiting the door.
Then realising herself came back and hugged each person in turn, telling them she loved them. Life was too short for petty arguments. James meant the best for her. Life was too short? She had to do something, which was way over due. A drunken night had made her recognise her feelings. She couldn't ignore them or him any longer. Life was too short.
She walked down the street in Remus' arm. They were joking, trying to forget the horrible events of the day. He was telling her of Sirius' class, what cheeky so and so's they were. It was good to be talking to him normally again. She hadn't done this since before the "Incident".
All of a sudden, Remus stopped in his tracks.
"Claire, we have to talk." He announced mid conversation.
"I think we do." She agreed, then going straight for it, she said; "What happened before was a mistake." She started. He paused confused. Then went to open his mouth. "No… no let me get this off my chest." She continued. "It was a mistake, but it felt so right. I think that there was something there. Ever since it happened I've been feeling weird every time I see you. I really like you Remus, and now I think that being just riends is less than I want. I gather that you were going to say something about that night?" She finished.
"Actually, I was going to say that our apartments are above the shop. And the shop is in Diagon alley. And that I wasn't sure if we would be able to get back in there after today's events."
"Ow." She blushed crimson. "Never mind the…"
"But, I think I liked your conversation topic better." He smiled a cheeky grin, which made Claire feel weak at the knees and leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. "I think I'm falling." He whispered into her ear as he pulled away. They went back to Diagon alley to find that most of the damage was still being cleared up, but their shop seemed to have not been affected. They were able to get to their apartments. Just as Remus was kissing Claire goodbye at her front door, Claire realised something.
"Oh Merlin, what's James going to say?" Remus gulped, he knew how protective of Claire he had been. He once hexed Sirius so badly for hitting on Claire. And Sirius was his best mate. Remus would be in deep doo doo.
That night, Lily stayed awake the whole night she couldn't sleep, nor could James, he just hugged his wife close to him, scared that the next day he would not be able to. Sirius slept restlessly. He kept on calling out, having nightmares. Lily went in on him a few time to find him with the sheets all twisted around him in a cold sweat. It was heart wrenching to see what was such a strong man reduced to something so weak. Nobody could blame him however. It ended up with Lily James and Sirius all awake talking in the living room at about one in the morning. No one could sleep. They didn't really talk much, every now and then one would bring up a memory which made them all smile in rememberance. They made it through to dawn. It was lucky that Lily had the day off that day, she helped Sirius by going to his school and explaining that Sirius needed the week off to recover. They were sympathetic with him and agreed. James how ever had to go to work. So Lily was keeping Sirius company all day. To keep his mind off the current events she agreed to playing a few games with him. These included hide and seek, wizards chess, exploading snap and Pictionary (That was Lily's idea). The day turned out weird, but in the end they had to face reality and James walked in on his wife and his best mate in tears hugging each other having a true heart to heart about all of their worries and troubles. That day had really brought Sirius and Lily closer, they now trusted and depended on each other like they both did James. That night was the same as the previous. Little sleep, little happiness. The following day Sirius turned up at the hospital with Lily who allowed him to sit in her office with him. he didn't want him at home alone brooding and mourning. Then after yet another night of little rest, Sirius decided that he owed Andi and Jonathan a quality send off. And that day he spent planning their funerals. James had a half day that day and came home to help. It was times like these that Sirius knew he could depend on his best mate. This was what made their friendship so stong- they were always there for each other.
Yet another night with out sleep later and a zombie looking Sirius James and Lily all helped Sirius sort through his and Mr Blacks house for their personal belongings. It was more draining then all then nights without sleep to together.
That Sunday was the funerals. Sirius was sitting at the front of the Church all in black with all his mates surrounding him. All there giving him the moral support he needed.
The vicar took order and began the fueral service. It was all a blur for Sirius. He was still dwelling on the fact that he had lost both his wife and father in one dreadful day. He would never see touch or talk to either of them again. A song played, it made him think. It was "There you'll be" by faith Hill.
It made Sirius remember all the good times he shared with his wife and father. For years to come he would never be able to hear that song without a tear in his eye and a weight in his heart.
He didn't know what he was doing yet he knew exactly why he was standing at the same time. He didn't yet he did know why he was aproaching the front. His mind was blurred, dazed and confused, yet he knew exactly what he was about to say. It was asthough someone was watching over him, guiding him and telling him what to do. It gave him a warmth and he began his speech.
" Both Jonathan and Andromeda Black were vey special people to me, and many of you here." He started. "I cannot explain in words how much either of them meant to me. Jonathan Black was my father, he was the kindest, strongest and most intelligent man I ever knew. He was my idol. When my mother died, he was strong for me and raised me as both a mother and a father. He helped me through rough times, he was kind and understanding about everything. For instance the amount of friends of mine he had let stay round my house in the hogwarts summer holidays was uncanny. He treated everyone as an equal and he got me through my life this far. I will always look up to him and remeber his teachings. In my heart he will always live." He paused and everyone clapped lightly. "Then there was Andromeda." He paused thoughtfully and grinned. "And if she was here with us today, she would've beaten me senseless for using her full name. I remember at our wedding, when the vicar used it, the evil eye she gave him. I had to grab her hand to prevent her from hitting him. It was an odd relationship our one. From fifth year to the end of the seventh year, we were always at one anothers throats. It wasn't until the graduation ball, I actually cut all losses and told her how I felt. Then when I finally had her as mine it was amazing." At this point his voice went all shakey and he wiped his eye with the back of his hand. "Andi will be remembered by me as a great woman. She was selfless, generous and she always knew what she wanted and how to go about getting it." He raised his wand. "To two great people who deserved a long and happy life!"
"Here here!" James said loudly standing and raising his wand, Lily followed and soon the whold church was standing with their wands raised in the air. The Blacks were a well respacted family.
A dark lady watched this pathetic display of affection for her uncle and cousin in law.
"Foolish muggle loveing idiots, you will all go the same way." She spat under her breath as she left.
The Six young adults stood around the newly dug graves, just staring, wallowing in pity for their friends. The each in turn hugged Sirius and left him alone, James was last and embraced his mate in a brotherly hug.
"Don't think you can't ever depend on me. We're brothers ok. Nothing's ever going to change that, not new friends, not girls, not anything."
"Thanks mate." Sirius choked out. "Same here." James left and Sirius said his final good bye, leaving a red rose on each grave.
Everyone made their way back to Godric's Hollow, where a few light snacks and drinks were waiting. Everyone who ttended, gave their condolences to Sirius, the night dragged on, it was excruciatinly slow, but finally it was over. Unfortunately, when Lily James and Sirius were finally in bed, their sleep was minimal. Sirius would wake up every five minutes in fits of screaming. This enevitably kept Lily and James awake. Lily went in to see him.
"Sirius honey whats wrong?" Sirius was in a cold sweat, his eyes were wide open and blood shot.
"He, they, I saw them being killed!" He gasped. "Lily I keep on imagining different ways that they die. I keep imagining tem being tortured and ridiculed. " He burst into a fit of tears. Lily was shaocked.
"Shhhhhhh." She comforted, hugging him. "Shhhh. It's ok. I'll tell you what, come in and sleep with us tonight. Will that make you feel safer?" He nodded and she dried his eyes. Taking his hand she led him into the master bedroom. James was asleep and facing the opposite direction. He had rolled into the middle of the bed. Lily sighed and rolled him over to the edge. Sirius got in the middle and Lily managed to squeeze onto the other side. It was just aswell she was only little. She held Sirius' hand, until he fell asleep and then actually managed to doze off herself. It was the first decent amount of sleep for about a week.
The next morning there was a startled "Ahh!" from James when he found his best mate in bed with him and his wife.
"shhh!" Lily whispered sitting up groggily. "Don't wake him yet. Come on." They both got out of bed and went down the stairs. It was quite early, James usually had to be into work early. It was routine that Lily would wake up with him and either make his breakfast or supervise him making it.
"Why was Sirius in our bed?" James asked.
"He was having nightmares, so I said he could sleep with us." James grinned at her.
"Ow is Lily getting all maternal? Awww bless her frilly knickers." He excalimed squeezing her cheek. She glared at him.
"Well at least I woke up! You just didn't hear anything and kept snoring!" She shot back.
"Hey! I heard!" He defended. "I just couldn't be bothered to get up!"
"Yeah you heard real well, thats why you didn't notice that I rolled you across the bed and Sirius climbed in next to you!" She retorted hitting him playfully.
"Ow you'll pay for that one!" He smiled.
"Ow no!" She screeched running away from him. e caught her in the living room and pinned her to the floor tickling her mercilessly.
"James!" Lily squealed. "James stop it!" She said laughing breathlessly. "James you have to go to work."
"Can't I just stay here with you, all day?" He asked, stopping tickling her and just remaining in his position on top of her.
"You can. Or you can just go to work!" She replied smiling. He just looked down at her.
"I know what I choose!" He said kissing her.
"Mmmmmmmm James." She moaned. "James you have to go to work." He looked at her in a mck hurt expression. "Mmmmmm but I have today off, you finish early and Sirius will be at work. You do the math!" Lily smiled as she walked seductively into the kitchen. James grinned.
"Ok I'm going! The sooner I get there the sooner I can leave!" He yelled. And he apperated to work.
Lily made breakfast for Sirius and took it up to him.
"Sirius." She whispered shaking him lightly. "Sirius wake up, you have to go to work."
"Mmmmm Lily 5 more minutes." He moaned.
"Men!" She muttered under her breath.
Lily made breakfast for Sirius and took it up to him.
"Sirius." She whispered shaking him lightly. "Sirius wake up, you have to go to work."
"Mmmmm Lily 5 more minutes." He moaned.
"Men!" She muttered under her breath. "I've brought you breakfast." She said and instantly at the sound of food, Sirius woke up, grabbed his plate and began gobbling away. "You ready to go back to work today? ... It'll keep your mind off things." Sirius nodded slowly.
"Lil's will you come with me? I don't think I can survive those boys on my own." Lily looked at him grimly.
"Ok. Well it is my day off today anyway. But only for half the day. I promised James I'd do something with him after work." She stated.
"He taking you out?" He asked.
"I have a feeling he'll be taking me somewhere..." She replied vaugly.
"Groovy. Well come on Mrs Potter we have a class to teach, get dressed. By the way, love the nighty." He winked at her as she discarded his empty plate. "Never did I think I'd be getting out of bed with you my dear." He added. They got dressed and apperated to Sirius' school.
Upon entering the Transfiguration classroom, they came across a very pretty lady. Sirius only knew her by professional name.
"Professor Robinson?" He asked.
"Professor Black." She returned with a smile. "Professor Janke didn't know whether you would be returnning today. I was assigned to cover your class. I supose I won't have to now?"
"No but thank you. I hope the boys didn't cause you too much hassle."
"They were little angels. I have to say I'm awfully sorry to hear about your losses. I too have recently lost my fiance, so I know half of what your going through. I offer my condolences and if you ever need to talk I'll normally be in the charms room."
"Thanks professor." He smiled faintly.
"No need for formalities when the children aren't around. Call me Sasha." She held out her hand.
"Sirius." He returned. "And this is my friend. Lily Potter. She's here to help me settle in today." Sasha shook her hand.
"Such a loyal friend. Potter... Why does that ring a bell? Have we met before?"
"You've probably heard of my husband. James knows allot of people and has been in the papers numerous times. Also son of a Quidditcah star- Robert Potter?" Sash smiled warmly.
"That would be it then. Sirius in the legue of famous wizards, well I never."
"Hardly famous, just well known." Lily replied modestly.
"Well nice talking to you both." Sasha said as she eft the room.
"Nice lady." Sirius said. He could see why his boys were good for her. She was the typical teacher who all the boys fancied. Young,, pretty and a lovely personality. Sirius sorted through the papers on his desk as Lily looked around the room. She paused in front of a mirror.
"Sirius, do I look like I'm gaining weight?" She asked. Sirius looked at her and laughed.
"Don't be stupid Lil's, you're as petite as the day I met you." In actual fact if Lily had put on weight it was the tinsiest amount.
"Are you sure?" Just then the door openedand the first of the boys walked into the class.
"Sir you're back!" They yelled excitedly sitting down at the front of the room quietly, something none of them had ever done before. and they were actually fighting for the front row.
As Sirius was stunned into silence on of the boys put his hand up.
"Mr Demitri?" Sirius asked.
"Sir, is it really true that you're friends with James Potter and you used prank all the teachers at your school with him?" Lily laughed and was confused.
"Who told you all that?" he stuttered.
"Professor Lupin." One boy said. Lily laughed louder. Sirius glared at her.
"Is it true sir?" The boys waited eagerly. Sirius hesitated so Lily butted in.
"Sirius and James ruled the halls of hogwarts. They used to prank everyone. Once they turned the deputy head into a chicken." The boys laughed.
"Don't get any ideas!" Sirius added, noticing the mysterious glint in a fews eyes.
"And Mrs Potter I believe I remember a certain charm you helped perform on the great hall ceiling!" Lily blushed.
"Mrs Potter?" a boy asked.
"Yes Mrs Potter. Mrs Lily Potter, wife of my best mate since we were 7, James Potter. Who is son of quidditch star Robert Potter and so on. How comes everyone knows him all of a sudden?" The boys were all looking at Lily in awe. She shrugged. One of the boys put his hand up.
"Sir, I think it was because he was in the daily prophet the other day." Lily and Sirius looked at each other on hearing this news for the first time.
"Why?" Lily questionned.
"Something about him receiving a promotion and the ministers thanks for work on the battle feild."
"Really?" Lily asked shocked.
"Are you sure you are married to him?" One boy asked suspiciously. She smiled at him.
"Married, trapped, whatever term you prefer."
"I thought we were here to discuss transfiguration, not my social affairs!" The class drew their attention back to Sirius. "Now if my beautiful assistant would come here please, I'd like to demonstrate human transfiguration."
"Woah, no! I didn't agree to that." Lily said.
"Now I don't want to see any of you trying this yet you are not advanced enough...." Sirius ignored Lily's plea's.
About two hours later James burst through the transfiguration room door.
"Sirius, have you seen Lily? She left me a note saying she'd be here." Sirius nodded to the floor where a cute rabbit with green eyes and a red tail glared at him.
"Lily?" James asked with a grin picking up his wife and muttering the counter spell.
"James take me away from him!" Lily said pointing an accusatory finger towards Sirius who held his hands up defensively. James grinned at Sirius and gave him a discreet thumbs up.
"Sirius is it ok if I steal my wife back?"
"Sure you can." He looked around, his class was completely silent for a first, all staring in awe at James. "Ow mate, is there a possibility you could stop by one day and talk to my class, or your fan club."
"Yeah sure." James said and steered his still angry, glaring wife out of the class room.
Lily came out of the room still fuming at Sirius.
"I can't believe he turned me into a rabbit! agh!" James smiled at her. "What? What are you smiling at?" She demanded.
"You looked cute as a bunny." He blushed. Lily knew it was one of his genuine comments and she blushed too.
She didn't reply just grabbed his hand and apparated home, he was quick to follow.
"You want to go upstairs?" He asked Lily smiling cheekily when he arrived.
"Bit confident aren't we?" Lily asked slyly.
"All comes with the package my little bunny gal." He picked her up and carried her up the stairs. Lily kicked and giggled and screamed, but in the end she had to surrender. She didn't want to fall down the stairs afterall.
Sirius arrived home about 3 hours later.
"LILY, JAMES?" He shouted. James came down the stairs in his dressing gown. Sirius looked at him weirdly.
"Been in the shower." James said. "Whats up mate? How was school?" Sirius smiled at him. The first real smile he had smiled since IT had happened.
"I'm so glad I went back today. It really helped and everyone was there for me. Whats more, Remus seems to have told the boys some stuff and their either really scared that I might prank them or they actually respect me! Can you believe that? It's amazing... Wheres Lily?"
"She's asleep. Thats great padfoot. Moony always did have a better way of dealing with people then we did."
"Lily still mad at me? I think she tried to bite me when she was a bunny." James smiled.
"No I don't think shes feeling mad right now."
"Well anyway, I want to say thanks to you and her for looking after me. I wouldn't have survived with out you. I want to take you out to dinner. You and everyone else." James smiled and put a brotherly arm around his best mate.
"You don't have to do that. You looked after me when I was in a state. You accepted Lily back and gave her a second chance. You've always been there for moony with his problems. Wormtail's always needed a little help and extra attention. It's all give and take. We love you and would never be with out you." Sirius thumped him friendly on the arm.
"You've been spending too much time around Lily- shes got you talking like a girl!" He laughed. They both laughed. They laughed because they needed to in these dark times. They laughed just because they still could.