Summary: Lily nervously prepares herself to meet Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Will she pass as their new daughter-in-law or will she fail miserably?

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling. Free feel to sue me, and I will send half a box of Altoids, a Diet Coke, and my watermelon chapstick.

The First Step

By: Miss Skeeter

Chapter Two

…Aren't Always Bad

"So…erm…mum," James said grinning sheepishly, "what do you think?" He crammed a turnover into his mouth, the flaky crust melting on his tongue. "Dad?" He turned to the two nonplussed parents, mirth reflected in his eyes and a laughing smile on his face. He tipped back his chair easily, balancing on the legs as he studied his father's face.

"She's…pretty," Jay said encouragingly, "and charming." He turned to his wife, squeezing her limp hand. "What do you think, 'Rissa?"

Clarissa tucked a loose curl behind her ear, her sapphire eyes roaming the table. Her lips pried apart, forming into a delightful smile, a crystal laughter erupting from her throat. Tears welled in her eyes as she clung onto her husband for support, a shriek of giggles slipping from her shaking mouth. "Oh--I'm n-not laughing at Lily! Oh my goodness…"

James blinked, bewilderment across his face. Never had he seen his mother…his prim, proper mother…burst into hysterics like that! "Gods, Mum," he said exasperated, "what's so funny?" He grabbed a sandwich from the tier, nibbling at it carefully.

"Oh my!" Clarissa breathed deeply, her face flushed and a rebellious lock of hair escaped from her knot. "Goodness…Lily is wonderful! She's a wreck!" James raised an eyebrow, shooting his father a questioningly look. His father shrugged in reply. "Oh Gods, she was like me when I met your grandparents!" She turned to Jay, her petite body shaking with mirth. "Oh, I spilled tea all over your grandfather! Remember, Jay?"

Jay laughed. "Oh, yes," he snorted, "y-you knocked over the tier and all the food…oh Merlin!"

Clarissa faced her son, nodding approvingly. "Yes, Lily is perfect. We'll get along just fine…but…she is taking an awful long time in the bathroom." James lowered his chair legs onto the ground, jumping to his feet quickly.

"I'll fine her," he offered, striding out of the kitchen.

Lily piled her flaming locks into a messy bun, staring at her stained dress mournfully. She whipped out her wand, struggling with a Cleaning Charm with no prevail. She moaned, leaning her head against the door. His parents hated her! She broke Mrs. Potter's…Clarissa's teacup, and she knocked over the chair. Mortified, a blush crept to her cheeks, and she slapped a hand over her face, the radiating heat warming her palm.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Tears trickled from her lids, clinging to her dark lashes. She fiddled with her ring, loosening it from her finger. She stared down at it, the diamonds winking up at her. A muffled laughter erupted from the kitchen. A sob choked in his throat as she listened intently. They were laughing…at her.

"Damn it!" she cursed angrily.

"You don't usually curse, hon," James's muffled voice said from behind the door. The knob twisted, and the door struggled to open but Lily's body leaned against it. James easily slipped through the large crack, his smiling face drinking in Lily's. Her red, puffy eyes…her raw skin…her tea-stained sundress…her ruffled hair…

He laughed slightly, hugging her tightly. She frowned, wrapping her arms around him slackly. "It's not that big of a deal, Lils," he informed her. "In fact, my parents are fine with it. They love you." Anger coursed through Lily as she backed away from James, pushing him toward the door.

"No!" she said brokenly, a puzzled look crossing James's face. "They were laughing at me, James! They hate me! I broke their teacup, I knocked over a scone, I kicked the table, I cursed…oh Merlin! I heard them laughing! They think…I'm some sort of a joke! A clown!" She gestured toward herself furiously.

"Nope," James said smiling. "That's not true, Lils."

"Liar," she spat, opening her palm to reveal the ring. "Y-you can have it back, you know." James chuckled, taking the ring to her surprise. He slipped it back onto her left hand firmly and wrapped his fingers over hers.

"C'mon," he said impatiently. "You'll see." He led her into the kitchen to her dismay. Clarissa and Jay straightened up in their chairs, beaming at Lily as she followed James meekly to her seat. She wiped at her eyes, sniffing heartily.

"Oh, Lily," Clarissa said kindly, handing her a handkerchief, "it's honestly not a big deal. I did the same thing when I met Jay's parents…well, I spilled tea on them."

Lily's eyes widened as she stared at Clarissa. She…the composed, proper woman…spilled tea on James's grandparents? She reduced herself to a clumsy, nervous oaf? Her shining, emerald eyes inquired her disbelievingly, causing Clarissa to giggle and nod reassuringly.

"Yes, it's true," she said shrugging. "But it doesn't matter, Lily. I know what you're feeling right now…and truthfully, we love you. You're beautiful, smart, and…human! I mean, I would be jealous of James if he married a veela." Lily blushed.

"Even veelas aren't perfect," Clarissa continued. "Have you seen them angry?" Lily nodded, hiccupping slightly.

Jay nodded in agreement. "Welcome to the family," he added. "I suppose you should receive the heirloom, right, 'Rissa?" Clarissa nodded, gesturing to the large ring on her finger.

"The wedding, at least," Clarissa said smiling jokingly. "I want to keep it for myself until then." They laughed slightly, and Lily, her face glowing happily, grabbed a scone and managed to eat it without dropping it. Of this, she was especially proud.

THE END

A/N: Sorry for the long update, but I couldn't think of anything until now. It's a short story…two chapters. Should I write a sequel? Or no? Nothing funny in here…just nice happy ending. Did you think I would make the Potters hate Lily? So…if you want to read more, maybe you can check out my other stories. Beware, they're D/G. I just think that couple fits because it's completely opposites attract!