Author's Note: Thanks soo much for all the reviews! They're really
helpful. Oh and for this story, we're just gonna pretend James has a
sister! lol k read & review! ~Bananas
Chapter Twelve:
The whole of Hogwarts was filled with an excited air as the family visiting week came closer. Now with only two days left to go, studying was nearly impossible. Students were writing and receiving last minute owls, and it was the topic of all conversations. Some teachers had even given up their attempts of teaching. Professor McGonagall was becoming extremely frustrated and sternly told all her seventh-years that she did not care to hear the details of their family lives. Even Lily was starting to get annoyed. She sat in the Head common room, trying desperately to study for her Potions test, while Bridget and Annabelle chattered endlessly about how exciting this family visiting week was going to be.
"Mum has always wanted to see what a Quidditch match looked like!" Bridget exclaimed. Bridget's mother was a Muggle.
"I know! I heard that the match is going to be unbelievable! Kailyn says James is working them hard so that now family will ever forget this match!" Annabelle said excitedly. This annoyed Lily even more. She seriously had not seen James out of class ever since the night of their moonlight stroll. During class, James would sit with his teammates, discussing strategies. The few times he actually did sit with Lily, he would be busy drawing game plans. The second classes ended for the day, it was time for Quidditch practice again. In the corridors between classes, the Gryffindor team held little pep talks and planning sessions. During mealtimes, they would quickly eat and rush outside to practice some more.
"Lily, are you okay?" Bridget suddenly sked.
"She's just mad because she hasn't had a good snogging session with James recently!" Annabelle giggled.
"It's more like I've barely even SEEN James recently!" Lily said, staring at her Potions book moodily. She was probably the only person who studied these days.
"Come on Lily, lighten up! You've been stressing over your studies way too much. Just forget about it like everyone else has, and join the excitement!" Bridget said, tossing Lily's Potions book aside.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Lily said helplessly. She could not stand watching everyone else except her having fun anymore.
"And I know you miss spending time with James. But he'll be all yours again as soon as the match is over," Annabelle said comfortingly. Lily could not help thinking that maybe James had gotten bored with her. Maybe she wasn't fun enough for him. . .
"So, what exactly is going on between Kailyn and Sirius?" Bridget asked thoughtfully. Lily snapped out of her daze, and looked at Bridget. Kailyn had definitely been acting very strange lately. Whenever someone mentioned Sirius, she would turn red. Whenever she saw him, she would fix her hair and sit very still until he noticed her. And they were always disappearing together.
"She's not going out with him - she would have told us," Annabelle said analytically. Lily tried not to laugh. Bridget and Annabelle loved to analyze these things. Just then, James, Sirius and Kailyn strolled in, still wearing their Quidditch clothes. Lily's heart gave a little leap - she was finally going to get to talk to James without a teacher staring at her the whole time. Sirius and Kailyn fell onto the sofa, sitting very close to each other. James looked weary, but at the same time pleased.
"Dumbledore wants to see us," he said, sitting across the table from Lily and taking her hand.
"Why?" Lily asked, trying not to sound overjoyed at the little interaction they were finally having.
"I don't know, but we should go now." James replied. Lily nodded, and followed him out of the Head common room. Once they were in the corridor, James put his arm around her and pulled her very close to him.
"I missed you Lils," he said, kissing the top of her head. Lily felt like she could jump with joy.
"Yeah, you don't have time for me anymore," she said, shaking her head sadly.
"I'm sorry, Princess. I just want to make this match go down in the history of Hogwarts. Wait and see. . .it's going to be the best Quidditch match you've ever seen!" James said proudly. Lily smiled. James was already one of the best Seekers Hogwarts had ever seen, but he kept pushing himself to do even better. They stopped in front of the gargoyle statue guarding Dumbledore's office, where Professor McGonagall stood waiting for them.
"Quidditch practice going well, Mr. Potter?" she asked, with a hint of pride in her voice. She led them upstairs to Dumbledore's office.
"Yes, Professor. We won't let you down." James replied. Professor McGonagall beamed, and opened the door to the office. All the teachers were already there, seated at a long table. Lily looked at them in surprise, wondering why she was at a teacher's meeting.
"Ah, Mr. Potter and Miss Evans! Please sit down, and we can begin." Professor Dumbledore said kindly. James and Lily took the two empty seats at the end of the table. They glanced at each other apprehensively.
"But Professor Dumbledore, surely these two children do not need to hear this!" Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, said worriedly.
"My dear Madam Pomfrey, I am afraid that James and Lily are no longer children. They have indeed grown up fast," Professor Dumbledore said fondly. James looked at Professor Dumbledore, wondering what was going on.
"I regret to inform you, that Voldemort is steadily becoming more and more powerful by the day," Professor Dumbledore began. James and Lily looked at him in shock. Why would he want them at such an important meeting? "It saddens me to say that I am quite worried now. His number of followers is increasing, and soon he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. As you know, his first target is all muggle borns. He does not wish for them to learn witchcraft and wizardry. And so, I am very afraid that he may first attempt to attack this problem at its source - Hogwarts."
"But Professor, surely he would not dare such an attack! Surely he does not think he can win against a school such as Hogwarts - against you?" Professor McGonagall said loudly, over all the gasps of horror.
"And he cannot enter Hogwarts! The school is heavily protected! Unless he were to Apparate into the building?" Professor Dooms said uncertainly.
"You can't Apparate or Disapparate on Hogwarts grounds," Lily said weakly. Everyone looked at her in surprise, having forgotten that she and James were there. James noticed that Lily was trembling, and her face was pale. He squeezed her hand under the table.
"Miss Evans is absolutely right," Professor Dumbledore said, sounding impressed. "I am not sure how he may do it. But my guess is, he will be using help from inside Hogwarts."
"Professor! Surely you don't mean to say that. . .that some of his supporters are in Hogwarts?" Professor McGonagall said in disbelief.
"It is only my belief, Professor McGonagall. I cannot say for sure, and I most definitely cannot accuse any of my students of being Death Eaters. But we must be aware." Professor Dumbledore replied gravely.
"Hogwarts students. . .Death Eaters?" Madam Pomfrey shook her head sadly.
"We must all be very careful and on the lookout. James and Lily, as Head Students, I would like you to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. I do not wish to burden the students with news like this, but it is important that someone in the student population is aware of this. Can you take this responsibility?" Professor Dumbledore said kindly. James and Lily nodded, too surprised to say anything.
"But I must ask you to remember," Professor Dumbledore looked at James, "not to point any fingers, and not to accuse anyone merely on biased judgments or past conflictions."
"Yes, Professor," James replied. Professor Dumbledore smiled at him.
"Thank you for joining us, Mr. Potter, Miss Evans. You may go now," he said. James took Lily's hand, and led her out of the office. They walked in silence to the Head common room, which was now empty. Lily stood in front of the fireplace, trying to stop shaking.
"Lils, are you okay?" James asked worriedly.
"James, what if he is really powerful now? What if he can get what wants?" Lily asked quietly.
"He won't. Dumbledore won't let anything happen." James said reassuringly.
"What if this is out of Dumbledore's control? He wants to attack the muggle borns in this school. I'm a muggle born!" Lily said, her voice breaking. James wrapped his arms around her, and held her tightly.
"I won't let anything happen to you. I promise I will always be here to take care of you," he said, stroking her hair gently. They sat down together on the sofa, James still holding Lily close to him.
"I missed being with you the last couple days," Lily said, leaning her head on James's shoulder.
"So did I. But don't worry, I'll make it up to you. I'll make all those days up to you," James grinned. Lily laughed.
"I hope you behave like a gentleman when I introduce you to my parents," she said, running her fingers through James's unruly hair.
"I'm always a gentleman," James laughed, "My mum can't wait to meet you."
"She knows about me?" Lily asked in surprise.
"Yes, apparently Sirius took the liberty of sending her an owl and telling her." James said. Lily began to laugh, but then suddenly remembered all the things she had ever heard about the Potters. They were a very prestigious family in the wizarding world, and were very wealthy. As far as she knew, they were an entirely pureblood family. Lily felt slightly sick as she wondered how they would react when they learned James was dating a muggle.
"Do you think. . .they'll like me?" she asked nervously. James looked at her in surprise.
"Of course they'll like you! Why wouldn't they?" he asked.
"Because. . .my family is the total opposite of yours! We're muggles, and we're not exactly the wealthiest family." Lily replied.
"So?" James frowned.
"So. . .what if they don't think I'm good enough for you?" Lily said quietly. James looked outraged.
"WHERE did you get a stupid idea like that from?" he demanded.
"I don't know," Lily mumbled.
"Listen Lils, my family is not like that! They're not going to give a damn about how wealthy you are, or whether your parents are muggles. All they'll care about is that you're a good woman, and that I'm happy with you!" James said.
"Your father doesn't approve of your sister's fiancé," Lily pointed out.
"That's different!" James snapped, "You're not a loser who can't find a job, and you're the most decent girl I've ever known. My father will love you."
Lily was not completely reassured, but James's word was good enough for now. She really wanted the Potters to like her.
"I'm sorry, I guess I'm just a little nervous," she apologized.
"Well, don't be. Everything will be okay. So. . .what do you say I start making up for all these days I've been away from you?" James grinned, twirling a strand of Lily's red hair on his finger.
"Sounds good," Lily smiled, as James leaned back on the couch, pulling her with him.
Author's Note: Heyy review please! The families come to visit next chapter!
Chapter Twelve:
The whole of Hogwarts was filled with an excited air as the family visiting week came closer. Now with only two days left to go, studying was nearly impossible. Students were writing and receiving last minute owls, and it was the topic of all conversations. Some teachers had even given up their attempts of teaching. Professor McGonagall was becoming extremely frustrated and sternly told all her seventh-years that she did not care to hear the details of their family lives. Even Lily was starting to get annoyed. She sat in the Head common room, trying desperately to study for her Potions test, while Bridget and Annabelle chattered endlessly about how exciting this family visiting week was going to be.
"Mum has always wanted to see what a Quidditch match looked like!" Bridget exclaimed. Bridget's mother was a Muggle.
"I know! I heard that the match is going to be unbelievable! Kailyn says James is working them hard so that now family will ever forget this match!" Annabelle said excitedly. This annoyed Lily even more. She seriously had not seen James out of class ever since the night of their moonlight stroll. During class, James would sit with his teammates, discussing strategies. The few times he actually did sit with Lily, he would be busy drawing game plans. The second classes ended for the day, it was time for Quidditch practice again. In the corridors between classes, the Gryffindor team held little pep talks and planning sessions. During mealtimes, they would quickly eat and rush outside to practice some more.
"Lily, are you okay?" Bridget suddenly sked.
"She's just mad because she hasn't had a good snogging session with James recently!" Annabelle giggled.
"It's more like I've barely even SEEN James recently!" Lily said, staring at her Potions book moodily. She was probably the only person who studied these days.
"Come on Lily, lighten up! You've been stressing over your studies way too much. Just forget about it like everyone else has, and join the excitement!" Bridget said, tossing Lily's Potions book aside.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Lily said helplessly. She could not stand watching everyone else except her having fun anymore.
"And I know you miss spending time with James. But he'll be all yours again as soon as the match is over," Annabelle said comfortingly. Lily could not help thinking that maybe James had gotten bored with her. Maybe she wasn't fun enough for him. . .
"So, what exactly is going on between Kailyn and Sirius?" Bridget asked thoughtfully. Lily snapped out of her daze, and looked at Bridget. Kailyn had definitely been acting very strange lately. Whenever someone mentioned Sirius, she would turn red. Whenever she saw him, she would fix her hair and sit very still until he noticed her. And they were always disappearing together.
"She's not going out with him - she would have told us," Annabelle said analytically. Lily tried not to laugh. Bridget and Annabelle loved to analyze these things. Just then, James, Sirius and Kailyn strolled in, still wearing their Quidditch clothes. Lily's heart gave a little leap - she was finally going to get to talk to James without a teacher staring at her the whole time. Sirius and Kailyn fell onto the sofa, sitting very close to each other. James looked weary, but at the same time pleased.
"Dumbledore wants to see us," he said, sitting across the table from Lily and taking her hand.
"Why?" Lily asked, trying not to sound overjoyed at the little interaction they were finally having.
"I don't know, but we should go now." James replied. Lily nodded, and followed him out of the Head common room. Once they were in the corridor, James put his arm around her and pulled her very close to him.
"I missed you Lils," he said, kissing the top of her head. Lily felt like she could jump with joy.
"Yeah, you don't have time for me anymore," she said, shaking her head sadly.
"I'm sorry, Princess. I just want to make this match go down in the history of Hogwarts. Wait and see. . .it's going to be the best Quidditch match you've ever seen!" James said proudly. Lily smiled. James was already one of the best Seekers Hogwarts had ever seen, but he kept pushing himself to do even better. They stopped in front of the gargoyle statue guarding Dumbledore's office, where Professor McGonagall stood waiting for them.
"Quidditch practice going well, Mr. Potter?" she asked, with a hint of pride in her voice. She led them upstairs to Dumbledore's office.
"Yes, Professor. We won't let you down." James replied. Professor McGonagall beamed, and opened the door to the office. All the teachers were already there, seated at a long table. Lily looked at them in surprise, wondering why she was at a teacher's meeting.
"Ah, Mr. Potter and Miss Evans! Please sit down, and we can begin." Professor Dumbledore said kindly. James and Lily took the two empty seats at the end of the table. They glanced at each other apprehensively.
"But Professor Dumbledore, surely these two children do not need to hear this!" Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, said worriedly.
"My dear Madam Pomfrey, I am afraid that James and Lily are no longer children. They have indeed grown up fast," Professor Dumbledore said fondly. James looked at Professor Dumbledore, wondering what was going on.
"I regret to inform you, that Voldemort is steadily becoming more and more powerful by the day," Professor Dumbledore began. James and Lily looked at him in shock. Why would he want them at such an important meeting? "It saddens me to say that I am quite worried now. His number of followers is increasing, and soon he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. As you know, his first target is all muggle borns. He does not wish for them to learn witchcraft and wizardry. And so, I am very afraid that he may first attempt to attack this problem at its source - Hogwarts."
"But Professor, surely he would not dare such an attack! Surely he does not think he can win against a school such as Hogwarts - against you?" Professor McGonagall said loudly, over all the gasps of horror.
"And he cannot enter Hogwarts! The school is heavily protected! Unless he were to Apparate into the building?" Professor Dooms said uncertainly.
"You can't Apparate or Disapparate on Hogwarts grounds," Lily said weakly. Everyone looked at her in surprise, having forgotten that she and James were there. James noticed that Lily was trembling, and her face was pale. He squeezed her hand under the table.
"Miss Evans is absolutely right," Professor Dumbledore said, sounding impressed. "I am not sure how he may do it. But my guess is, he will be using help from inside Hogwarts."
"Professor! Surely you don't mean to say that. . .that some of his supporters are in Hogwarts?" Professor McGonagall said in disbelief.
"It is only my belief, Professor McGonagall. I cannot say for sure, and I most definitely cannot accuse any of my students of being Death Eaters. But we must be aware." Professor Dumbledore replied gravely.
"Hogwarts students. . .Death Eaters?" Madam Pomfrey shook her head sadly.
"We must all be very careful and on the lookout. James and Lily, as Head Students, I would like you to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. I do not wish to burden the students with news like this, but it is important that someone in the student population is aware of this. Can you take this responsibility?" Professor Dumbledore said kindly. James and Lily nodded, too surprised to say anything.
"But I must ask you to remember," Professor Dumbledore looked at James, "not to point any fingers, and not to accuse anyone merely on biased judgments or past conflictions."
"Yes, Professor," James replied. Professor Dumbledore smiled at him.
"Thank you for joining us, Mr. Potter, Miss Evans. You may go now," he said. James took Lily's hand, and led her out of the office. They walked in silence to the Head common room, which was now empty. Lily stood in front of the fireplace, trying to stop shaking.
"Lils, are you okay?" James asked worriedly.
"James, what if he is really powerful now? What if he can get what wants?" Lily asked quietly.
"He won't. Dumbledore won't let anything happen." James said reassuringly.
"What if this is out of Dumbledore's control? He wants to attack the muggle borns in this school. I'm a muggle born!" Lily said, her voice breaking. James wrapped his arms around her, and held her tightly.
"I won't let anything happen to you. I promise I will always be here to take care of you," he said, stroking her hair gently. They sat down together on the sofa, James still holding Lily close to him.
"I missed being with you the last couple days," Lily said, leaning her head on James's shoulder.
"So did I. But don't worry, I'll make it up to you. I'll make all those days up to you," James grinned. Lily laughed.
"I hope you behave like a gentleman when I introduce you to my parents," she said, running her fingers through James's unruly hair.
"I'm always a gentleman," James laughed, "My mum can't wait to meet you."
"She knows about me?" Lily asked in surprise.
"Yes, apparently Sirius took the liberty of sending her an owl and telling her." James said. Lily began to laugh, but then suddenly remembered all the things she had ever heard about the Potters. They were a very prestigious family in the wizarding world, and were very wealthy. As far as she knew, they were an entirely pureblood family. Lily felt slightly sick as she wondered how they would react when they learned James was dating a muggle.
"Do you think. . .they'll like me?" she asked nervously. James looked at her in surprise.
"Of course they'll like you! Why wouldn't they?" he asked.
"Because. . .my family is the total opposite of yours! We're muggles, and we're not exactly the wealthiest family." Lily replied.
"So?" James frowned.
"So. . .what if they don't think I'm good enough for you?" Lily said quietly. James looked outraged.
"WHERE did you get a stupid idea like that from?" he demanded.
"I don't know," Lily mumbled.
"Listen Lils, my family is not like that! They're not going to give a damn about how wealthy you are, or whether your parents are muggles. All they'll care about is that you're a good woman, and that I'm happy with you!" James said.
"Your father doesn't approve of your sister's fiancé," Lily pointed out.
"That's different!" James snapped, "You're not a loser who can't find a job, and you're the most decent girl I've ever known. My father will love you."
Lily was not completely reassured, but James's word was good enough for now. She really wanted the Potters to like her.
"I'm sorry, I guess I'm just a little nervous," she apologized.
"Well, don't be. Everything will be okay. So. . .what do you say I start making up for all these days I've been away from you?" James grinned, twirling a strand of Lily's red hair on his finger.
"Sounds good," Lily smiled, as James leaned back on the couch, pulling her with him.
Author's Note: Heyy review please! The families come to visit next chapter!