Yeah, long time, no update. I know, I know. But still I'm busy busy! Xmas break is coming up in like 2-3 weeks. And its getting COLD. Wayyyy to cold for my liking . lol oh yeah, and U of A BEAT ASU! YESSSSSSSSSSSS (Some of ya'll might not know them but u of a is my all time fav college football team) Go cats!
Newayz, next chapter is gonna be a sad one. :'( Then after that it's prolly gonna be New Years….
Pip the MiT squeak- Thanks! If her purse was heavier it prolly would've worked! Lol
Prongsie-Jamesie- Oh, yes, drama!! Lol Yes, LIly was being incredibly stupid! If Lily knew the future and knew she was gonna die, she'd prolly live life more, but she doesn't lol and she is very obsessive compulsive. Which means shes a worry freak—I know that from experience! Lol thanks for reviewing
Emps- Thanks for reviewing! I'd love to be your beta—but seeing as I'm barely on enough to post I'd feel bad because I wouldn't be able to have enough to beta. I'm sorry! But thanks so much for thinking of me and if you get it written, be sure to leave me the title so I can read it!
Sachiael- Thanks so much. If you really want an awesome story to read I recommend stories written by Suns Golden Ray. She's an awesome writer and her stories are my favorite. She has three out that all go along with each other. Read Deer to Me first, then Heading the School, then Four Little Words. Her writing is amazing and I hope everyone goes and reads her fics!! ( ) There's her link.
James and Lily 4eva- Thanks for reviewing! I feel sorry for James too L
Kim- Thanks!
Disclaimer: Gosh it's too stinkin cold to complain about stupid disclaimers!
Chapter 18: Christmas
….
Bree and I had certainly talked about the issues going on the next day. We discussed a lot about the future and to make me feel safer, we made a list of things I could do to avoid being the center of Voldemort's attention. And even though the thought of being killed still lingered in my mind, I felt safer just knowing that my friend would care enough about me to do everything she has done. If only my mind was like hers, where I could ignore him. But, since I wasn't able to do that, I was forced to think positively, and that started with Bree taking away the newspapers every morning and only letting me read some of it. If there was a big attack she would inform me of it, but wouldn't go too far into depth. I guess this was her way of trying to get that poison out of my mind. And once I'm completely over it I can get the papers back and read them on my own. Even though I wasn't given the information directly I tried very hard to find out all the details. I made special trips to the Ministry to visit Bree and try to find out the information from other people.
I just wanted to know what was going on! Even if that meant going completely insane again. But it was just my luck that most people who worked in the ministry had gone away for Christmas. Everyone except the Aurors, because they had to work year round because of the shortage. But I rarely saw them, for they were usually sleeping or out at battle.
I tried to focus on anything but James. So I found myself focusing on Christmas instead, which happens to be today. I was very excited for Christmas to finally come. Yet, I was depressed at the same time. I was invited by Sirius to go over to James' parents' house and have Christmas dinner with them. But, seeing as I am not really on speaking terms with James, I don't see that happening anytime soon. Besides, he's probably extremely angry at me and I don't want to talk to him until I clean up my mind and put everything back together properly. So, for those reasons, I am going to my parent's house for Christmas dinner with my family. Bree will be joining us after dinner (because she is going to dinner at the Potter's with Sirius.)
I was also focusing on a lot of studying. Every moment I got in the office I studied. And between writing books, I studied. Even on my breaks I studied. I needed to pass the test in order to start Auror training in January. Just like Bree, Ashley, and I have promised, we were studying to become Aurors. Classes would start and January. Usually, the program would take about two years to complete, but because of the shortage, they are cramming in as much classes as they can and cutting off about a year and a half. It scared me that in one half to one year I will be a certified Auror and be out on battle fighting the same people who killed my friends, and many other innocent people. I think that will be a good part of my 'therapy'. I will be able to put up a fight and feel more confident with myself.
"Good morning!" Bree yawned as she came out of her pajamas.
"Happy Christmas," I smiled back and waved my wand to conquer another cup of hot chocolate next to me, "Drink?"
"Yes, thank you," she smiled and accepted the cup before sitting down next to me on the couch.
"Are you sure you don't want to come to the Potter's with me?" Bree practically begged.
"Nah, I'm just going to go to mum's house and have dinner over there. Are you still coming over for desert?" I asked.
"Definitely," Bree smiled, "There's no way I'd miss your moms Christmas pie. Plus, my mum mentioned she was going to be there so she'll hex me if I'm not there."
I giggled, "Okay, do you want your gift now?"
"Sure," Bree jumped up, "Let me go get yours."
"Alright," I replied as I headed towards our small Christmas tree to find Bree's gift.
Bree came out carrying a wrapped box. Before she even handed it to me I already knew what it was. And I know that she knows what I'm getting her, because we both agreed to get each other a pensive.
I smiled as I took the gray bowl out of the box and observed it. Boy, this will come in handy. Bree was already sitting on the couch and filling her bowl with varies thoughts and memories.
"Thanks, Lil," Bree smiled once she filled the bowl with a specific thought.
"Thanks to you too." I replied, "What time are you leaving today?"
"Well," she pondered, "A little after tree I think. Sirius is going to pick me up."
"So I'll just see you tonight at my house then?" I asked as I headed towards the bathroom for a shower.
"Promise," she replied before going to her room.
…
I reached my hand up to knock on the door but then moved it quickly. This was my house, why should I knock? I grabbed the handle roughly and pushed it open only to find out it was locked. I sighed as I rolled by eyes and knocked loudly.
My mom, bright red hair and bright brown eyes, opened the door with a huge smile.
"Lily!" she said brightly when she realized it was her daughter, "Come in!"
I rushed inside quickly so I wouldn't have to stand in the cold any longer. Before I could even take off my coat my mum hugged me tightly.
"We've missed you so much!" Joyce, my mom, said releasing me. (A/N: Can't remember if I ever named Lily's mom. Yeah, crazy I know lol)
"I've missed you guys too." I said hanging up my coat finally, "How's dad and Petunia?"
"Your father is doing wonderful and Petunia is…very happy in her new house." My mom replied. About a year ago my sister had gotten married to a horrid big man and moved out as quickly as she could.
"Is she coming tonight?" I asked not sounding too excited.
"I'm afraid not, dear," My mom said leading me into the family room where all my family was gathered around the gigantic eight foot tree.
"The tree looks beautiful!" I smiled as I headed over to my relatives to greet them.
After hearing everyone talk about how much I have grown up and what I was doing (None of my other relatives knew I was a witch) and how my life was going, I sat down next to my dad and started to catch up.
I stared at my father, his brown hair starting to show specs of gray and his green eyes glowing with happiness.
"So, how's my flower doing, eh?" he asked as he turned towards me.
"Pretty good," I smiled, "Did you get a copy of my book?"
"I bought four for myself and I bought just about everyone who has the last name of Evans or is related to an Evans." He said proudly.
"Thanks, Dad." I smiled, "So how are things here?"
"Good," he replied, "How is Bree doing?"
"She's good." I said glancing at her parents who were talking to my aunt.
"Is she still dating that one boy?"
"Sirius?" I asked.
"Yeah, him," he replied, "He sure was a nice boy. Met him once on the platform. How long have they been dating for?"
I shrugged, "I think like the beginning of seventh year."
"That's a long time," he stated, "So are you still dating that Jacque? Was that his name?"
"Yes, Jacque, no, I'm not dating him anymore." I frowned.
"Why not? I thought you really like him?" he asked sounding disappointed.
I shrugged again, "Things weren't working out."
"Oh, I'm sorry hunny," he patted my hand.
"It's okay," I replied, "I went to Ashley's wedding a little bit ago. It was real nice."
"Her wedding already happened?" he asked sounding surprised, "I didn't know it was that soon. Golly, what a young age to marry! Nineteen, right?"
"Yeah," I stared into the fireplace, "Nineteen."
"So, who are you dating these days?"
"What?" I asked surprised, "Nobody."
"Nobody? Not even a crush?" he asked laughing.
"No," I grinned, "I think-"
"Dinners ready!" I heard my mom call from the kitchen.
"Happy Christmas, Dad," I said getting up and hugging him.
"Happy Christmas, Lillian," He replied getting up and heading towards the long dining room table.
…
Dinner passed uneventful. I was so happy to be back with my family. It seemed just like old times when we'd all get together for Christmas. Minus Petunia. She was too "busy" with her new family. She barely even talks to my parents. Good. She doesn't deserve such good people.
I was putting plates in the dishwasher when I heard the doorbell ring and heard Bree's voice echo through the front hall. And then I heard Sirius'.
At first I got nervous. What if they brought James? I'm not ready to see him. Especially to see him in my house. Please, don't be here, James.
I poked my head around the corner and was glad just to see Bree and Sirius in the entry hall talking to my mom. I happily walked towards them.
"Hey," I said as Sirius hugged me and wished me a happy Christmas.
"Hey, Lil," Bree smiled as she took hers and Sirius' coat and hung them up on the overflowing coat rack.
"Ready for some pie?" I asked as we headed towards the table and Bree and Sirius filled the two empty seats next to me.
"I've been waiting for this pie for three hundred and sixty-five days," Bree said sniffing the delicious air.
My mom laughed as she came out carrying a tray of sliced pie.
"Here's your favorite, Bree," my mom said handing Bree a piece of her famous chocolate pie.
"Thanks," Bree smiled as she dug her fork into it.
"And would you like some chocolate cake too, Sirius?" My mom asked Sirius as well. (She had met him before).
"Certainly, Mrs. Evans," Sirius grinned.
"Please, call my Joyce." She smiled as she handed him and myself a piece of pie.
I took a bite and smiled to myself. This is delicious. What a great Christmas.
…
"Bye, Mum," I said as I stood in the doorway, "Bye Dad."
I hugged both of my parents before grabbing my coat. I looked around and realized Sirius, Bree, and I were the only ones left.
"Are you sure you kids just don't want to stay the night?" My father asked.
"No, thanks," I replied, "I'll be talking to you soon?"
"Of course." My mum replied.
"Would it be a problem if we could just apparate here?" Bree asked my parents.
"But we can't apparate into our apartment." I said.
"My car is at James'." Bree said, "I apparated here without thinking."
"So what do you want me to do about it?" I asked jokingly.
"Why don't you apparate to James' with us then we can all drive from there." Bree said before adding, "it's not far."
"Well," I sighed.
"Who's James?" My dad asked. Good job.
"Oh," Bree said smiling at me, "Just an old friend."
"Yeah," Sirius added, "He's my best mate."
"James?" My mom pondered, "That sounds so familiar."
"How?" I asked, it was a long time since I had talked about James in front of my parents.
"Oh yes!" My father said after scratching his chin, "He came over here the other day looking for you."
"He what?" I asked dropping my purse.
"Yeah, that's right!" My mother agreed, "He said something about you not being at your apartment and he needed to talk to you. Oh, he was a lovely boy, Lily!"
"Ugh!" I frowned, "We're going to apparate now."
"Well, bye then," My parents said sounding confused.
"Happy Christmas." We all said before apparating out.
I landed firmly on the cold grass and stared at the house in front of me. Even if James lived only a few minutes from my house, he's was still much bigger than mine.
"Want to come in quickly?" Bree asked, "Sirius needs to pick something up."
"No thanks," I blushed as I thought about seeing him, "I'll just wait out here."
"You sure?" They asked as they headed up the lawn.
"Yeah," I said leaning up against Bree's car.
I sat for awhile before hearing Bree's and Sirius' voices from the doorway.
"We'll talk to you tomorrow, Prongs," Sirius said, "Tell your mum and dad happy Christmas."
"And thank you!" Bree added.
"See you guys later!" I heard James call back.
I quickly walked to the other side of the car so I was out of view. That was close.
"Want to sit in the front?" Bree asked as she got into the drivers seat.
"Back is fine." I replied as we all climbed into the car and drove off.
…
Tonight would've been the perfect night if James and I weren't in an argument. Well, if I wasn't in an argument with him. I don't know how mad he was at me.
I rolled over in my bed and stared out the window hopefully before seeing a falling star.
I quickly closed my eyes and made the most meaningful wish ever...
…it better come true.
