Chapter Twenty-One: Behind Closed Doors

What the hell was that all about back there? Lily chastised herself when they were in the car. She had been blatantly flirting with James—acting like they were really a couple!

You're supposed to be acting like you're a couple 24/7, her logical mind reasoned, remember? Just in case someone like Shannon is right around the corner, listening in.

But really, I didn't have to take it that far! Lily flushed hotly remembering what she told James.

Not that he was helping either, another part of her voice reasoned.

No, Lily recalled, kissing her neck didn't help her either…

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James was berating himself as well. Damn it, Potter, I know you have feelings for her, but you can't cross the line.

Cross the line? We're supposed to be acting like boyfriend and girlfriend; how can I not cross the line? Another part of his mind reasoned.

Keep it simple. Hold hands, kiss her cheek. Just don't bloody kiss her neck!

Easier said than done.

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The rehearsal dinner went fine—although both Lily and James were a bit unnerved at how much Shannon was eyeing them, particularly James. Ben didn't even seem to notice.

"Ben the Blob," James commented as he and Lily noted aloud Shannon's… attentiveness.

Lily lightly whacked James. "Stop it," she said, but she was grinning.

They got home relatively early—about 10, but both Lily and James were tired; they had only arrived just that day, and were feeling the day's events catch up with them.

"What room are you staying in?" Lily asked. "I never did find out."

"Um… the room that's purple," James answered.

Lily stopped cold.

James looked at her. "Lily? Are you okay?"

Lily took a deep breath. "Yeah… yeah, I'm fine."

"No, no you're not," James said sternly. "What's wrong? Does it have to do with the purple room?" He put on a small smile. "What? Is there a ghost haunting it or something?"

Lily gave a small hysterical laugh. "No… no, that's just my sister Violet's old room."

James frowned. "I don't think I've met her… where is she?"

Lily smiled sadly at him. "She died, James."

James stood there, still. Then, he remembered… "Blonde hair and green eyes?"

Lily nodded with unshed tears in her eyes.

He took her in his arms and rubbed her back while she cried softly.

A few minutes later, comforted by his smell and touch, Lily looked up. "Sorry," she whispered. "Every time I come back… I just need a good cry."

"I understand," he replied and she knew he did. He had, after all, lost his father.

He wondered when she died and how and why, but for now, he would wait for her to explain... wait for her… like he always had.

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It was around three in the morning, and James had just gotten back from going to the bathroom. Passing by Lily's room, he heard something. Immediately worried, he pushed the door open and found Lily, in her bed, tossing and turning, moaning, "Violet—don't go, Violet. Not yet; please!"

James couldn't just stand there in the doorway and watch, so he went in.

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Andrew Evans heard familiar sounds from down the hall—he could only assume it was Lily. Every time she came home, her first night back she would have nightmares about her sister.

He pulled himself out of bed and went to go and comfort his favorite little girl, only to find that someone beat him to the chase.

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Walking to her bedside, James knelt. "Lily?" he whispered. "Lily?" She didn't seem to hear him, and she kept tossing and turning.

He kept calling her name softly, lightly shaking her until she woke up.

"James?" She whispered sleepily.

"Hey, Lily," James smiled softly. "You were having a nightmare."

Lily nodded. "I know."

"You okay?"

Lily nodded slightly. "I think so."

"Okay." He stood up, but before he could leave, he felt a small hand enclose his.

"Will you stay with me, James?" He could see her face, bathed in moonlight, and knew that he couldn't refuse her. "Just until I fall asleep?"

Pretending be damned, James slid in under the covers that she offered, unaware of her father standing in the doorway, watching the scene unfold silently.

As Lily settled into the comfort and refuge that was James's arms, Rose Evans appeared by her husband, gasping softly.

"Oh, my," she said. "I never thought he would… are they?"

Andrew shook his head. "He wouldn't take advantage of our Lily, Rose." He smiled; a sad father's smile when he knows that his little girl no longer his, but another man's, another man who loved her just as well. "I know this for sure."

And the two left the couple, both of whom had drifted into Dreamland, so unaware of the world.

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A/N: Ta-da! That, ladies and gentlemen, was the scene that started it all. My favorite, favorite chapter ever!

Okay, so it's awfully short—but don't worry, I'll be posting another tomorrow as soon as I get back from my swim meet!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter! Means a lot to me!