The Legacy of Two Generations

by LadyoftheLake

Lily and James started dating in their last year at Hogwarts, but that is only the beginning. Now, what will happen to their notorious son? Rated PG13 for some language. Harry's 6th year has begun & new adventures. PreHBP. Please r&r :ON HOLD! For the

31. Part II Chapter 7

A/N: Thank you all for reviewing, I've enjoyed reading all your comments. I'm glad that you all enjoyed seeing the Marauders going to jail, I enjoyed writing that chapter and I'm happy that you liked it as much. Now I must warn you, this chapter is a little sadder than the others but I'm sure that you will like what happens at the end. Enjoy it!

Disclaimer: Do I have to write this again? I don't wanna!



Chapter 7 ~ A Funeral and A Wedding



Halloween passed without any news about Emma. James had gone to Hogwarts once each week without the knowledge of Lily and Mrs. Potter. Snow had started to fall and Chistmas shopping had begun.

It was early November and the twins were currently having fun in the snow. Lily and Mrs. Potter sat in one of the benches of the garden watching the little girls playing.

"They seem to be enjoying themselves." Said a voice behind them. Lily and Mrs. Potter turned with a smile.

"Hello Sirius." Said Lily.

"James is checking the cattle Sirius." Said Mrs. Potter.

"I know, I just came from there." He said before sitting beside Lily on the bench.

"So what brings you here? I thought you would be with Katie in town." Lily replied. The twins squealed and laughed as they played.

"I came to bring you this. I thought it would be better if I did so personally instead of owling it." He said as he took an envelope out of his pocket.

"What is it?" Lily asked.

"Open it and see." He said with a grin.

Mrs. Potter took it and opened it. A cream colored parchment fell out of the envelope. A picture of a couple appeared on it. Suddenly the couple disappeared and golden words started to appear where the couple had stood.





"Lyndon and Marie Bennett And Alexander and Helen Black

Would like to invite you to celebrate with them the wedding of their children

Katherine Marie Bennett and Sirius Orion Black

To take place on December 18 of the present year

Place: St. George Church, London Time: 5:00 p.m.

Please join us after the ceremony to celebrate this happy event at The Regency Hotel in Rowe Square. RSVP necessary."

"Oh Sirius!" Exclaimed Lily before hugging him.

"Well done young man." Replied Mrs. Potter with a smile. "We will certainly be there."

"About time you knew when it was going to be." Said James who had arrived without the others noticing and had read above his mother's shoulder.

"How long have you been standing there?" Snapped Mrs. Potter.

"Long enough. Sorry mum, didn't mean to surprise you." He said as he kissed her cheek. She smiled and turned to watch over the twins.

"I wanted to talk to you. I wanted all of you three to be my best men but Peter doesn't want to because he says that he might not be able to get away for too long from his mother, he did promise to go though. Remus says that he might be too temperamental because it's too close to a full moon, so he doesn't want to either. And you better not tell me that you are not going to either because I will knock you over if you do." Said Sirius in a rush.

James laughed. "Don't worry, I'll stand by you." He said.

Sirius released a sigh of relief. "Katie wants you to owl her. Mrs. Bennet wants to discuss gowns and flowers." He said turning to Lily.

Lily nodded. The two young men were soon busy discussing dates and arrangements to go to town and visit Diagon Alley to get robes and accessories that they would need for that special day. Lily looked longingly at the card.

She was happy for Sirius and Katie, she truly was, but she couldn't deny that she was envious as well. She couldn't help thinking that if things had gone differently during their seventh year, it would be James' and Lily's wedding they would be discussing, not Katie's and Sirius'. She excused herself from the others and walked toward the gardens. She went past the walled gardens until she reached the locked garden. Their garden. She took out the key that James had given to her and placed it on the lock. The door opened and she walked in.

Unlike the other gardens, this was different. There were the flowers that she first saw, orchids, roses, lilies, all the flowers that she liked. But there were magical plants there as well. It was the only garden in the whole estate that had magical plants. There were other inhabitants in the garden as well. She laughed as she spied a gnome running to hide underneath a bush. She could hear the faires giggle as they hid in the flowers in which they lived.

With a sigh she sat on the bench next to the pool and watched the fish swim by. She was looking forward to the wedding, couldn't wait to be there, but she also knew that it would bittersweet for her.



James was in a good mood. Sirius had just left and his manager, Mr. Sanders, had just given him the figures for this year's harvest. His estate couldn't be in a better shape. The crops yielded more than he had imagined and the cattle was large enough to keep them fed for the winter.

Sirius had agreed to go to town in a week. They would go to see about their robes and probably spend some time in Quidditch Supplies. True, there was no need for them to go there as they don't longer play Quidditch, but that didn't mean they had given it up. They thought it would be a good idea to check the list for upcoming games and maybe go to one of them. He was also thinking about Sirius' bachelor party. As the best man, it was his responsibility to organize and put together the party. He had begun to make a list in his mind with the names of the people he could invite. He was also thinking about entertainment. He knew quite well what kind of entertainment was expected, but he also had to think about Katie and Lily. If the girls ever found out of what could happen at the party, they would be in big trouble. He decided to talk to Remus about it, as the brother of a large number of sisters, he might have an idea of what could be done.

He understood why Peter and Remus had declined to be best men. Peter's mother's health was not as good as Peter hoped, and Peter was very attentive of her; he wouldn't like to leave her alone for long, specially since they would have to attend rehearsals and fittings. Remus' health was not the best either and if the wedding fell just days before his transformation he would be feeling out of sorts. Not a good thing when you are the best man.

Life couldn't be better for James, and he knew it. But he also knew that there was something missing and he thought it was probably time for him to do something about it. With steps full of determination, he went toward his office and resolved to go to Gringotts when he went to town with Sirius.



It was now mid November. The weather had turned colder and snow couldn't be far off. The twins were more excited than ever. Katie and Sirius had decided to make them their flower girls and they couldn't wait to wear the new dresses that their grandmother and Katie had chosen. Sirius was starting to get nervous and James had deemed it his duty to keep him entertained. It just wouldn't do for Sirius to have second thoughts and run away from the wedding. Lily and Katie had been busy deciding on decorations and catering while Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Bennett had been busy with the acceptance notes from those invited and deciding on sitting. The Manor had been decided as the center of all operations, as a result, the Bennetts and Sirius were staying in the Manor for the time being.

"Do you think this is the right color?" Asked Katie as she held a bolt of satin in her hands.

"We could make it lighter if you wish." Said Lily as he turned the beige cloth to a pearl white with a swish of her wand.

"Hmm.it does look better." Katie said as she happily put the bolt aside.

The girls were looking for the cloth to decorate the room with. They had decided on satin to drape around the doors and windows. They also choose a special kind of lace they found in Diagon Alley. It shimmered and sparkled as it moved. It was semitransparent and reflected colors when light shone upon it. They had decided to use it to decorate the walls.

They had trouble deciding on the flowers, but finally decided on white roses. Dozens of vases were ordered, each would stand upon a pedestal along the wall.

"You know, this is more complicated than I had imagined." Said Katie with a sigh.

Lily chuckled. "It certainly looks that way, doesn't it?"

"Maybe I should've listened to Sirius and we should've eloped." Said Katie.

"You wouldn't! You thrive in this sort of thing. You would've regretted it later on." Lilly exclaimed.

"Perhaps, but it would've been much easier. We would be married by now." Katie responded.

Lily laughed. She didn't think of it as onerous. She was enjoying herself.

The girls continued to make notes in silence as they checked and double- checked their lists.

A tapping on the window made them turn from their parchment.

"It's an owl. Wonder who is it from." Said Katie as she went to the window to let it in.

The owl swooped in as soon as the window was opened and dropped a letter in front of Lily before swooping through the window once more.

Lily grabbed the letter and opened, she smiled when she recognized the writing and the signature, but she paled as she read.

"Oh no!" She exclaimed before braking down and cried.

"What happened Lily?" Katie exclaimed as she gathered her sobbing friend in her arms.

Lily couldn't speak, she just shoved the letter in Katie's hand before running off the room.

Katie made to follow but decided against it before finding out what was on the letter to upset her so. She understood why as soon as she read the short note.

"Dear Lily,

I'm sorry that I have to call you back now, but circumstances deem it this way. Your father is ill. The doctor says it's his heart. It seems that your father has been having heart problems for some years now but kept it secret from us. I need you to come. He may not live for long. Please come soon. Love,

Mum."

Katie swore, even if she was raised to believe that it was unladylike. She had to go and look for James, he needed to know; then she would go and look for Lily who probably had run to her room.

"Just when things were looking up for us." She yelled into the empty room and ran out to look for James.



"Do you honestly think that we could get away with it? I doubt it." James told Sirius as they flew around the Quidditch Pitch.

"Perhaps you are right. Katie would kill me if we did." Sirius laughed. He was feeling much calmer now. The feeling of panic and entrapment that had taken hold of his senses were now gone and he could plan and look forward to his wedding with merriment.

They heard somebody shouting and running toward them. They quickly landed when they saw that it was Katie coming to them and she seemed worried.

"Katie, what happened? What's wrong?" Shouted Sirius jumping down from his broom.

"Lily.it's Lily." She panted. She had come running and could barely inhale enough air.

"What happened to Lily?" Exclaimed James, fear taking hold of his heart.

Katie tried talking but couldn't so she shoved the note she still had in her hand and gave it to James. James looked at her with surprise and read the note.

James groaned. "I need to go see her." He said and ran toward the house.

"She is in her room." Katie yelled behind him.

James walked purposely into the house and took the stairs two at a time toward Lily's room. He knew that his mother would be scandalized if she knew that he was going to barge into Lily's room uninvited. Not that she wouldn't be if he went in invited.

He stopped in front of the door he knew to be Lily's. He could hear her sobbing behind the door. He could also hear another voice with her but he couldn't place it. He supposed it could be his mother, but she didn't seem to have much success.

"Lily." He knocked on the door. "Please let me in." He heard her sob but he could also hear movement. A minute later he heard the knob turn and the door opened. A pair of tennis-ball sized eyes looked out at him.

"Oh Master James, Minnie has tried Master James, but Miss Lily will not stop crying." She said letting James into the room.

"Don't worry Minnie. Why don't you go to the kitchens and make some tea for us? I will take care of Lily." James said.

"Very well Master James, Minnie will do some tea." She said with a bob and promptly left the room.

"Lily." Sighed James as soon as he saw her sobbing on her bed. He approached her and sat beside her, gently gathering her in his arms. "I'm here Lily." He whispered in her ear.

"Oh James, why didn't he say anything? Why didn't he tell us that he was sick?" Lily hiccupped.

"Maybe he didn't want to worry you. Maybe he thought he would find a doctor that could help him without any of you knowing." He said as he dried her tears with his handkerchief.

"But now he is dying and we didn't know. I could've spent more time with him. Now I won't be able to." Lily cried.

"I don't think he would mind Lily, love. You know he wouldn't have liked it to have you all worrying about him. He didn't begrudge you your lifestyle and your time with us. He enjoyed himself earlier this fall, I'm sure he doesn't regret a thing. He is a great man, your father, he lived his life the way he wanted to." James replied.

He held her for a few moments longer. Finally he pulled her away and dried her tears one more time.

"Here, put yourself together, we have to prepare you to go back home. Your mother will need you the most." He said.

Lily nodded and let him clean her face.

"I'll get Minnie to put your things together. Why don't you write to your mother, tell her that we are coming to see her. I will speak to mother." He said. Lily could only nod, she didn't feel like arguing with him at the moment.

Minnie walked in at that moment. A tray with a pot of tea and cups in her arms.

"There you are Minnie. Can you pack for Lily please? We will be leaving for town soon." James ordered the minute he saw her come in.

"Yes Master James." Minnie piped and put the tray in a table before bouncing to the dressing room.

"Here Lily, take this, it will help you calm down." Said James as he poured some tea into a cup and handed it to Lily.

"Thank you." She whispered.

James took her arm and walked her to the desk. He put some parchment and a quill in front of her before leaving the room.

Lily sat behind the desk looking out the window. She was very close to her father and couldn't believe that he would not be there when she was in need of him.



A subdued group stood in front of the fireplace in the ballroom.

"Be strong my dear." Mrs. Potter whispered in Lily's ear as she hugged her. "I will owl Rose."

Lily nodded but didn't say anything. She didn't dare or she would break down sobbing once more.

"Now James, make sure that you owl me if I'm needed." Mrs. Potter was saying to James.

"Don't worry mother, I will." He answered.

"We'll be there soon." Said Katie to Lily as she hugged her before turning her over to Sirius.

"Just owl us if you need us." He said.

Lily nodded once more. Lily and James would be flooing to Diagon Alley, were they would find transportation and go to the Evans'. Minnie would be going with them to help with the housework. James thought that it was the best he could do to unburden Mrs. Evans and keep her from worrying about the house.

After everybody said goodbye, James led Lily into the glowing flames in the fireplace, and with a swirl, they left.

They came out of the Leaky Cauldron into the bustling streets of London. A black car was waiting for them in front of the pub.

"Come Lily." James said as stood protectively beside her.

They approached the car and the driver pulled the door open for them.

"Thank you Martin. Did mother give you the Evans' address?" James said to the driver.

"Yes sir." Martin responded.

James nodded and settled in the seat beside Lily.

The drive toward the Evans' was quiet. Lily spent the whole time looking out the window. James spent his time looking at her.

Soon they arrived at the elite neighborhood where the Evans had lived for decades. The windows of the house were closed against the reflection of the sun and the chill in the air. Lily stepped out of the car quickly and ran up the stairs to knock on the door.

James stayed near the car giving directions to Martin. Minnie was nowhere in sight. James supposed that she was waiting for them to go into the house before she appeared.

The front door opened after a minute of Lily's knocking. Mrs. Evans appeared, a sad smile at the sight of her daughter.

"Oh Lily!" She exclaimed before hugging her daughter tight.

"How is he?" Lily asked.

"I brought him home this morning. There was nothing else that the hospital could for him. He wanted to be here. He didn't like the hospital at all. The doctors said that all we could do was wait and he would be more comfortable here." Mrs. Evans explained as she led Lily toward the parlor. James was some steps behind. Martin would park in front until James knew what needed to be done.

The house was pretty silent. There were no servants in sight. James looked around the parlor with curiosity as he had never been at the Evans' before. Suddenly, heard a tiny pop behind him. He turned to find Minnie there.

"Minnie is here Master James." She squeaked.

"Good, maybe we should ask Mrs. Evans how you could help around the house." He said.

Minnie was soon dispatched to the kitchen with orders to help the cook and the maids to prepare some tea and snacks while Lily, James and Mrs. Evans talked in the parlor.

"I hired a manservant to help your father with his needs. I knew he wouldn't be comfortable with me helping him." Mrs. Evans was saying.

"I expect you are right. How is he doing now?" Asked Lily.

"He is doing fine at the moment, but his heart is too weak. The doctor said that he has been taking medication for five years now, but it doesn't seem to have done much good and now it's too late for surgery. Unless a donor comes out in the few next days there might be hope but it's very unlikely." Mrs. Evans responded.

"Does he know?" Lily whispered.

Mrs. Evans nodded.

"Oh mum!" Exclaimed Lily and sobbed as Mrs. Evans embraced her and comforted her.

James kept quiet, he knew that this was a conversation that the two women needed to have.

One of the maids soon arrived with a try with sandwiches and tea.

"Where is Petunia?" Asked Lily after she calmed down a bit.

Mrs. Evans pursed her lips. "Don't speak to me about your sister, I'm not happy with her." She exclaimed.

Lily looked at her mother with surprise. "What happened?"

"She had the nerve of saying that she would only come as long as you weren't here. Well! As if I would agree to that. An unnatural daughter, she is. If that is how she will be then I don't think she needs to be here. I will remember this when I do my will." Said Mrs. Evans.

"I'm sorry mum." Lily whispered looking down at her lap. She never thought that Petunia would hate her so much that she would've thought of asking their parents to keep Lily away. It really hurt to think about it.

"Don't blame yourself, my dear, it's not your fault. Sometimes I wonder if there was a mix-up in the hospital when Petunia was born. You might as well be our only daughter with a child like her." Said Mrs. Evans, she was clearly unhappy with her oldest daughter.

"Does dad know?" Lily asked.

"Of course he doesn't! I didn't want him to worry, but I have a feeling he suspects something." Mrs. Evans said with a sigh. "How is Susan doing young man?" She asked turning to James. "I received her owl, just haven't been able to respond yet."

"Oh that's all right, I think she will understand." James replied. "In fact, she told me to tell you not to hesitate to call her if you need help."

"Thank you dear. Let me take you two to your rooms and you can get settled. James why don't you tell your driver to park in the garage, cook will show him where he can stay." Mrs. Evans said.

James nodded and walked out the house to talk to Martin.

Half an hour later, James and Lily were busy in their respective rooms unpacking. Mrs. Evans had gone to talk to cook about the meal being prepared for Mr. Evans.

Lily quickly finished with her luggage and silently walked toward her parent's bedroom.

The bedroom was the largest in the house. A small sitting room led on to the bedroom. The curtains were closed and small lamps gave off a dim light around the room. Against the center wall was a large bed. Canopy with curtains around the frame. It reminded Lily of the beds in Hogwarts, except that this one was much larger. The curtains were open, and through them Lily spied her father quietly lying on the bed.

She approached the bed silently. She didn't want to wake him up. She then saw his head turn and a pair of emerald green eyes, similar to her own, peered at her.

"Hello Princess." Edward Evans weakly said.

"Hi Daddy." She whispered sitting beside him on the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, now that you are here." He smiled.

Lily smiled back. Mr. Evans' charm seemed to have remained.

"You should've told us Daddy." She said laying in the bed next to him.

Mr. Evans took his daughter's hand and held it tight. "It would've made no difference Princess."

"But we would've been prepared. This took us by surprise Daddy, now we feel like something has been stolen from us." Lily replied.

"Sorry Princess." Mr. Evans whispered.

"I don't want you to die Daddy." Lily whispered.

"I know Princess. I will miss so much. I won't see my Princess walking down the aisle, nor my grandchildren. But remember this Princess. I will always be there for you. Perhaps not in the physical sense, but certainly spiritually. I will always be at your side." He said.

"Oh Daddy!" She exclaimed and sobbed in her father's shoulder.

That is how Mrs. Evans found them some moments later. Father and daughter drawing comfort from each other. Mrs. Evans closed the door silently and left them on their own.



The next few days were very hard for Lily and Mrs. Evans. Mr. Evans slept for most of the day. James owled constantly to the Manor with news. Friends stayed out of the Evans House to give some room to the family. Everything was silent and dreary. It was on the fourth day of their visit when something finally happened.

The doctor came for a visit. Lily and James stayed in her parents' sitting room while he was in the bedroom with her father and mother.

"Don't worry." James said as Lily leaned against him, waiting.

"Oh James." She whispered. She didn't cry, she thought she had sobbed enough to last her a life time and she needed to be strong for her mother.

Mrs. Evans seemed so strong and resigned but Lily knew that in her heart she was sad and hurt. Hurt, that after twenty five years of marriage, her husband had kept something hidden from her. Sad, that her life partner would soon leave her behind. They had been sweethearts since they first met in school. For thirty years they had been in each other's lives and to see one without the other couldn't be thought of.

Soon, the doctor left. Mrs. Evans sat beside her daughter in silence.

"What did he say mum?" Asked Lily.

"He said that your father is not doing as he should. His heart is too weak and his blood pressure is not good. He says that we should prepare ourselves." Mrs. Evans said.

"Oh Mum!" Lily exclaimed, tears gathering in her eyes.

Both Mrs. Evans and Lily broke down and cried and for the first time in his life, James had two crying women in his hands and he didn't know what to do about them.

Minnie took them and led them to their respective room and consoled them. James breathed in relief. He needed help. Soon after, an owl left he Evans' house, a letter tied to it's leg.

That evening was quiet. Lily and Mrs. Evans sat quietly in the parlor talking while James looked out the window as if he was looking for someone. Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door.

Lily and Mrs. Evans looked at each other with surprise.

"Who could it be?" Mrs. Evans asked as she started to get up from the couch.

"Don't worry Mrs. Evans, Martin will get the door." Said James motioning to Mrs. Evans to sit once more. With a nod, Mrs. Evans did.

The parlor door was opened and Martin stepped in. "Mrs. Potter is here." He announced before stepping aside.

Mrs. Potter glided into the room, closely followed by the twins, Katie and Sirius.

"Rose, my dear, how are you doing?" She asked as she swept Mrs. Evans into a hug.

"Oh Susan, so glad to see you." Exclaimed Mrs. Evans.

"You should've called me. There is no need for you to go through this by yourself." Mrs. Potter chided as she took off her coat and gloves.

"I didn't want to seem a burden." Mrs. Evans was saying while the others greeted each other.

"How are you doing Lily?" Katie whispered in her friend's ear as they hugged.

"We could be doing better." Lily answered with a sad smile.

Soon the room was full of chatter. Tea was brought in and snacks eaten before the room fell silent once more.

James decided to cede his room to his mother while he and Sirius would stay in the Potter's town house, Katie would share Lily's room with Lily. Night had fallen and soon they were off to rest. No one knew what the light of the next day would bring for them, but each hoping that it would be better than the one that just ended.

The next day was slightly cheerier than the previous days. James and Sirius drove over as soon as they woke up and took breakfast with the women at the Evans' House. They had taken the twins to stay with the Bennetts while the family was in town. The sun was shining after a couple of dreary days. Everything was calm and silent.

They should've known that it was too good to be true.

It started with Minnie's report as they were sitting at the table finishing their breakfast.

James was the first to notice the small elf bobbing at the door trying to get the attention of her master.

"What is it Minnie? Is there a problem?" James asked.

Minnie walked into the room and turned to look at James. "Mr. Evans is hurting Master James. Mr. Evans' servant just asked for Mrs. Evans. He has a pain in his chest." Minnie said.

Mrs. Evans gasped and throwing her napkin on the table she ran out of the room closely followed by Lily.

James nodded to Minnie. "Thank you Minnie." He said.

The small elf bobbed and quickly left the room.

"Oh dear, I don't expect this is good." Mrs. Potter sighed.

"What can we do?" Asked Katie with worry.

"There isn't much we can do." Said Sirius. "We can just give them the support they need, it's not like we can give them the cure that he needs."

"But I feel so useless just sitting here and not helping." Said Katie.

"I know dear, I feel the same way, but Sirius is right. There is nothing that we can do for them at the moment. We can only help them to keep house and don't let them worry about anything else besides Edward." Mrs. Potter replied.

"Come Sirius you and I are going to see the Evans' solicitor. Mrs. Evans gave me his name and address and asked me to check if everything was in order and if there were arrangements that needed to be done." Said James getting ready to leave the table.

"Right. Let's go then." Sirius said after he gulped down his cup of tea.

"See you later mum, send an owl if there are any news." Said James as he leaned to kiss her cheek.

"Of course dear. Don't get into any trouble." She called after them. Then heard Sirius' laughter as they left the house. "Come dear." She said to Katie. "Let's see if we need supplies from the store." And led Katie down to the kitchens.

Mrs. Evans and Lily arrived to Mr. Evans side in record time. He was awake and complaining but the pain seemed to have gone. After giving him some medication he promptly fell asleep.

Mrs. Evans and Lily decided to take turns watching over him. They stayed at their post the whole day, taking their meals after the other took over.

Mrs. Potter and Katie visited often to keep them entertained. James had returned from the solicitor with the news that everything was as it should.

It was late afternoon when Mr. Evans woke once more complaining of pain.

Lily was on watch and quickly went to get her mother.

"It hurts." Complained Mr. Evans.

"I know dear, take this." Urged Mrs. Evans as he eased him into her arms to give him his medication.

Lily stood beside the bed, watching her parents. A frown of worry in her brow.

"I feel so tired." He complained.

"Rest dear." Mrs. Evans urged.

Lily was quietly sobbing.

"I love you Rose." He suddenly said.

"I love you too Edward." She whispered in his ear.

"You made me happy." He said. His heavy eyes slowly closing.

"As you did me." She said. "And you gave me our children. I love you more for that gift."

He laughed weakly. "We were lucky with Lily, weren't we? I don't know if I can say the same about Petunia."

"Don't worry about her Edward. Lily is here, she is enough for us." Mrs. Evans replied.

"My Princess. Where is my little Princess?" He asked.

"I'm here daddy." Lily replied.

"I love you Lily, you have made me so proud." He quietly said.

"I love you too Daddy." Lily answered.

He smiled and sighed. Never to breathe again. Lily stifled a sob. Mrs. Evans motioned for her to approach her. They embraced and quietly sobbed for the loss of the special man in their life.



The day of the funeral was cloudy. A representation of her emotions thought Lily when she woke up that morning and looked out the window.

This was the second day after her father's death and her spirits continued to be low. Petunia had been contacted and told of his death, she had said that she would come for the burial. Her mother was still angry at Petunia for not being here when Edward Evans died, and that he had been aware of it was something that Mrs. Evans would never forgive.

The day following his death was full of preparations and visits. The front door had been draped in black and the curtains in the windows drawn giving the house the feeling of sorrow and death.

In the afternoon several of those who had known Mr. Evans visited the family. The house soon filled with flowers and cards.

The body had been taken to be prepared for the vigil and a memorial mass was scheduled for the day just before the burial. Mrs. Potter and Katie had left the house late that evening, in order to give Lily and Mrs. Evans time for grieving. They were going to spend the time at the Potter's House in Rowe Square.

And now the day to say goodbye had arrived. Lily slowly dressed thinking of all the things that needed to be done before they left for the cemetery.

Food and drinks had to be prepared for the people who would come to their house after the burial.

This was very hard for her. Her father had always been there for her. He had been protective and loving, and she would miss him more than ever.

James, Mrs. Potter, Katie and Sirius would be coming soon to be here before they had to leave to the church. Petunia and her husband Vernon Dursley would also be coming this morning.

She didn't know how she felt about her sister. It had hurt her that Petunia didn't want to see her. But she was angry that she had made stipulations in order to be here at their father's sick bed. How could a daughter ask that of her parents? Lily asked herself. Her parents hadn't deserved a daughter like that and it saddened her that her father had to die with that knowledge.

She heard a car stopping in front of the house. Lily went toward the window and looked out. She saw James, and the others get out. She sighed with relief, at least it wasn't Petunia. She finished dressing and went down to the parlor. She arrived just in time to receive them.

"Hello Lily dear, how are you doing?" Mrs. Potter asked as soon as she spied Lily by the door.

"I'm fine Mrs. Potter." Answered Lily with a small smile.

"Now don't worry dear, we are here to help you." Mrs. Potter said.

They heard steps coming from the stairs. Mrs. Evans soon appeared.

"Oh Rose." Mrs. Potter exclaimed before going to Mrs. Evans and embraced her. "Just cry my friend. I know how hard it is to lose a husband. At least you had the chance to say goodbye."

"Oh Susan." Mrs. Evans sobbed. "I know I shouldn't be a watering pot, Edward wouldn't like it, but I can't help it."

"I know dear. I know." Mrs. Potter said.

The others stayed silent. Lily stood by the window, silent tears running down her face. James gathered her in his arms, not caring that her tears wetted his jackets.

They heard a car stop. James gave Lily his handkerchief while Mrs. Evans tried to pull herself together. There was a knock on the door, one of the servants answered. Voices were heard on the hall before steps could be heard approaching the parlor. The door opened and Petunia and Vernon Dursley came in.

"Mother, Lily." Petunia said ignoring the others in the room. Vernon nodded at his in-laws, but said nothing.

"Petunia." Said Mrs. Evans. "These are our friends. James and Susan Potter, Katie Bennett and Sirius Black."

Petunia only nodded.

"My daughter Petunia and her husband Vernon Dursley." Mrs. Evans said to the others.

The atmosphere in the room cooled the moment Vernon and Petunia had arrived. Lily sat silently with James, Katie and Sirius in one corner while Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Potter talked at another corner of the room. Petunia and Vernon stood by the window looking gloomily into the room with an air of disapproval.

They continued in the same vein for some moments until the grandfather clock chimed.

"Oh, it's time to go." Exclaimed Mrs. Evans.

Nobody said anything else as they prepared to leave the house. They took three cars to the cemetery. Sirius, Katie and James in the first one, Mrs. Potter, Lily and Mrs. Evans in the second, and Petunia and Vernon in the third. The solemn ride seemed long for Lily and Mrs. Evans.

The chapel at one end of the cemetery was small but full of mourners. Friends, coworkers and family were there to say goodbye to a great and loving man.

Lily got through it taking strength from James, who stood beside her the whole time. The day got clearer as it progressed. When the time to lower the coffin arrived, the sun was shining and the birds were singing. Lily thought it a lovely tribute to the father who she had loved so much.

People were starting to leave. James, Lily and Mrs. Evans were the only ones left standing beside the grave. James offered the ladies his arm. Mrs. Evans took it. Lily shook her head.

"I need to be alone for a minute." She whispered. James and Mrs. Evans nodded and left her.

"Why did you have to leave Daddy?" She whispered. "I will miss you so much. I had great plans for us. I wanted to have you beside me when I walked down the aisle. I wanted to have you with me when my children were born. Why did you leave me?" She sobbed. "Oh Daddy. You meant so much to me. Thank you for always being there and for making me feel like the princess you always called me."

She kneeled and placed a white rose on top of the fresh grave. She stood and walked away to where the cars were waiting.

The rest of the day was quiet. Some of those who had been at the burial accompanied them back to the house where the rest of the afternoon was spent with memories and sorrow.



The next day the remaining member of the Evans family met in the bookroom to hear Mr. Evans' will from his solicitor.

Lily and Mrs. Evans sat together in a couch in front of the desk. Beside them, in a chair, sat Petunia, Vernon standing behind her.

"If we are all here." Said Mr. Reed looking around at those sitting in front of him. He was sitting behind the desk, in the chair that Mr. Evans used to sit.

Nobody said anything, they just sat looking at him.

"Very well." He continued. "I will read the document now." He cleared his throat and read:

"I Edward Harold Evans, being of sane mind, dispose of my material wealth in the following way.

To my darling wife Rose, I leave the house and everything found in the bank accounts. She may dispose of them as she sees fit.

To my daughter Petunia, there is a trust fund in her name with 100,000 pounds.

To my dearest Lily, I leave my art collection besides the trust fund in her name with 100,000 pounds."

The will continued on with some monies left to the servants and friends who had served with him faithfully. Petunia seemed angered, specially after she heard what had been left to her sister.

Mr. Evans had been a great art lover and had become somewhat of a connoisseur in classic art. Over the last twenty years he had collected a great variety of paintings that had been thought to be worth more than fifty million pounds. Petunia was clearly not happy about this.

Mr. Reed finished with the reading and turned to look at the three women. "I must let you know that Mr. Evans had this document drafted before he fell ill. There was only one small change, days before his death. This document was signed before a witness and it's legal. No court on this land could ever overthrow it. Any questions?" He asked.

Mrs. Evans and Lily shook their head. Petunia glowered.

"If that is all, I will leave. I will have my assistant send you the information you need about the bank accounts for you to be able to withdraw the money if you wish. Good day." And with a bow left the room.

Mrs. Evans followed him out, leaving the two sisters and Vernon in the room.

"You did this you - you - freak. You bewitched him to leave you everything." Yelled Petunia the moment the door closed behind their mother.

"What are you going on about Petunia? You make less sense than a bat." Exclaimed Lily.

"How dare you speak to my wife like that! You just stole millions of pounds from her and you dare insult her?" Vernon bellowed.

"I did not steal a thing. If you think that Daddy left me his paintings because I put a spell on him you have less brains than a bird. You brought this on yourself. Do you think Daddy wouldn't be hurt to know that you chose to stay away from his deathbed. Who is the unnatural daughter now, eh?" Screamed Lily.

"It is not my fault. If you had stayed away, I would've been here." Snapped Petunia as she crossed her arms in front of her.

"That shouldn't have been an option. You should've been here no matter what. If Daddy decided to leave you less it was because he saw how little you care for family." Lily snapped back.

"Mr. Evans wouldn't have done it if he had seen what a freak you are. You have this whole household under a spell, we are lucky that we escaped from your clutches." Growled Vernon.

"That is enough." Said Mrs. Evans who had been standing by the door. "How dare you to speak to Lily like that. I'll have you know that Petunia's actions have more to do with Edward's decisions than Lily's. If you two don't apologize right now, you will not be welcomed to this house again, and I'm striking you off my will Petunia."

Petunia and Vernon were clearly fighting to keep control of their temper. That Mrs. Evans would take Lily's side was something that they clearly weren't expecting. As was her ultimatum. They both knew that the bank accounts that Mr. Evans had left to his wife were worth ten times more than the art collection left to Lily, and they clearly didn't want to lose that money.

"I'm sorry Lily." Petunia finally said.

"I hope you will forgive our outburst. Grief obviously frayed our nerves." Vernon said.

Lily said nothing. She just nodded her head and left the room.

Petunia and Vernon left soon after. Lily saw their car drive off from her bedroom window.

A knock on the door made her turn. "Enter." She said.

The door opened and Mrs. Evans came in. "Are you all right Lily?" She asked with a frown.

"Yes mum, there is nothing to worry about." Lily said turning back to look out the window.

"Make no notice of your sister, dear. She will get over it." Mrs. Evans said coming into the room and closing the door behind her.

Lily sighed. "I don't know mum, she has been hating me for years, I don't think she will change any time soon." She replied.

"It's her loss. You are a beautiful, sweet person. Your sister will find out how different her life would've been if her personality had been different. I don't understand where her bigotry came from. Your father and I have always been proud of you Lily, always remember that. We don't think of your talent as a freakish thing of nature. It's obvious that only few special people are born with that talent, that you were born in a family in which this talent was non-existent and you have become one of the most talented and powerful witch, is a great accomplishment. Never think that because you are different you have been treated different by your father and I. The only thing that have made you dear to us was because you are our daughter and you always will be, no matter what." Said Mrs. Evans.

"Oh mum!" Exclaimed Lily and threw her arms around her mother. "I miss Daddy." She sobbed.

"I know dear, I miss him too." Mrs. Evans whispered back.

They stayed like that for a few moments, before a knock on the door brought them back to reality.

"Come in." Called Mrs. Evans as the two women dried their tears.

"You have visitors, ma'am." Said a maid as she opened the door.

"Who is it Daisy? We don't feel like receiving visitors today." Mrs. Evans replied.

"It's Mrs. Potter and her son, ma'am. Should I ask them to leave?"

"Oh no, we are always here for the Potters. We will be down in a moment." Exclaimed Mrs. Evans coming to her feet.

The maid bobbed and closed the door.

"Come Lily." Mrs. Evans said and walked toward the door.

"Coming mum." Said Lily as she looked herself in the mirror to check her face. Her nose was a little pink, her eyes a little puffy and her hair was a mess. She sighed. She didn't have time to fix herself up and she had left her wand in her trunk and her trunk was locked in the closet. She ran to the restroom, took a washcloth and immersed it in cold water. She then placed it over her eyes for a few seconds before cleaning her whole face with it. She grabbed a brush and quickly passed it through her hair. There, good enough, she thought.

James and his mother were waiting in the front parlor. Mrs. Evans soon joined them and Lily did so some minutes later. While the older women talked, James pulled Lily to the other side of the room and looked down at her.

"Are you all right?" He asked.

"I'm fine James." She said with a smile.

James looked at her with skepticism but didn't contradict her. "We are returning to the Manor tomorrow." He said. Lily felt her heart sink, she didn't want him to leave her alone. "Do you want to come with us, or remain here?"

Lily turned to look at her mother who was talking very excitedly with Mrs. Potter.

"I don't want her to leave her alone, James. Petunia would be no help. Not after what happened this morning." She said biting her lower lip. James loved it when she did that, not that Lily knew about it.

"What happened?" James asked.

"She made a scene this morning over the will. Daddy left his art collection to me and she wasn't really happy about it. Mum made her apologize and even threatened to cut her of her will if she didn't do so." Lily replied.

James sadly shook his head.

"So you see, I don't think right now would be a good time to leave her on her own." Lily continued.

"You don't have to. Mother is asking her now if she would like to come and live with us at the Manor, as her companion." James said.

"Really James, you wouldn't mind?" Lily asked looking up at James with a hopeful expression.

"As if I would mind being surrounded by beautiful women." He teased.

Lily laughed. "You never know." She chuckled.

James laughed along with her. "So, what do you say?" He asked.

"Let's see what mum says." She replied and led him back to join the older women.

Mrs. Evans turned to look happily at Lily and James.

"Did James tell you? Susan wants me to go with you to the Manor as her companion. You wouldn't mind do you?" Mrs. Evans exclaimed.

"Of course not mum, if that is what you wish." Lily said.

"I think it's for the best dear. This house would bring me too many sad memories. I think I need to distance myself from all of this. We could lease the house. I could make some calls and find a place for all of our servants, I wouldn't want to leave them out in the street." Mrs. Evans was saying.

Lily and James left the two women to make plans to move. Lily took him to the back garden. As it is in most houses in London, there is no room for large gardens or yards, no matter how wealthy or big the house was. Thus, the garden was nothing compared to the ones adorning Gryffindor Manor, but it was still nice. Orchids, lilies by the small pool, roses, and petunias, flowers that Mr. Evans had commissioned for the garden to celebrate the women in his house. The roses were first brought in when he got married. Roses of every color could be seen along the wall. Petunias and lilies were brought in as the two girls were born. And orchids, for the small child that Mrs. Evans had lost before Petunia's birth.

"Very nice." Said James as he looked around. "I see that your father had a thing for flowers."

Lily laughed. "He always said that we were his garden. That there was no need for a big garden because we brought it inside." She said.

Lily had taken hold of James' hand as she gave him a tour. He didn't mind at all. He just didn't want to let her go.

"Come, let's return to the parlor, our mothers will be wondering where we have gone." Said Lily as she led him back to the house.

James let himself be led. It gave him the freedom to look around and look at Lily without being noticed.

When they neared the parlor, they could hear laughter coming out of it. Lily and James looked at each other, puzzled. With a shrug, James opened the door.

"There you are? Where have you been?" Sirius exclaimed.

"In the garden." Said Lily before she leaned to hug Katie who was sitting beside Mrs. Potter in the couch.

"What were you doing in the garden?" Asked Sirius with a lifted brow.

"Walking around, what else are we going to do in a garden?" Countered James.

A mischievous smile settled in Sirius face. James shook his head. "Don't say it, I can well imagine where your dirty imagination is going." He said.

"I was just telling Katie and Sirius that we were moving to the Manor, Lily dear." Said Mrs. Evans as Sirius left his seat and offered it to Lily before joining James by the mantel.

"Yes, isn't it exciting. I'm sure that it will be no problem." Said Mrs. Potter.

"Are you sure that is wise?" Whispered Sirius to James.

"What do you mean?" Asked James.

"Well, having the mother of your girl in the same house. I mean, that is not very wise, you won't be able to get Lily on your own then." Said Sirius.

"The manor is big enough. We are both intelligent enough to deal with it." James said with a shrug.

"Humph! You would like to think so. Let's see what you say in one month." Sirius said.

"Never mind." Exclaimed James. "How are the plans for the wedding going?"

"Well enough. The women have everything in hand. Katie didn't want to involve me in it." Sirius said with a sigh of relief.

James laughed. "And that is good enough for you." He said. "There are three more weeks left." He reminded Sirius.

"Don't remind me, I'm nervous enough as it is." Sirius said with a shudder.

James laughed again.

In the other side of the room, the women were talking about the same subject as the boys.

"Did she say when it was going to be ready?" Mrs. Potter had asked.

"Madam Malkin said that I could pick it up one week in advance. I never thought that I could get a muggle dress in her shop, I thought that I would have to go to a muggle store to get my bridal gown." Said Katie.

"How did she get muggle clothing?" Asked Mrs. Evans. She was enjoying herself listening to the details of the upcoming wedding.

"Oh, she thought it would be wise to start carrying muggle clothing, especially since many of us have to deal with muggles." Katie said with a shrug.

"I think it very wise, many of us come from muggle families and it would be quite a scare for those muggle relatives to see others in wizard robes and cloaks." Said Mrs. Potter.

"And since the wedding will take place at Saint George's, which is a muggle church, it is better to dress in muggle clothing." Lily said.

The women continued talking about the gown, the flowers, and the decorations. Lily and Mrs. Evans were fast forgetting their troubles as the evening progressed.

"Perhaps we should go." Said Mrs. Potter some time later. "I'm sure that Susan and Lily have much to do if we are leaving for the Manor."

"You can borrow some of our servants if you need the help." Offered James.

"Thank you James, I'm sure we can manage." Susan Evans replied.

Soon after, James, Mrs. Potter, Katie and Sirius left the Evans' home.

"We have a lot to do Lily. Can you speak with the staff? I have a lot of calls to make." Ordered Mrs. Evans.

Lily nodded and left her mother to do her calls in the parlor.



The evening was very busy for Mrs. Evans and Lily. While the servants helped pack everything of value and the furniture that they would take (James and Mrs. Potter had told them that they would have a wing to themselves at the Manor and that they could take any furniture they wanted to decorate it with), Mrs. Evans called all her friends to see if she could find employment for her staff. She then called the solicitor and gave him the job to put the house on lease. Lily directed all the packing. They had to go through all the things stored in the attic as well as a thorough examination of every room in the house. By the time they were done, it was already four in the morning and everybody was completely exhausted.

The Potters would be leaving that day to the Manor where they would make preparations for the Evans' arrival. Mrs. Evans and Lily planned to move to the country by the end of the week. That meant that they had only three days to be ready.

The next couple of days were total mayhem in the Evans house. Petunia had been told of the move, not that she had cared too much about it. The solicitor had received calls about leasing the house and every single servant had been placed in good families. Everything was now ready for them to leave the house.

The day of their departure arrived. The servants had left the house the previous day. Mrs. Evans and Lily were the only ones left behind.

"I'm going to miss this place." Said Mrs. Evans with a sigh.

They were both sitting in the entrance hall waiting for the car that the Potters had sent to take them to the Manor. A truck carrying all their belongings had left hours before. They stood waiting with only their luggage at their feet.

The furniture left behind in each room was covered to keep dust from settling. The library had been stripped of all the books and had been sent to the manor along with all the other things they were taking. The gold and silver had been stored in a bank along with the family jewelry. The most important pieces, along with the art collection had been stored in Gringotts', a fact that the goblins had not been happy about. Why would they like to store such things? But James had been there when they went to Gringotts and the goblins didn't want to insult him in any way, especially after they saw how close he was with Lily and Mrs. Evans.

A horn sounded. Lily looked out the window.

"It's here mum." She said.

"Very well." Mrs. Evans said. She looked around the hall once more before walking to the door. Lily followed her out.

Martin, the Potter's driver, was waiting holding the door open.

"Thank you Martin." Lily said before she climbed into the car.

"No problem miss." Martin replied before closing the door and storing the luggage in the trunk.

As the car started to drive off, Lily and Mrs. Evans turned to look out the window watching the house left behind.

They drove for hours. The two women looked out the window watching the streets of the city passing by to soon turn to country lanes and open space. They stopped in a town to get something to eat and stretch their legs before driving off once more.

It was late in the evening when they passed the small town at the base of Gryffindor Manor. The gates were wide open and the house was bright and welcoming.

James and Mrs. Potter stood at the door waiting to welcome the new members of their household.

"Welcome to Gryffindor Manor!" Exclaimed James as soon as the two ladies ascended the steps.

"Thank you James." Said Mrs. Evans before turning to greet Mrs. Potter.

Lily smiled up at James. "I hope you won't regret this." She said.

"Too late to change my mind. Besides, I'll have you here with me." He said with what he thought was his most charming smile.

"Your things have arrived and taken up to the wing we assigned for you. Hope you like it, you can redecorate it if you want." Mrs. Potter was saying.

"I'm sure it will be fine Susan." Mrs. Evans responded. The two women were walking away from the door toward the main staircase.

James looked questioningly at Lily and offered his arm. She smiled as she took it. Together, they followed their mothers to the Evans wing, as it had come to be known to the servants.



During the following days, things settled down in the Manor. Mrs. Evans became accustomed to the big house and didn't get lost anymore. Lily was busy with the twins, who at seven were as adventurous as when they were three years old. Needless to say, Lily had her hands full.

There were now two weeks left for Sirius' and Katie's wedding. Both had come to stay in the Manor to escape the madness that their families were going through in preparation for the big day.

"Nervous?" James asked one morning as both he and Sirius rode around the estate. Snow had fallen during the night. The estate was completely blanketed with snow. A white paradise.

"Very." Said Sirius with a self conscious smile.

"It will be over soon." James said.

Sirius took a deep breath. "I hope so. The waiting is killing me."

James laughed. He had never seen Sirius like this before.

"It's not funny! Let's see how you react when it's your turn to marry." Sirius exclaimed.

James shrugged. "We'll see." He said.

Sirius gave him a suspicious glance. James just rode on with a smile on his face.

"Humph!" Snorted Sirius but didn't say a word.

James laughed and let his horse trot through the snow.



Lily was trying to calm Katie in the parlor as the two young men rode.

".And of course mum had to send everything back. Can you imagine! Lord, this wedding is turning out to be a veritable circus." Katie was saying.

"I'm sure is not as bad as that." Lily said.

"It is. You will not believe what we were sent. Father's aunt sent a set of biting cups. Sirius liked it of course, he would. I think I will store it somewhere in the attics." Katie was saying as she talked about the gifts that had been sent to her parent's house.

"Have you thought of where you will live?" Asked Lily. She hadn't heard the couple speak of where they would make their home and she was very curious about it.

"Oh, didn't I tell you? Sirius bought a house last week. It's about the same size as your mother's, in Rowe Square of course. It's quite darling. We went shopping for furniture before we came. Not everything of course. We will go shopping once more once all this madness is over." Katie gushed. She was clearly happy about the house Sirius had bought.

Lily was quite surprised that he had thought of it. But then again, with Katie as his wife to be, there was nothing else for him to do.

Katie talked and talked about the small house in Rowe Square. Lily nodded and smiled as her friend spoke excitedly about it. Jealousy rose through her and she fought to keep it from showing. It wasn't Katie's fault, after all, that she was getting married first. Lily breathed deeply. Counted until ten. Finally her envy receded and she could smile calmly as her friend talked.



During the next two weeks, a sort of routine was settled. James and Sirius left the house before the women awoke and roamed the estate until time for luncheon. Then, they would leave the house once more, not returning until it was time for dinner, after which, they would retire to the game room for a game of billiards before going up to bed.

The women didn't mind not having them around at all. It was now December and time for decorating the house for the holidays was at hand. Katie and Lily took the girls to skate around the frozen lake or to play around the snow every day.

Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans took the attics by storm and went through all the decorations that had accumulated throughout the years. It took them a week to choose the decorations they wanted to use for this year. On the second week, they spent their mornings with the girls shopping for ribbon and the afternoons going up to London and helping with the wedding plans.

Katie and Lily had their final fittings while James and Sirius had theirs.

Soon, the final day before the wedding was upon them and they all had plans for it.

"What are we doing?" Asked a drowsy Sirius after James pulled him out of his bed at the ungodly hour of ten on a Saturday!

"Will you shut up and come along? If you don't, you are not having a bachelor's party." James said as he led him to the garage just next to the kitchens.

"A bachelor's party eh? What are we doing?" Asked Sirius, sleep forgotten.

"I'm not telling you." Said James with a chuckle.

"Well, all right. But this better not get me into any trouble." Said Sirius as he eagerly walked beside James.

"Oh don't worry, we won't say a thing." James replied.

"Who is coming?"

"Will you stop asking questions, you will find out soon enough." Exclaimed James.

"Oh fine!"

James threw the doors of the garage open. There were three black cars in the front. Two belonged to the Potters, the other to the Blacks, Katie and Sirius had driven it over in case it was needed.

James walked past the cars toward the very back. A pair of large motorcycles stood against the wall.

"Now you are talking." Said Sirius rubbing his hands.

"I thought you would enjoy this." Laughed James.

The two young men mounted their bikes, took the helmets hanging from a couple of nails on the wooden wall and put them on.

"Ready?" James asked.

"Let's hit the road." Sirius exclaimed.

There was a side door open in front of them. The two bikes roared and a couple of minutes later two bikes were seen driving down the road.

Lily stood in front of her window looking down the estate. A smile on her lips. "I hope those two don't get in trouble, the last time they were together they got locked in jail." She said out loud. She then turned to make plans on her own.

An hour later, Lily and Katie were silently eating when Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans walked in. Both women were giggling like schoolgirls. Lily and Katie looked at each other with surprise.

"Well Katie, looking forward to tomorrow?" Asked Mrs. Evans as she sat and waited for Roberts to serve.

"Oh yes, but I can't help feeling a little apprehensive." Said Katie with honesty.

"Oh don't worry dear, we all get these prenuptial jitters before a wedding." Said Mrs. Evans as a plate with food was placed in front of her.

"Oh I remember the day Aliaster and I got married. I was so nervous I nearly fainted when the doors to the chapel opened and I was supposed to start walking down the aisle. Mother had to pinch me in order to get me to start walking. But the moment I saw him standing there, in front of the altar, all my worries just flew out of my mind." Mrs. Potter said with a sigh.

"Oh, I was nervous as well when Edward and I married. I kept thinking that I was going to be sick in front of everybody, but it soon passed and I could enjoy the rest of the day." Mrs. Evans said.

"Any plans for today?" Asked Mrs. Potter.

"Not really, we just thought to go down to London." Said Lily with a shrug.

"What just the two of you?" Asked Mrs. Evans with surprise.

"Pretty much, we didn't bother to think about inviting others." Said Katie.

When the two young women had talked about a party for this day, they both remembered Emma, and somehow, it felt wrong to celebrate without her. They both decided that perhaps it was best if they were just on their own.

"Oh we won't hear of it. You are lucky that we made plans then." Exclaimed Mrs. Potter.

"Mum, what have you two done?" Asked Lily turning to look at her mother.

"Don't you worry dear, we will have fun today." Mrs. Evans patting her daughter's hand.

Katie turned a scared look at Lily. Lily just shrugged. If the older ladies had made plans they didn't have a chance to stop them.

Lily sighed, perhaps it would had been better if they had gone early as the boys had done, she thought.

Later that afternoon, the largest parlor was filled with women. Drinks were being passed around and a table laden with snacks stood against a wall. Next to it stood another table, this was laden with gifts.

"Come girls, it's time for our guest of honor to start opening the gifts." Called Mrs. Potter.

Cheers arose and Katie was marched to sit upon a chair placed in the center of the room. The gifts were brought in front of her and everybody waited for her to start.

Katie laughed and grabbed one of the gifts piled in front of her. "Very well." She said and started to unwrap the gift.

She slowly opened the box. It was full of tissue paper and she slowly parted it, much to the consternation of the others who were waiting to find out what she had gotten.

"Oh no." Katie gasped and started to giggle.

"Well come on, we want to see it." Exclaimed one of the women. The others nodded in agreement.

Katie giggled some more and held up a nightdress, if you could call it that. It was really small, and she wagered it would only reach down to her hips, it was also rather transparent and she blushed to think what Sirius would make of it. In the box was a pair of small satin shorts. The women cheered and laughed as she held up the garment.

"That should keep him up during his wedding night." Said an old woman sitting nearby. The other women laughed while Katie blushed some more.



In London, two motorcycles parked in front of this obscure pub.

"Are we meeting everybody here?" Sirius asked as he dismounted from the bike.

"Will you stop asking so many questions?" James exclaimed.

"Fine! But you could tell me more of what is going to happen." Sirius complained.

"You'll find out soon enough." James said.

Both were standing in front of the shabby establishment. People were passing by, paying no attention to the young men.

"Come then, you don't want to stay out here the whole day." James said and pulled Sirius into the pub.

The Leaky Cauldron was full as it always was on the weekends. Several people greeted them as they walked toward the back where a parlor had been set aside for them. Tom, the Cauldron's owner, was waiting for them.

"Had a nice trip Mr. Potter, Mr. Black?" He asked as the two young men stopped in front of him.

"Really nice." Said James as Sirius tried to look beyond Tom and get a glance at what was inside the room. "Stop." James said as he hit Sirius on his arm.

"Hey!"

Tom laughed. He had known these two young men since they had first come to the Leaky Cauldron to visit Diagon Alley when they were really young. As both boys came from old wizard families, they had come down with their parents very often before they received their letter from Hogwarts. They never seem to be apart from each other and he guessed that they would always be the very best of friends.

"Everything is ready Mr. Potter." Tom said with a chuckle as he noticed Sirius frown. "Just call if you need anything else."

"Of course Tom, thank you." James replied. "Ready?" He asked, turning to look at Sirius.

"Been since we left the Manor this morning." Sirius complained.

James laughed and opened the door to the parlor. A cheer greeted their entrance.

"CONGRATULATIONS!" Those inside screamed.

"I don't think that is right, a shame really, to get married." Said a young man sprawled on one of the couches.

"That is a cynical view of marriage Jason." Said Remus, who was standing by the windows, clearly looking out for James' and Sirius' arrival.

The man named Jason shrugged.

"Jason is just too afraid to be burned twice." Laughed Frank Longbottom who was sitting on a chair beside the windows.

There were several young men around the room. A table laden with food stood against a wall and with full decanters. All those in the room had a glass in their hand, joking and laughing as Sirius and James went around the room greeting everyone.

"When is the entertainment going to start?" Somebody asked.

"Ooh, entertainment! What kind of entertainment do you have planned for me Prongs, old friend?" Sirius asked.

"You'll see." James laughed.

Remus, who was standing beside them, laughed and shook his head.

"Where is Peter?" Asked Sirius as he looked around for their short friend.

"Not here yet. He did say he might be a little late." Remus said.

"Oh well." Sirius said with a shrug. A glass was shoved into his hand and he drank thankfully. "Aaahhh! That was good. That ride made me thirsty." He said.

"Humph! More like all that screaming made you thirsty." Said James.

Remus laughed. "Sirius Black screaming?"

James nodded. "Kept trying to keep a conversation going. How he thought we were going to converse in the middle of the road is beyond me."

"I was trying to be friendly." Sirius replied.

The lights were getting darker, silence was falling over the crowd.

"It seems that the entertainment is about to start." Somebody said.

"About time too." Someone else said.

"I hope Katie doesn't find out about this Sirius, or your wedding night will not turn out as you wish it will." Somebody said with a laugh.

"As long as you lot keep your mouths shut, there is no need for her to find out." Sirius said before sitting at a chair placed in the middle of the room. Soon after a slow melody started to play.

Somebody standing outside the room would've been extremely curious about the noise coming from inside. Catcalls and cheers could be heard as well as a lot of laughter.



It was late that same evening when the guests started to leave the manor. Lily was helping Katie pack all the gifts she had received. Most would be sent to the new house to await their arrival from the honeymoon. Only a few chosen pieces were packed with the luggage that Katie would take with her. Both girls were giggling as they looked over the garments choosing which to pack and which to keep.

"I think you should take this." Said Lily holding up a flimsy lacy garment that upon closer inspection showed to be a robe.

"Doesn't cover much does it?" Giggled Katie.

Lily smiled. "I'm sure Sirius would like it." She said.

"Oh, I'm sure he will." Katie replied.

"What about this one?" Lily asked holding a floor length gown. Made of satin and lace, the surface of the emerald gown sparkled in the candlelight.

"It is beautiful isn't it?" Katie said as both girls gazed upon the garment. Lily nodded. "I wished it would look good on me, but emerald is not my color." Said Katie with a sigh.

"What are you going to do with it?" Lily asked as she spread the gown on the bed. The semitransparent satin blending with the satin sheets on the bed.

"Why don't you keep it, it would look perfect on you." Said Katie with excitement. "I'm sure James would like it." She added with a sly smile.

"Katie!" Lily exclaimed reaching for her friend who skipped away from her, giggling as she went.

The door opened before Lily could reach Katie. Mrs. Potter stood on the door looking at the two young women having fun in the room.

"Everything ready for tomorrow dear?" Mrs. Potter asked.

"Oh yes, almost packed." Katie said. "When is Sirius coming back?"

"Oh he is not dear, it wouldn't do for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, now would it? It would bring you bad luck. James and Sirius will spend the night in London." Mrs. Potter said.

"Oh." Was all Katie said. She had been looking forward to seeing Sirius and tell him about her afternoon, but she supposed it was better this way.

"How are we getting to London tomorrow Mrs. Potter?" Asked Lily as the trunk was shut and locked.

"You'll Floo to the Bennett house where you will change. We have the whole morning to get ready, so I encourage you to into bed. You will need all the rest you can get. Especially you Katie." Mrs. Potter said and left the room, closing the door behind her.

"Oh yes Katie, you will need your rest, especially since Sirius will keep you up the whole night." Lily giggled.

"Lily!" It was Lily's turn to skip away from Katie.

An impromptu pillow fight ensued before both girls fell exhausted on their respective beds.



Snow had fallen throughout the night. The white snow sparkled in the dim sunlight.

"Oh, it's perfect." Gushed Katie as she and Lily stood in front of the windows looking out.

Both were waiting for Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans in the family parlor. Trunks and luggage waited in front of the fireplace.

"Oh Lily! This looks great." Exclaimed Katie twirling around the room.

Lily laughed, she was so glad to see her friend so happy.

"I gather you two are ready." Said Mrs. Evans coming into the room closely followed by Mrs. Potter.

"We are." Said both girls.

"Good. Here we go then." Mrs. Potter said. With a flick of her wand the luggage disappeared into thin air. Another flick and fired roared in the grate. She then took some powder from the vase on the mantel and threw it into the fire.

"You go first Katie dear." She said.

Katie nodded and walked into the fire. "Bennett House!" She yelled and with a swooshing sound she disappeared from sight.

"You next Lily." Mrs. Potter said. Lily nodded, kissed her mother goodbye and stepped into the grate.

"We'll see you later dear." Said Mrs. Evans, waving to her daughter.

Lily waved back and yelling "Bennett House!" She disappeared.

Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans were going to London in the car. As Mrs. Evans couldn't travel by Floo, they decided to get dressed and would then drive down to town.



In a room of the Leaky Cauldron a young man was frantically looking through his pockets.

"I've lost it I tell you! Oh Lord, Katie is going to kill me." Moaned Sirius.

"Are you sure you looked everywhere?" Asked Peter as he kneeled beside the bed and looked under it.

"Yes, I can't remember when I saw it last." Said a distraught Sirius running his fingers through his hair.

"Where did you have it?" Asked Remus as he looked into the vase full of flowers on the bedside table.

"I don't remember." Moaned Sirius.

"What is going on? Sirius, what are you doing? You have to get ready, Katie is going to kill us if we are late." Exclaimed James coming into the room.

"He lost the ring." Peter said from underneath the bed.

"He doesn't remember where he put it." Said Remus turning to look at James.

"What are you doing under there Peter?" Asked James with a frown.

"I'm helping looking for it. But we can't find it." Wheezed Peter as he tried to slide out from underneath the bed.

"Of course you can't find it. I have the rings." James said.

Peter, Remus and Sirius turned to look at him. "What did you say?" Croaked Sirius.

"I have the rings. You gave them to me two days ago." Said James.

The others sighed with relief.

"Oh, I thought I was in big trouble." Said Sirius.

James laughed. "I can't believe you didn't remember that you gave me your rings. Oh lord! You are not going to be my best man, you might lose my rings."

"Speaking of weddings, there is one we have to get ready for." Said Remus. He motioned Peter to leave with him.

James stayed in the room a while longer. "Are you ready?" He asked.

"I think so. If I'm not, then Katie will make sure to let me know how ready I am." Laughed Sirius.

James smiled. "Get dressed then." He said and with a nod left his friend to prepare.



There were two more hours left for the ceremony to begin. Katie was standing in front of the mirror in her undergarments waiting for her mother to return with her gown. Lily was sitting on the bed, wearing a dressing gown. Both girls had their hair made up and their makeup done.

"What is taking her so long?" Exclaimed Katie in an exasperated tone.

Lily shrugged. "She won't be long." She said.

"Easy for you to say, you are not a mass of nerves trembling from head to toes." Katie said.

Lily smiled. "Don't worry, everything will be fine." She said.

"Do you think so?" Katie asked somewhat worried.

"I know so." Lily said.

At that moment the door opened. Mrs. Bennett walked in with Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans. They were carrying Katie's gown.

"Let's get you ready my dear." Said Mrs. Bennett.

Forty-five minutes later, Katie stood in front of the mirror in her gown. Mrs. Bennett was noisily sobbing into a handkerchief. "Oh my baby girl is so gorgeous." She sobbed.

"Oh mum. Don't cry, you are going to make me cry as well." Katie said giving her mother a hug.

"Come Lily, let's finish you off." Said Mrs. Evans taking Lily and leaving the room. Mrs. Potter left right behind them, leaving daughter and mother together one last time.

"You do know what is going to happen tonight, right dear?" Asked Mrs. Bennett drying her tears.

"Mum, you are not going to give me the talk are you? You gave it to me before I left for my fourth year at Hogwarts remember?" Said Katie in a laughing tone.

Mrs. Bennett smiled kindly at her daughter. "You are not afraid about it?" She asked.

"No mum, don't worry." Katie said hugging her mother once more. They separated when a knock sounded on the door.

The door opened and Mrs. Potter stepped in.

"Marie, dear. There is something that you need to know." Mrs. Potter said.

Mrs. Bennett frowned with worry but smiled at her daughter before leaving the room. "Now rest dear, you still have half an hour before we have to leave." She said.

Katie nodded and sat on her bed, patiently waiting for someone to come and keep her company.



Oh the hall, Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Bennett were talking in whispers as they hurried from the room.

"A messenger from the Ministry just arrived for Lyndon." Mrs. Potter said as soon as they retreated from the bedchamber. "It doesn't seem like good news."

"What do those old biddies want? It's our daughter's wedding day for goodness sake, can't they do things on their own for a day?" Exclaimed Mrs. Bennett.

"We'll soon find out what they want." Mrs. Potter said as the two women arrived to the main entrance.

The entrance hall was full of tables all laden with gifts and flowers. The women didn't stop to look around, they walked up to the bookroom, where they heard people talking.

Before they reached the door it opened and a cloaked person left the room in a hurry.

"What happened Lyndon, why did he come?" Asked Mrs. Bennett as she entered the room.

"An attack, there was an attack in Hogsmeade." Lyndon Bennett said in a hallow voice. Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans gasped.

"Was anybody hurt?" Asked Mrs. Potter.

"A family was killed, others were injured. Thank the gods it wasn't a Hogsmeade weekend at Hogwarts, otherwise it could have been worse. I'm sorry Marie, I have to go." Mr. Bennett said.

"But it's Katie's wedding Lyndon. You can't run off for that." Exclaimed Mrs. Bennett.

"Believe me Marie, nobody regrets this more than I do, but it is my job. As an Auror, I have to take care of this." Mr. Bennett said. "I will speak with Katie, I'm sure she will understand."

"Understand? Lyndon, who is going to walk our daughter down the aisle?" Screamed Mrs. Bennett.

"Maybe Peter or Remus will do so." Said Mrs. Potter trying to calm Mrs. Bennett.

"But it's almost time to go, we can't ask them on time." Mrs. Bennett wailed.

"Maybe Miriam can help, she arrived before the messenger and we were speaking when he arrived, she might have an idea." Mr. Bennett said.

Mrs. Bennett seemed to be thinking hard. "Did your sister bring her son with her?" She asked.

Mr. Bennett nodded.

"It will be fine then, I'll ask him to walk Katie. I'll go talk to them now." Said Mrs. Bennett leaving the room in a hurried pace.

"I'll go talk to Katie." Mr. Bennett called after her.



Sirius was a nervous wreck. He paced back and forth in the chamber put aside for him and his friends beside the chapel. Half an hour for the ceremony to start and Katie had not arrived.

"What if she changed her mind? What if she doesn't want to marry me anymore?" Said Sirius as he paced.

"She'll be here, don't worry, the traffic might have delayed them." Said James as he sat on a chair watching his best friend pace.

"Sit down Sirius, you are making me dizzy." Said Remus.

"Why isn't she here?" Sirius exclaimed taking no notice of the others.

James shook his head, Remus rolled his eyes and Peter just stood by the windows looking bored.

"She'll be here, now sit." Commanded James.

Sirius sighed and sat on one of the chairs found in the room.

"You still have half an hour." Said Peter. "There is still time for her to arrive."

The room fell silent, nobody said a thing for the next minutes. Sirius kept glancing toward the clock against a wall. Twenty-five minutes until the ceremony began. Twenty. Sirius groaned and ran his finger through his hair.

"Will you stop, you ruined your hair now." Exclaimed James and with a swish of his wand, which he had hidden in his breast pocket, he rearranged Sirius hair.

"It's almost time and she is not here." Sirius exclaimed.

"Will you relax?" Remus said. "She must be on her way."

"Here she comes." Suddenly said Peter. The boys ran to the windows and looked out. A horse-drawn carriage stopped in front of the church. They saw a footman jump from beside the driver and let down some steps. Mrs. Bennett climbed down, closely followed by Lily.

"There you see, she is here." Said James pulling Sirius from the window and leading the others to the other side of the room. There was knock on the door and Sirius' mother came in.

"They are here dear, it's time for you to get ready." She said.

"Thanks mum." Sirius said and kissed her cheek, walking out the room.

Mrs. Black followed with tears filling her eyes.

They arrived at the entrance of the chapel. Mrs. Black quickly went to find her seat. The doors opened and people started to pile into the chapel.

"What are you doing here?" Asked Sirius enraged at the sight of the person who had just come into the church.

"I'm not here because of you." The person in front of them said.

"Then why are you here?" Asked James standing beside Sirius. Remus stood on Sirius' other side. Peter stood behind the three of them.

"Not that it is any of your concern, but my cousin wished me to be here and help her through this trying time." Severus Snape said to the three young men in front of him.

"Your cousin?" Asked Remus with a frown. "What cousin?"

Snape smiled and leered at the three boys. "My mother's brother's daughter of course, Katherine Bennett."

The four boys gaped. "Katie is your cousin?" Asked Peter, finally coming out from behind his friends.

"Yes, she is." Snape said.

"Why didn't she tell us?" James asked.

"Because it's none of your concern. And she knew I wasn't too happy with her because of her friendship with you." Snape growled.

"You have no say on who she can be friends with." Sirius said.

"Obviously, otherwise we would not be here now would we? But no matter, if she wishes to marry you, so be it. But make no mistake Black, if anything happens to her because of you, you will regret it." Snape warned.

Nothing more was said. The church door was opened once more and the bridal party started to come in.

"What are you doing here Sirius, this is no time to chat, go on, go to the front." Said Mrs. Bennett motioning at the boys to walk to the front.

With a last glower at Snape, Sirius led his friends to the front of the church.

"Ready dear?" Asked Mrs. Bennett to Katie who had just come through the door.

Katie nodded. Suddenly, the organ started to play, the twins started down the aisle with their baskets full of petals. Severus Snape turned to smile down at his cousin and offered his arm. Katie smiled. Lily started to walk down the aisle, and the song soon changed to a wedding march. People stood from their seats and turned to look at the vision in white that had just entered. Some people smiled, others sobbed. Katie didn't notice anyone other than the man standing in the front waiting for her.



When the ceremony was over, it was starting to get dark. Nobody wanted to stay long upon the steps of the church and soon departed toward Rowe Square where they planned to enjoy the festivities.

A small band played on a balcony above the ballroom. The place was decorated with white roses and vines against all the walls. Tables were spread through out the room, leaving a large empty space in the middle for dancing.

Mrs. Bennett and Severus Snape stood by the door along with Mr. and Mrs. Black, welcoming the guests as soon as they arrived. Katie and Sirius went for a ride around the park to wait until the very last minute to arrive. Lily and James had gone along with them.

An hour after the ceremony had ended, a white carriage was seen arriving the Regency Hotel in Rowe Square.

The guests were waiting anxiously to greet the newly weds. Applause and cheers filled the room when the doors of the ballroom opened and the new Mr. and Mrs. Sirius Black walked into the room.

They sat at the main table in front of the room, Lily and James close behind them. Waiters soon walked among the tables serving champagne and getting the orders of the guests.

James stood up and motioned the room to be silent.

"I have known Sirius and Katie since they first met at Hogwarts ten years ago. If anybody would've told us that these two were going to get married someday, we would've laughed in his face. To anybody that knows Sirius well enough knows this to be true, none of us expected him to be the first one to take the plunge. But I must say, that a relationship like theirs is hard to come upon. For the four years that they had been together, they have brought happiness to each other, and I hope that they will continue to do so. My friends, let's raise our glasses and wish them the best. To Happiness." James said.

"Happiness!" Everybody said and sipped from their goblets.

That was the beginning of a string of toasts given to the couple. Some were sweet and full of advise, while others were rather humorous. Soon, dinner was over and it was time for Katie and Sirius to open the dance.

A waltz started from the balcony. Sirius took his wife into his arms and twirled her around the floor. People cheered and applauded before finally joining them on the floor. Their friends and family joined them. Soon the dance was in full swing. People were having fun dancing and drinking.

Even though it was winter, people were glad that the windows were thrown open, allowing some cool air to enter the room. The body heat coming from the many people packed into the room was enough to keep the food on the tables heated.

People started to leave the dance floor to cool off with drink and cool air. But even so, the floor was packed with dancing couples.

It was late into the evening when a young couple detached themselves from the dance floor. Nobody said anything against it, and nobody saw them leaving the room.

James led Lily through the lobby of the hotel. It seemed quite empty. Only a few people were around, whom James instantly recognized as Aurors from the Ministry. Most he knew from sight, people he had met when he visited his father at the Ministry offices. It seemed that Mr. Bennett wanted to make sure of his daughter's safety.

They collected their cloaks and walked out of the Hotel. The night was clear, even if a little chilly.

The snow that had fallen the previous night had been removed from the ground, only the treetops and the roofs of the buildings around the square glistened with the moonlight.

"I gather Remus left right after the ceremony." Lily said as they walked toward the park in the middle of Rowe Square.

"Yes, it is rather unlucky that it happened to be a full moon." James replied.

The park was quiet. Lampposts lighted every inch of the park. The lanes were well lit and the fairies could be seem skipping among the plants, hoping to find a good place to hide. The pool in the middle of the park sparkled in the moonlight.

"This is new." Said Lily looking down at the clear waters of the pool. Fish swam by.

"Yes, it replaced the fountain that used to stand here. After the incident with the Death Eaters they decided to make some changes." James said looking down at Lily, resplendent in her emerald gown.

Lily nodded but said nothing more, she was enjoying the silence and the company of the young man beside her.

"Lily, you know that I love you right?" James suddenly said.

"Of course I do, I love you as well. Is something wrong?" Lily asked somewhat concerned. What was this all about, she asked herself.

James shook his head. He seemed a bit nervous but a deep breath seemed to make him stronger.

"You have always been the joy of my life Lily. During all those years we were apart I couldn't help but think that it was wrong, I couldn't handle being away from you, and I don't intend of doing so again. Lily?" He kneeled in front of her, holding a small box in his hand. Lily gasped, a silent sob escaping from her. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

He opened the box, a golden ring with a solitaire diamond nestled in the satin. Silent tears of happiness ran down Lily's face.

"Of course I will, there is nothing else I wish to be but your wife." She whispered.

James gave a "whoop" making Lily laugh. He stood and slid the ring in her finger before taking her in his arms and sealing their engagement with a passionate kiss.





A/N: I know, it's a rather long chapter, hope you enjoyed it. James, finally proposed, and Lily has gone through a very grieving period. I just want to mention The Regency Hotel where the party took place, when I wrote this a few weeks ago I thought I was inventing a name for the hotel. Well, I recently found out that there is a Regency Hotel in London, England. What a coincidence isn't it? But it's not the same hotel, this one is of my own imagination, I've never been to London so I really don't know what that hotel actually looks like, but if any of my readers are from England and had been to that hotel, what is it like? Anyhoo, don't forget to review, and check the doll site for the story characters if you haven't seen it yet. http://community.webshots.com/album/45028991uBnciM See you soon!