Two Months Later

February had been cold and dreary. Gray skies and flurries of snow that turned into slush made the grounds sloppy and muddy. It also reflected Lily's mood. Her stomach had now grown considerably since Christmas, and her jeans no longer fit her. She now stuck to James's overlarge t-shirts and robes. Being locked up in a room for three months next week wasn't the high point in her life either. Lily's classes were the only thing that kept her going during the day. Now they were becoming increasingly demanding as N.E.W.T's drew closer. Lily however, found she got them all done in a few hours, only getting up to check on the twins, who were now a very dull project. Potion babies, as it turned out, only really ever cried and slept. They didn't need a whole lot of food or nurturing, and the longer they were kept in solid form, the more they began to dysfunction. Luna had been known to need a new diaper, and then ten seconds later thought she needed a new one. Their forms were misting ever so slightly too. At least the empty space her parents death had left in her heart had dulled. In fact, she found life did go on, however monotonous it was. It helped slightly that her parents had left half their fortune to their daughter, saying that they hoped she could make something of this in her world. It had indeed. A nice pile of gold was sitting in her and James's new account at Gringotts now.

Sighing, Lily got up and walked out onto the terrace. James was at Care of Magical Creatures now, and she could see him and the Marauders working hard on what looked like hippogriffs. It was fun to watch them, being carefree and having fun. Lily envied them for being able to go outside and walk about. She knew she had the option, but whispers were more than she could handle at the moment. Besides, she was four months along now. You couldn't simply walk out of here and into the common room and say that it was Christmas weight that she hadn't gotten rid of. Not even Crabbe and Goyle, those two Slytherin dunces, were stupid enough to believe that.

It was nearly five o'clock by the time James came back. He was smiling and his hair was ruffled in a sexy way that told her quidditch practice had just ended.

"I've got a present for you." He teased her. Lily just sighed. He got her a present at the beginning of every month, something to keep her busy. She loved that he tried, but there really was nothing that could raise her dark spirits.

Trying to look truly happy, she asked, "What is it this time James?"

Her gloominess did not go unnoticed by James.

"You will love this one. Plus it's something that you can do again and again."

Curious now, Lily followed him out of the apartment under the invisibility cloak. He walked by her side, totally visible. A group of sixth year girls smiled and giggled flirtatiously as he walked past. Lily felt her temper flare as he smiled back and tousled his hair. Kicking him in the shins, a look of pain shot across his face as he glared at Lily.

Finally they arrived at a statue of a smarmy looking thing. James tapped his wand once and spoke something Lily couldn't quite make out. An audible gasp issued from her mouth as the statue moved to the side, revealing quite a dark and damp tunnel. She balked, but James took her hand and led her down the winding path. It seemed to take forever, but a light told her she had finally reached the end… but where the hell was she?

Boxes of things, candy things, were piled high and scattered around. James threw the invisibility cloak over them and they climbed up the stairs into Honeydukes.

Lily had never been so delighted in her life. The change of scent and scenery did wonders for her. Quickly she ran around, picking out things she couldn't wait to have. Her sullen mood returned when she realized she didn't have any money with her. James had thought of this previously and whipped out his moneybag. Pecking him on the cheek, Lily loaded her arms with all the sweets she could carry.

They left Honeydukes with lighter pockets and two bags filled with sugar quills, fizzing whizzbees, and tons more. James took her next to the Three Broomsticks.

"Why hello Mr. Potter. I didn't expect to see you and Ms. Evans here! I won't tell Dumbledore, though I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Greeted the smiling Madam Rosemerta.

"Though I do say Lily, you are looking rather large. When are you due?"

"End of July. Am I still able to drink a nice butterbeer or should I go with something healthier?"

"You should be fine dear. And it's on me tonight. Goodness knows being a single mom isn't easy in this world."

"Really Madam, you shouldn't. James is the father and we are getting married in October. I won't be all alone."

"It's still on me for the happy couple. James Potter settling down. I never thought I would see the day." she mused as she got them two large mugs.

Lily was refreshed when she and James left. The conversation about wedding plans and baby things with the bartender had left her with a renewed joy. She even started humming on the trudge back up to the castle, seeing as Honeydukes was now closed.

The breeze had a hint or spring to it, making the air warm. There was very little snow left on the grounds, considering it hadn't snowed much.

"James?"

"Yeah Lil?"

Her kiss told him all he needed to know. Lily's thanks, her love, her worries and bliss all put into that kiss. When they broke apart, he held her close to him, savoring the moment. The moment when Lily felt a tiny movement in her tummy: the baby was kicking.

"Oh my God James it kicked!" she shrieked.

"What? Oh duh the baby. Wait the baby kicked? LET ME FEEL!"

Lily laughed as he placed his hand on her belly. Thirty seconds later he got his wish as his baby gave a tiny but sharp kick. As they continued trekking up to the castle and opened their door, James's shrieks of delight and Lily's laughs could be heard echoing across the grounds.

Lexi and Roxxi stopped in the next day, their faces shining with joy.

"James told us at breakfast. Lily I want to feel it! Please pretty pretty please?" Lexi begged her.

"Lexi I don't give a dang if you touch my belly to feel the baby kick."

"Honestly Lex. Saying 'pretty pretty please'. Grow up would you? Lily oh my gosh it kicked AHHHHH LILY THAT IS GREAT AHHH CAN I FEEL IT NEXT?" Roxxi squealed and her tone changed when she saw Lexi's hand move.

The girls stayed there, hands on Lily's belly, until the bell rang. Darting off to herbology and arithmancy, they apologized and left giggling and chattering wildly about the baby. Lily was once again left alone to face another long and dull day. But today was a bit easier to get through. In fact, with the sun shining and her friends visiting, it was downright exciting. She smirked as she realized how pitiful her life had gotten if a ten minute conversation made her day.

James POV

Life was still exciting as usual, but a light seem to have left his classes with Lily gone. In fact, the effects of her leaving had made every Gryffindor a little down. Their rule abiding Head Girl had a knack of confusing teachers with her own theories that their little laughs were gone. Even more missed were the days when some unfortunate student got on the wrong side of her temper. It was funny watching people twice her size cower in fear when her eyes blazed and hair crackled. It meant that a particularly good hex was coming instead of taking house points. Ask anyone who had crossed Lily, they would've rather had 100 points off then have to go to Madam Pomfrey and explain why a tail was poking out their butts.

Sirius and Lupin were doing quite a good job of cheering him up though. They often made plots with him on how they were going to terrorize the Slytherins if they won the upcoming match. Especially since this was for the House Cup. James had had no greater urge in his life to beat the slimy team. Ever since last week when the Keeper had jinxed a picture of him and his fan club to make it look like a crowd of guys fawning over him.

Saturday came quickly, and before he knew it, he was soaring into the air on his broom, pitching the quaffle back and forth between his teammates.

A bludger came pelting towards his face, and nearly hit him. Glancing behind his shoulder, he saw the dimwit beater Davis smile stupidly. Davis was still smiling as a bludger hit the back of his head.

James grinned as the beater slid off his broom. The score was 90- 10, Gryffindor lead.

The quaffle was passed to him again, and playing resumed as he scored another ten points for his team. If the seeker caught the snitch now, they would win, and he could get back to Lily. He missed her so much, and her mood when he got home was so downcast, he wished that he could go back to classes just so he wouldn't have to stay there knowing there was very little he could do the help her mood.

Suddenly cheering rose from the stands. Punkter, the Gryiffindor seeker, had caught the snitch. There would be a party after dinner, but for now, James just basked in the glory as he and the rest of the team were hoisted onto shoulders and applauded.

That night, the common room was alive with chatter and fireworks. Many of the people were playing games, and a group of fifth years had gotten a game of truth or dare together, with wild things such as licking one of the toilets or having to look under someone's bed and see how many different species of mold you found under it. But all of the fun and chatter abruptly stopped when the portrait hole opened and someone they hadn't seen in ages stepped through. A very big red head witch had just entered the common room.

"Oh my God who knocked up Evans?" a still voice broke the silence as all eyes turned to James, who flushed redder than his scarlet quidditch robes.

"Well okay at least I proposed to her before she got pregnant." several girls squealed at this statement, but when the sound died out, utter silence was left.

Lily strode over to the buffet table and grabbed some chocolate and butterbeer. All eyes followed her every movement.

"Oh God people, you call this a party? What the hell happened while I've been gone?" and with that Lily grabbed her wand and sent a cacophony of things shooting out. Bubbles that you could sit on popped out along with sparks that chased you around the room and if they caught you, made you glow neon green for a few minutes. Soon the party was alive and even stronger again, especially when Lily caught three fourth years with fire whisky.

"What the hell are you doing? Idiometa!" She shouted, and all three of them sprouted whiskers and furry tails. A boy, known for his deep baritone in the school choir, opened his mouth. All that came out was a high little meow. Deeply embarrassed, he slinked out of the room, other two following close behind.

Laughter rang throughout the room, and the party continued well into the night. Lily was especially popular with the girls, who wanted to know how James proposed, what the wedding would be like, and if the baby was a boy or girl, and then what would she name them?

Tired but exhilarated, everyone trudged back to their dormitories and said their goodnights, congratulating Lily and James as they went. Their fiery Head Girl was back, and nothing could dampen their moods now.