So thank you to everyone who reviewed! I needed them SOOO much, you have no idea. And special thanks to Lady of the four-leafed Clover for wishing me well on my college stuffs. And someone actually swore at me! Hehe you really made me laugh! And sorry it's taken so long. Sighs exasperatedly I am ready to murder school.

I solemnly swear (That I am up to no good) that the next chapter will definitely be up by Christmas! Provided I get sufficient reviews…

Hehe.

3 Pupparoux

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the wonderful, terrific, and much moneymaking Harry Potter franchise. If I did I why would I be writing this here and not making millions more? So all hail the genius that is J.K Rowling.

Many thanks to all my readers! And review please. A craftsman is always glad to here that her work is appreciated. And yes, I did kinda rip that off from PotC. hehe

Chapter Ten: The Engagement and The Secret.

Quarter to nine.

Lily got up from the table, walked into the living room and collected her grandmother's empty plate.

"Lily, darling. That was delicious! I really needed a decent meal, everything has been tasting horrible." Said Marie with a weak smile from her pillows.

Lily smiled too, in spite of her worry. "I'm so glad gram. I was hoping you would like it."

"Why…what's wrong dear?" asked Marie. She had always had an uncanny ability to seem as though she could read Lily's mind.

Lily bit her lip. "Well, everyone's gone out and they said they'd be back by six thirty. But its now," she checked her watch. "Quarter to nine and they're still not home…I hope nothing happened to them."

Marie looked at Lily. "I'm sure that they're fine. In fact, I'll bet they'll be home any… minute." Her eyes flicked toward the windows.

As soon as the words had left Marie's mouth, the front door opened; Terrie, Petunia, Vernon, Chris, Shawn, Brandon, Norma, Jean, Ryan, Joe, Ben, and Luke all piled through it into the kitchen, all talking excitedly.

"It's so exciting!"

"Wait till she hears!"

"Can we go to bed now?"

"Yea. I'm sick of all this mushy stuff."

Lily heard someone yawn.

"Oh James! It's so good to see you. Where's Lily?"

"Uh," she heard James stand up from the table with a scrape of his chair. "I think she's with Marie."

"Oh right."

Lily looked at her gram and then to the kitchen. " I'll be back later, alright? I have to see what's going on." Her face was turning red and now that she knew they were fine, she was getting angry. Why hadn't they called or something?

"Actually," Marie began.

But Lily, being the impatient girl that she is and having a redheaded temper to boot, stomped quietly to the kitchen. She stopped at the top of the two stairs leading from the living room to the kitchen, still carrying the dirty dishes.

"Well?" She asked, trying to conceal her disappointment and worry, looking from each of her family members to the other. "Where were you all! I was worried. I made everyone a nice dinner," she pointed to the pot on the stove that looked like it contained sticky, lumpy, white glue. "But you didn't ever come…"

"Ah Lily!" exclaimed Petunia, cutting Lily off. "WAIT until you hear," her voice was smug and she had on a supremely pleased smile, a smile that seemed to show every one of her horsy teeth.

Lily looked at her sister. She was clutching onto Vernon's massive forearm, the bony fingers of her left hand were lightly and delicately placed on top, as thought to catch the light, upon which there was something glittering.

Lily stared from Petunia's hand to Petunia's face. Petunia wriggled her hand a bit more, once again bringing Lily's attention to the gigantic diamond glittering on her ring finger.

Lily looked at everyone else in the room as though trying to make sense of what she was seeing. As though trying to understand.

'She and Vernon are engaged!" exclaimed Norma. "Isn't that exciting?"

Lily nodded blankly as her gaze shifted to her Aunt Terrie.

"OH a wedding!" exclaimed Terrie, smiling happily back at Lily.

Aunt Jean looked teary eyed.

Lily looked at her little cousins, they all looked thoroughly sick of it all. Lily could only imagine how much wedding discussion they had had to endure. They were eyeing Vernon with a mixture of fear, because of his size, and utter relief that he was in a good mood. Lily noticed that they were all slowly edging toward James and the staircase.

Lily looked to her older cousins. They seemed resigned to the fact that this Vernon character would be here to stay and would be joining the family, though they didn't have to like it.

Lily finally looked back at the happy couple.

"Well?" asked Petunia, her perfectly tweezed eyebrows arching ever so delicately upward, as though daring Lily to say anything but happy blessings.

"C….c…." Lily couldn't bring herself to say it. Sure it should be a happy moment, one that called for hugging and crying, but it just didn't seem right, not with everything that was happening. "Congratulations," Lily finally sputtered, still in shock.

"That's it?" asked Petunia, her face turning red and her eyes narrowing. "You should be jumping for joy for me!" she shrieked.

Lily looked back at Petunia, shocked. "Excuse me?" Lily asked, her grip tightening on the dishes she was holding. "I'm sorry if I am a bit more concerned with our grandmother's health right now, than your engagement!" James quickly walked over to Lily and put a hand on her shoulder. "Or haven't you noticed…"

"It was always about you!" shouted Petunia. "You could never let me have a moment in glory!" She stepped away from Vernon and advanced menacingly toward Lily.

"Oh please!" exclaimed Lily, rolling her eyes. James took the dishes out of her hands, in case she decided to chuck them at Petunia. "How is this about me! I was worried sick because you didn't call and let us know you were all right! I was here, taking care of Gram and cooking, for you, I might add, while you gallivanted about the town, shopping all day!"

"You always have to seem better than me! First you have freak powers and now you're all self-righteous! You ALWAYS have to be superior!" Petunia pouted, her nose wrinkling. Vernon took Petunia's bony arm with his beefy hand, trying to sooth her.

"Stop it both of you!" exclaimed Auntie Jean, cutting Lily off. "I'm ashamed of you two." She continued in a deadly calm voice, a hush descending over the kitchen as she stepped between the two warring sisters.

"Lily, we are sorry we didn't call, but that is no way to treat your sister, especially since she has such great news."

Petunia looked over smugly at Lily, her eyes flashed and she mouthed ha ha. I told you so! Lily narrowed her green eyes, looking daggers at her sister. James shifted slightly, ready to restrain Lily.

"And Petunia," Jean turned to her. "You have no right to treat Lily like this. She has been working so hard to keep everyone in this house happy. She is a bit strained. You could be more sympathetic."

"Everyone always sides with her!" Petunia shrieked petulantly, crossing her arms.

"No one is siding with anyone." Said Jean impatiently. "Now go and tell Gram the news."

Petunia and Vernon walked up the stairs and brushed past Lily to go to Marie. Lily let out a huff of annoyance, took the dishes from James and went over to the sink.

"Congratulations," said James as Vernon past.

Vernon looked James up and down and grunted in a way of acknowledgement. Then he and Petunia pushed past him into the living room.

James walked past the smiling aunts and the scowling cousins, --- the younger boys had all gone to bed--- and over to help Lily with the dishes.

James lifted the pot that once held creamy chicken pasta and now seemed to hold troll boogies, and hefted it over to the garbage can, near the sink and Lily.

Lily stood with her back to James, filling the sink with hot water and slamming the dishes into it. She was staring intently at the dirty dishes in the soapy water, her face still a little pink, and holding a dish cloth.

James opened the top of the trash bin and tried to scrape the remaining contents of the pot into it. But they were firmly, and most disgustingly, stuck in place, so James pulled out his wand and did a scourging charm, the pot was instantly cleaned and gleaming.

He walked over to Lily and put the pot on the counter.

"Lily," he began, looking at her.

"G'nite dears," called Terrie as she, Norma, and Jean left the kitchen.

"Sleep well," called James back. He nodded solemnly at Chris, Brandon and Shawn, all of whom gave him we're-watching-you looks, and nodded back before going up to bed too.

Lily continued to scrub the plates, silverware and cooking utensils, her flaming red hair obscuring her face. "G'night," she called too.

James turned back to Lily. "Lily, talk to me."

The last creak of the staircase told them they were alone.

"What is there to say James?" asked Lily sharply, turning to face him.

"Just talk about it, there is nothing wrong with venting your emotions." He put his hands soothingly on her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"It's just…we used to be so close. And now…this." Lily sniffed. She mustn't cry. Hold it in girl, no weakness. "We started a fight over a happy moment! It's her engagement! How many times does that happen to someone!"

"This is a stressful time, Lily. She is mad at you for things that are out of your control. But don't worry, she will realize that and I'm sure if you really needed her, Petunia would set aside her differences with you and help."

"Oh I'm sure," Lily scoffed sarcastically, looking away from James' handsome face and focusing on a spot on the floor.

"No worries," said James as he lifted Lily's chin with his hand and smiled. "Buck up there you."

Lily smiled too.

"What you need is a break! How about it?" asked James, a mischievous look coming into his eyes.

"Uh oh. I know that look. What do you have in mind," asked Lily.

"Well first we, " he flicked his wand and the dishes cleaned themselves and stacked neatly into the cabinets. "Clean the dishes."

Lily's smile broadened.

James continued, stepping closer to Lily. "Then we," he flicked his wand again and there appeared two bowls, each filled with a vanilla ice cream, a chocolate torte, and fresh strawberries. "Have chocolate tortes." He reached behind Lily and picked up the two bowls, sowed their contents to Lily and then walked to the kitchen table.

As he leaned into get the bowls, Lily's cheek brushed against James' sweater and she caught a hint of clean clothes and fresh cut grass, she closed her eyes. She loved that smell, in her mind every time she smelled that, she thought of James Potter. Though she hadn't told anyone about that and vowed she never would.

"C'mon Lils," James called as he pulled out a chair for her at the table. "You're not falling asleep are you?" he asked playfully.

Lily opened her eyes. "Nooooo…" she replied, scrunching her nose in an annoyed lighthearted fashion.

"Well, It's going to be an early night for you. I'm relieving you tonight."

Lily picked up her spoon and dug it into her torte and ice cream and looked at James, puzzled "What are you on about?" She was about to ask…but didn't because she had bitten into her torte and was speechless. It was that good. So all she ended up saying was… "Mmmmmmmmmmmmm" and closed her eyes again.

"I'm sitting with Marie tonight. You are over worked and getting stressed out." James looked at Lily, her green eyes slightly glazed from the delicious torte she was enjoying.

Lily shook her head and looked seriously at James. "I couldn't ask you to do that." Said Lily, she took another sinful spoonful, savoring every bite, while trying to be serious.

"Your not asking, I'm just doing."

"James I really must protest..." started Lily, taking another bite of torte and sighing.

"Nope," said James stubbornly. "So you'll be finishing that torte and hopping off to bed, young lady." He grinned, pointing his spoon at her. "And getting a good nights sleep." He dug into his torte now too.

Lily looked at James. She finished her last spoonful of torte and then she stood up, walked over and hugged him tightly.

James didn't know what to do. He just sat there, with the spoon in his mouth and Lily's arms around him.

"Thank you," she whispered in his ear.

"No…ehem…problem," James replied softly through his spoon.

There came a tap at the window. Lily let go of James and both looked over to the window above the kitchen sink. There was a dark brown owl sitting on the window ledge. It was Molly's owl and it had a letter strapped to its leg.

Lily walked over and opened the window. The small bird, named Bao, hopped into the room and fluttered onto Lily's shoulder where it nuzzled her cheek.

"Well hullo Bao." Lily said to the owl. She took the letter from his leg and walked to the table, Bao still on her shoulder.

"Lily, who's it from?" asked James.

"Molly!" exclaimed Lily, as though this was obvious, it was, after all her owl…

"Oh, of course." Said James, just as obviously. "What news from the wizarding world?"

Lily opened the letter and began to read it aloud.

Dear Lily-kins and Jamesie-poo,

Lily cringed and looked up to James. "Oh my gawd. My nickname is alright, but Jamesie-poo?"

James grinned. "This is all Sirius' doing." He shook his head slightly.

Lily read on.

Yes James, the name was all Sirius' doing. And he wants me to tell you that he misses his Prongsie.

Well, me Lily-kins, I miss you and I hope all is well at your Gram's house. I hope she is all right. Please give her my love. I also hope that you and Potter are not ripping out each other's throats, as the boys assume two are doing. But I told them if there were to be any ripping of throats, then James would probably be back here at school, probably in the hospital wing. ANYWAY! . But they wanted to write to make sure all was well.

So let's bring you up to speed on goings on here. Sirius, Remus, and I have taken it upon ourselves to wreak havoc on the Slytherins in your absence. So far we have made quite a few of the boys can-can dancers, and bewitched their evening trifle to become squirming worms in their stomachs after it was eaten. So far we have escaped punishment, but keep your fingers crossed. (The trifle was my idea)

"Whoa," said James, interrupting Lily. "I think Sirius has been a bad influence on Molly. She always seemed so quiet and rule-abiding."

"Are we talking about the same Molly?" asked Lily, smiling at James. "Do you remember in Fifth year, when we were studying for exams in the Library, and that crazy blonde Slytherin kept pestering us?"

"Yeah," James began. "I remember a sudden flash of red light and the kid walking away from you table with little bits of parchment flying at him and trying to get up his nose."

"Molly's doing," said Lily. "Her own spell, actually.

"Oh," said James comprehendingly. " Note to self, do not get on Molly's bad side. Well, seems she and Sirius are well suited. Now if only we could find Remus someone."

Lily continued reading.

If you need us for anything give us an owl. Keep Bao there incase you need to send something right quick. We all miss you and love you both.

With love from;

Molly, Sirius, and Remus

"Well," said James, finishing off his last bite of chocolate torte. "I guess their having fun with out us."

"Seems like it," grinned Lily.

James looked at Lily, with Bao on her shoulder. "Alright you. It's time for bed. Off you get." James stood up and moved toward Lily to usher her off to bed.

"Aw…but moooooom," Lily whined, grinning.

"No buts," James said back.

Lily stood up. "I'm just going to say good-night to Gram first."

James gave her a caring look. "Five minutes. If you're not out by then…I'm coming in to collect you." He smiled in a determined way.

Lily looked at James and snapped to attention. "Sir, Yes, Sir!" she called in military fashion. "Five minutes, SIR!" and she marched into the living room, her long fiery hair swishing behind her.

James just shook his head. Only Lily. He smiled.

Lily walked behind the partition dividing Marie from the living room.

There she sat, propped up against a mass of pillows, staring serenely into the warm glow of the fireplace.

"Gram," Lily said softly as she approached the bed.

Marie looked over at Lily. "Lily!" she exclaimed. "You don't need to sit with me tonight, I've asked James to come."

"I know, He's told me." Lily smiled. "And to think. You two conniving to get me to sleep. I never thought I'd see the day."

"Yes, well," Marie began, a mischievous twinkle coming into her eye. "Where do you think you get it from?"

"Ah of course," Lily smiled. "Well, we've just had a letter from Molly. And she says hello and that she hopes you are well."

"Oh, how nice dear. Anything new with her?" asked Marie.

"Well, she has a boyfriend. Sirius Black."

Marie grinned. "About time," she murmured.

Lily laughed. "Goodnight then." She leaned in and kissed her Grandmother's forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too, my love." Said Marie, looking into Lily's almond-shaped green eyes with her own. "I love you too," she echoed again, almost sadly.

"Don't tease James too badly," Lily said as she straightened and began to walk away.

"I'll try not to, but no promises," Marie called softly. "Oh. Lily."

Lily stopped and turned at the screen. "Yes Gram?"

"I really like James. You have made an excellent choice in him."

Lily blushed. "Thanks Gram. I…like him too."

"Of course you do. Why else would you have brought him." Marie's eyes twinkled. "I love you dear," Marie smiled.

"Night then," called Lily. "Sleep well."

Lily walked back into the kitchen. James stood there leaning against the counter, his arms behind him in a bracing fashion. Lily looked at him, and cocked her head to one side. "Finished sir," she said.

James casually looked down at his watch. "You are two minutes over young lady. Up to bed with you," he walked over to Lily, took her arm and led her to the stairs. "Good night Lily," he said softly. "Sleep well."

Lily stepped up onto the first stair and turned to look down at James "Good night James," Lily said, looking into his eyes.

He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.

Lily blushed, silently thanking Merlin that the stairs were dim enough so that James couldn't see her face turning the brilliant colour of a rose, then turned and walked up the stairs. She went into her room, pulled on her pajamas and climbed into bed, fully intent on waiting up for James. But within five minutes, Lily had fallen asleep, nestled snuggly in her warm blankets on that cold February night.

James walked back into the kitchen; he waved his wand and the dirty dishes were gone. Then he proceeded through the living room and to Marie's bedside, to where she was going to tell him something very important. He wondered what Marie could possibly have to tell him and why she would be telling it to him, a boy she had just met.

James walked around the oriental screen and over to Marie's bed. There she lay, propped up against a mountain of pillows, looking frail, tired and small, staring at the flames of the fire. James pulled a chair over to the bedside, sat down in it, and took Marie's hand in his own.

"Ah my boy, you've made it," she smiled to James, looking away from the dancing flames. "Lily safely off to bed then?" she inquired.

"Yes she is, and a fair bit of fussing she did about it too," James responded, grinning back.

"Well good on you for actually getting her to do it. Now…" Marie paused, clearly thinking about what she was going to say next. "All right James," Marie began and she sighed. "Let's not go beating around the bush, I'll get straight to it. James…" she paused again. "I am a witch."

James stared at Marie, his mouth open. I think she's on too much muggle medication… He thought.

"Right…" said James looking around. "I'll just go and get Terrie or Norma all right?" he asked smoothly, standing up and wondering where he could go to find either of them.

"No James." sighed Marie in a rush, trying to get James to understand. "It is not my muggle medication talking, I've eaten a decent meal, just sit and listen to me," She said, almost pleadingly. "I really need to tell someone this before I go. I haven't even told Lily. But James, believe me when I tell you, I am a witch." Marie's green eyes, the same eyes that James loved in Lily, found his.

"Ok, then what does Polyjuice Potion do?" asked James, testing Marie.

"Polyjuice potion is a highly complex potion that allows the drinker to transform into another person for an hour," Marie told him exasperatedly. "But that's irrelevant right now."

James' mouth fell open "Shouldn't you be telling Lily this, not me, since she's your grandchild and all?"

"No. It's you I need to tell. I'm a witch James, well, was a witch. I had my powers stripped after I married my husband, Jack. I wanted to keep our family safe."

James stared at Marie in disbelief. "You're really a…a…hang on!"

"Now James," continued Marie growing louder and talking over him, determined to say everything she had been waiting to say for countless years. "Now, the stripping of powers is very dangerous and is not commonly done for that reason; usually witches or wizards just pretend to be muggles and don't bother. But when a witch or wizard is stripped of his or her powers it causes the next generation of children to become non-magical. But, their children's children, that is to say, the stripped witch or wizard's grandchildren can have powers. Which explains why Lily has magical ability."

"I knew it!" exclaimed James, looking deep into Marie's eyes, eyes that he knew so well, Lily's eyes.

"But that's not all. I am in league with Dumbledore…"

"You know Dumbledore?" James blurted out, interrupting Marie.

"Of course I know Dumbledore. Who doesn't know the Great Albus Dumbledore? Now don't interrupt. I was in league with Dumbledore and the Order. You know of the Order don't you?"

"Of the Phoenix? Of course I do. But that has just begun recently, to combat…"

"Voldermort," finished Marie. "Yes, well I have been keeping a muggle perspective of things for Dumbledore. But I was caught passing information by some of his evil miscreants and I was ambushed. That is why my condition has worsened. I was hit with a curse that causes cancer. Since I already have cancer, it caused my condition to worsen. There is no cure for it now. But I can't live forever," Marie laughed softly and weezily, smiling ruefully.

"So, let me get this straight," James began slowly, his head in his hands. He had been sitting by Marie's bed in silence for the last fifteen minutes, trying to work it all out.

"Take your time, I know it is a lot of information."

"No fooling with that. So you're really not taking the Mickey?" James asked Marie for the seven hundredth time.

"No. I promise you."

"Right ok then. So you are a witch," James said, more to himself than to Marie.

"Yes."

James stood up and started pacing in front of the fire. "You had your powers stripped."

"Yes."

"You were working for Dumbledore, passing information on Lord Voldermort, and were attacked, presumably, by Death Eaters."

"Stinking cowards, did it at a bus stop. If I had had my wand and still had my powers they would have been no match…"

James slumped into his chair mentally exhausted. "That is amazing," James intoned simply, rubbing his eyes and looking at Marie.

"Yes, well," she smiled and nodded. "I want you to tell Lily."

"Me?" asked James sitting up straighter in his chair. "Why me?"

"I want you two to have a special bond and that bond is my secret. It will bring you closer together."

"Or pull us apart," murmured James under his breath. "When should I tell her?" he asked.

"When the time is right, you'll know," said Marie. "That means I do not want you rushing upstairs to wake her." She looked sternly at James and then her face softened. "Well, I do believe that it is time I fell asleep, my work is done, my secret told." She smiled sleepily at James. "James you are a wonderful boy, Lily will come to realize it, don't you worry." She pat James' forearm with her rather small wrinkled hand and winked. "And," she began, "I like you and with my approval, you're set." And with that Marie leaned back against her mass of pillows, pulled the covers up to her chin (with James' help) and fell asleep.

Thirty minutes later, James was relived by Norma and went slowly up the stairs to his and Lily's room. He silently pushed open the doors and fell into bed. From the window, Molly's owl, Bao, hooted softy. James couldn't believe what he had just heard. And he couldn't imagine when the right time to tell Lily the secret, if not now, would be. He rolled over onto his stomach, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

Well I hope that was worth the wait. You have no idea how long I

have wanted to write that chapter! Well maybe if I stepped it up

and updated more I wouldn't have had to wait so long, eh? Hehe

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review! It really helps to know that

someone somewhere likes you writing.

Thank-you all. And until next time

Keep a sharp eye ;)

Pupparoux

P.S HAPPY THANKSGIVING!