Lily Defines a Family
They were like refugees in Muggle Europe in the 1940's. Witches, Wizards along with their meager belongings, including house elves – virtually whole families came to Hogwarts. The Roads were packed with the traffic going one way only – to Hogwarts.
They were not the only ones going to Hogwarts – Lily saw to THAT. Others populated her world, the Magical World, and Lily had sent out emissaries to bring them here. Charlie was also sent to collect the Dragons, Hagrid brought the Trolls and the Giants, and Harry was sent to bring the Centaurs, while Bill brought the Goblins.
There were countless others, many just too numerous to mention, but at the last, they all knew Lily and trusted her.
Therefore, they all came.
None harmed another, that was Lily's way and her promise and they all held to that promise – a Wizards' Promise or in her case a 'Witches' Promise' by which she was bound and they all lived by it.
During this gathering, they all learned to live with one another, to get along and to overlook minor infractions.
Lily was standing on the uppermost tower, her husband James beside her, Harry standing on the other side of her. The sadness in her eyes was haunting, Tears of regret streaming down her face. It had all come to this – the entire magical community in all of the Isles was placing all they had in the protection that their old school could afford them. This was the last stand that any of them would ever face against the forces of evil. This was the end of their way of life, of their very existence.
Win they must, for there was no other choice.
All these thoughts were going through Lily's mind. Shaking her head, so sadly, she turned to her husband, her hands placed upon the towers' parapet. James had a knack for knowing his wife and so he turned to look at her, giving her confidence.
"James, there are so many! The roads are filled as far as I can see. What do I do now?" Lily asked.
"Lily, I remember when you came to me with a plan, an idea you wanted to care for our son. The problem you faced then is no different than it is now, just a difference in size." James said.
"Oh, James, how could I've forgotten? I'm so sorry. It's just, well, looking at all these people I forgot the simplest of answers – Father!" Leaning over to him, she kissed him, lovingly, and then rushed downstairs, but just as she got to the stairs, Lily stopped, turning to face her husband and son, "Please, would you both keep a lookout for me? Stay there so the others can see you and gain confidence, they'll need that."
"Of course, Lily, we'll both be here till you need us elsewhere." James replied.
As Lily was leaving the Roof of the Tower of Hogwarts, she was fairly well dancing with Joy, with excitement again: Her beloved James had given her valuable insight in how to get help – the most basic of all help – by going to her Father.
Harry looked at his Mum, nodded and held up his hand in waving "Bye, Mum, Please be careful, we all need you."
Lily stopped, looked at her son and walked over to him and just stood in front of him and just gazed into Harry's emerald green eyes – the same color as hers, the same eyes that she had. She reached up and touched his face, gently. Harry noticed a single tear falling down her cheek from one eye.
"Mum," Harry said, "what's wrong?"
"Son, of all the amazing things I've done over two lifetimes, it all pales in comparison to the fact that I've had you with me BOTH times, that you're my son, the most precious gift I've ever received, - you - are my greatest accomplishment."
Lily reached out and hugged Harry for the longest time, not wanting to let go.
"Mum, I'm not leaving, you'll not loose me."
"Harry, everything is at stake here."
"Mum, remember what you were told, the day I was born?"
"What?" Lily looked at Harry quizzically, "How do you know what was said?
"Well, I WAS there."
"I know that, but, . . . "
"Mum, you were told that your family: your husband and son are restored to you, NEVER to be separated from you again."
"Mum, we'll be ok."
"Son," Lily asked, looking at Harry, "Where did you get your profound wisdom from?"
Harry looked at his Mum and just smiled, "Mum, I got it from you."
Lily embraced Harry once again, and did not let him go. She just held him and held him and said, mostly to herself: "Thank you, Father, for my son's wisdom and teaching him to know what to say to still my fearful heart."
Lily then rushed downstairs and left the two of them to keep a lookout, just as she asked, they'd not wanted to disappoint her. She needed their eyes and ears.
James put his hand on Harry's shoulder, as they were standing at the castles' parapets, and he then turned to Harry saying "Son, you said the most comforting thoughts to your Mum. I'm real proud of you."
Harry looked up at his Dad, saying "Thanks, Dad."
James continued looking out at the many people returning to Hogwarts. For the longest time he just stood there and looked, but in his mind he was thinking. He'd wanted to tell Harry something, a compliment of sorts but didn't know quite how to word it. He was fidgeting a little, trying to word his thoughts, till finally he just gave up and spoke up.
"Son, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for the longest time."
Harry looked up at his Dad, wondering what it could be. "What's that, Dad?" Harry replied.
"Well, now that things are coming to a rather serious turn I just wanted to mention to you something, about you and your Mum and I." James turned to Harry.
"When you were born to us, the first time, when we were all living in Godric's Hollow, your Mum and I were newlyweds straight out of school here. I worked for the Ministry as an Auror, just beginning my training and your Mum also, but, she mainly worked as an Unspeakable. Anyway, when you came along, the three of us were the happiest of couples just having you. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine our destiny unfolding as it has. All your Mum wanted was to be a Mum to you. That's all she ever wanted. The love she had then was just like it is now, she's not changed in all that time. And what she just told you, please believe it, because I remember what she's gone through during those early days, the dark times, and what she had to do to protect you. I'm telling you this from a first person's point of view." James turned back to Harry and said his most final statement concerning the matter, something that verified what Professor Dumbledore told Harry all those many years ago. "Son, she loves you so much, well, she'd do it all over again, and sacrifice herself, doing whatever it'd take to keep you safe." James turned completely to look at Harry, directly into his eyes. "Son, I want you to remember this when the final battle comes, when the Demons appear. Your Mother can handle them, but, please, to make it easier on your Mother just do as she says and all will be well."
James looked at his son and just smiled, conveying quite a lot of emotion in that simple gesture.
Harry understood all too well.
"Thanks, Dad, this means a lot to me, you telling me this. I'll never disappoint you nor Mum, ever. I love you both too much to do anything else."
James patted Harry on his shoulder, "I know son."
They both then turned and looked out over the grounds of the Castle, watching their people come home, home to Hogwarts where they all learned under Lily's tutelage. It would be here, once again, where they ALL would learn another lesson, perhaps the most difficult one of all: Sacrifice – and that through the practical use of Love, Trust, and Faith, that all would work out.
Preparations
Times were getting rather tight for all the people at Hogwarts. There were so many, just so many that the school was not really meant for this number to be there all at once. After all had been set up, both in the school and outside, Lily had gone to the faculty and her family to make preparations for her to make announcements, so that everyone would know what she was doing.
The thousands who gathered in the front of the school listened to her, eager to know what she had planned."I want to begin to let you all know that these accommodations will be enough for all of you for the time that we will be here. Things are stretched out for each of us, so have patience and be willing to help others who may have a more difficult time than you. If you have anything that the elves could use, please give it to them, they'd appreciate it very much." Lily looked out upon the people, they'd all been her students at one time, all had been interviewed by her each year they'd been at school. She remembered each of them, knew their fears and their strengths.
"Those of us who are here today, all of us in our Magical World, you've come here at my direction. That alone shows you have faith that all will be well. Times are dark now, but it won't be for long. Right now, there are two very important lessons you need to demonstrate to your fellow brothers and sisters. The first is your unwavering faith that all will be ok at the end and the second is charity towards each other. Share what material things you have that others may have need of. But, most importantly, share your faith with one another as I have shared it with you. When the Dark Ones approach, I'll let you know, but you'll feel it. Never fear, you'll be able to feel my presence and my love unfeigned for each one of you. The only protection you'll need is your faith in Father as I have demonstrated to you over the many years. Never waver, support one another and all will be well." Lily was looking out over the many people that were in the Magical World, realizing the value of each one of them. They were all very precious to her, not just for their amazing skills that they all had, individually, but because each was unique. Lily stood there and let her gaze fall upon them all, 'I don't want to loose a single one of them,'
'That lost would be unacceptable.'
She went into their midst, talking with them individually, letting them touch her robes, shaking her hands and with the little children, she'd pick them up and kiss them, hugging them. She loved them all without exception.
After a while, a rather long while, it got to her, but she couldn't let them see her break down and cry. That alone would tear apart all she'd built up. Looking up she saw James! Her beloved husband always knew just when she needed him, it was uncanny
He gently took her hand and easily led her away, back to the Castle, to her office where her family was staying. Once inside, she just sat down at her desk, the very same desk that her Headmaster Dumbledore used, and laid her head on her arms and cried and cried. Her heart was breaking from the sad and fearful countenances upon some of the peoples' faces.
"Oh, James, I know each and everyone of my people, my students, and some are very fearful. James, there are just so many and not enough of me to go around! What do I do? I want to take away their fears, to still them, but there's just not enough time for me now. I just can't loose any of them, not a single one!"
James was silent, for now. He knew she had to vent her frustrations in private, with him and her family. Finally, she got up and helped. She went downstairs to give the elves some instruction. But, as she was leaving she noticed that her ever faithful elf, Dobby, was standing close to the wall, observing and waiting. His large ears drooping, his eyes harbingering a most sad countenance.
"Why, Dobby, it's most pleasant to have you here with me. How can I help you?" Lily was trying to look and sound cheerful, but Dobby saw and heard his Mistress's anguished cry for help that came straight from her heart.
"I was guarding you as I was instructed long ago." Dobby answered.
"Guarding me? Why would you need to do that? Who gave you those instructions?"
Dobby hesitated a bit and cringed some. Lily saw his reactions and knew and felt that she'd been unknowingly harsh on him by the way she answered him. So, she knelt down and hugged him. Then, looking back at him, she, still on her knees with him, waited for Dobby to answer.
"Long ago, when you were pregnant with Harry, Headmaster Dumbledore gave me instructions to look after you and help you in anyway I could. He also asked me to guard you at all times. He said that you were very important, even more important than he was. I've been carrying out those instructions ever since, Lily Potter. Did I do right?"
Lily smiled at her beloved Elf. "Yes, Dobby, you did a magnificent job. No one could have done better. Just continue doing as Headmaster Dumbledore has instructed you to. It's ok with me. I appreciate you and all you've done."
Dobby broke out with a great big smile and his eyes lit up with joy.
Lily and the Elves: The Least of all in the Magical World
MUSIC: Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston – When You Believe
Lily had the elves work in shifts for the preparation of meals. What stocks the people had brought with them were given over to the school to be equally shared. She saw Dobby standing in the kitchen and bent down and gave him a hug. It was wordless, and from the many years that Dobby served her, he understood her meaning and need. They both just smiled at one another, as she left the kitchens. She just had to see that her elves were doing all right. She worried so much about them. As Lily looked at them she thought to herself, 'they seem so innocent, almost like Fathers' very own children.' She just looked at them all as these thoughts ran through her mind. On the edge of her thoughts were the fragility of her elves, she feared so for them. Of all in the Magical World, the elves were the very least. But, what Lily didn't see, or maybe she did, but didn't recognize it for what it was, was the elves reaction to her as she was thinking these thoughts. They'd gradually stopped working and looked at her as if, amazingly so, that they somehow KNEW just what she was thinking.
As Lily was leaving the kitchens, all the elves had stopped their work and gathered close to Lily with Dobby at their lead. Lily stopped and looked at them. Never in the millennium since she'd been the Headmistress had they ever done this.
"Dobby, when the time comes, would you have all the elves gather together around me? I will protect each and everyone of you. Before I allow the Demons to take a single one of you I'd sacrifice myself." Tears were pouring down her cheeks in uncontrolled waves; she just stooped down to the floor, held her face in her hands, and cried. She'd felt a couple pair of hands rubbing her back and others' holding her own hands; Looking up she said, "I don't want any of you to be lost. You're all the most fragile of us all. It'd break my heart to loose a single one of you."
"Lily Potter, you need not fear about loosing us to the Demons from the Pit. They'll not be able to touch any of us. Father does not permit them to harm us in any way."
Lily had her face covered with her hands and as she looked up, she was surprised, astounded to the point of being unable to speak at what she saw.
The elves were not there, but in their stead were a host of Fathers' children – angels all. Each one of them were the most beautiful, breathtakingly beautiful, children Lily had ever seen. They were transformed into their Fathers' image, dress and exhibited his grace, just like Lily does.
"We saw how overcome you were by this task and we knew you needed help, not just the physical help, but a little moral support. Father allowed us to show you our true selves. Don't worry, no one but you knows about us and we're here to help you in any way you need us to. You've treated us with so much kindness and love, even in the years before, while you were a student here, Hermione. Your people will be protected when you face your greatest test".
Dobby looked at Lily with his hands on her shoulders looked at her directly into her eyes "Look at me Lily," She looked at him as he finished his statement – "Have no fear whatsoever."
Lily, still crying, just reached out and hugged the closest one she could. Finally, for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was at home, in her Father's home, where she once lived in peace, beauty, grace, and charity. Here, Lily is surrounded by the least of those in the Magical World and beholding their secret that no one had ever suspected. 'I feel so humbled right now, and by my most precious Elves.'
This was all Lily could think of. Never had she even imagined this possibility.
They, all the transformed elves, children of her Father, smiled and radiated love and acceptance to her. She sorely needed it. And, appreciated it.
"Go now, you're needed by your people." The elf whom Lily called Dobby said, gently.
As Lily got up to leave, she turned to look at her beloved elves once again, in their new state. "Why do you work here, like this, as you are?"
It was Dobby who answered, "Why, Lily, I thought you'd have guessed it by now: We learn to serve, and by doing this we learn to love, before we're granted mortality, like you have. All of us are your future."
Lily smiled and nodded her head. Waving, she left, knowing that all would be ok. Her once fearful heart was now quieted and by the least of those in the Magical World. Lily, who had performed many great deeds through her Father, and learned much in her former life as Hermione, had been taught a lesson unexpectedly, one she'll never forget.
Lily and Dumbledore
As Lily walked through the castle, she had not considered just how immense it truly was. Going to school here, living here, it was all a dream for all of the students who came here. Occasionally, she got a glimpse of her good fortune when visitors came here for a short while. She stopped at one of the landings and looked down the hallways, listened to the echoes of her steps and listened to other faint echo's of voices elsewhere in the castle. 'I've been taught many lessons here' she thought to herself. 'I guess it's just appropriate that I be the teacher now and pass on what Father has taught me. I wonder just what my old Headmaster would say to me now?'
Lily was still standing on one of the landings when she saw appear in front of her a figure of a person she knew all too well. The Long silver beard and the twinkle in his eyes had not changed at all.
"Hello, Lily."
The biggest smile came upon her face. It was as if spring had broken in the middle of a severe winter.
"Headmaster!" Was all Lily could say.
She rushed over to him, hugged him in a Molly type hug, and didn't want him to leave. Lily just held onto him afraid he'd have to leave as suddenly as he'd arrived.
"Lily, I'm still here with you. I've always been here watching out over you."
"Headmaster, it's so good to see you again. I've got so many questions, but right now, I just can't think of a single one of them." Lily began to cry, tears rolling down her cheeks, sniffles were starting to affect her.
Dumbledore pulled out a handkerchief from his robes and gave it to her. "Here, you'll need this."
"Well, to answer your question that you just asked, I think you've done a magnificent job as Headmistress. I could not have done better myself."
Lily looked up at him sheepishly, "Really? I feel like I could have done better, that you could have done better."
"We all are our own harshest judge on ourselves. You've done the best you could have. We're all very happy for you."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. And, like the elves told you, don't worry, just persevere, keep on teaching what you've been teaching our world and you'll win this battle. This is the final battle for us all. After this, in just a few days time, it'll all be over and you can then concentrate on rebuilding. All you've accomplished will help everyone."
They began walking down the hallways, down the steps, talking as they went. "You see Lily, from where I am, I can see much further than you can. That is to say, down the road of life. I can see the effects that you have on your people with the lessons you teach them. All these little positive lessons and directions you've been pointing them towards, helps them."
Lily just listened to her Headmaster, remembering all he's saying to her.
Lily got to the front doors that lead out of the castle and upon opening them, he put his hand upon her shoulder and told her "Lily, do all this and you'll be the greatest Headmistress that Hogwarts has ever had. This has been told to you by those you trust and love." There was that customary trademark twinkle in his eye.
"I've got to go now, Lily. I've got other work that needs my attention, . . . ,"
"Please, Headmaster, please don't go. Not yet. I want you to stay with me a while longer."
"Lily, I've not really ever left. As I told Harry during his second year, as long as people need me, I'll never really leave. I'll always be here. This is part of my assignment now. I'm your, and this schools', guardian. You'll always feel my spirit here, including all the students."
"Thank you, Headmaster, thank you always. Even now, you're still teaching me and I'll always appreciate that."
Lily reached over and kissed her Headmaster on his cheek in gratitude and thankfulness for helping her.
Lily looked at him as he slowly faded out of sight while the two of them were standing in the open doors of the Castle. There, everyone outside saw them. Some recognized who it was Lily was talking with but couldn't believe just who it was. Lily turned around and looked at them, tears streaming down her cheeks, but this time she was smiling. She could feel the happiness emanating from the people in front of her. After many years of seeing amazing sights and experiencing that which even in the Magical World would be outstanding, seeing Albus Dumbledore standing on the front steps of Hogwarts beside Lily, their Headmistress, gave them all a deep sense of respect, happiness, and the desire to help her. Her job now was just made so much easier. Lily walked down to them and joined them. Now, she was no longer afraid. She now KNEW she'd not loose a single one of them.
Lily had to give out assignments. There were just a couple of them, but they were very sensitive and she'd have to just go and talk with the people who'd be carrying them out. Lily wandered around her office for a while, thinking of what she'd be saying and to whom. She started with the most fragile – the children. So, she went to Ginny.
Lily went looking for Ginny. She was somewhere here since everyone left their homes and business's to stay at Hogwarts till everything was over. They all had that much trust in Lily.
Ginny was found in the Gryffindor Common Room. She was sitting down, curled up in one of the overstuffed easy chairs in front of the fire. She kept it going herself with her wand since the elves were so busy helping everyone else.
"Ginny?" Lily spoke softly. "May I talk with you a moment?"
Lily went over to Ginny and saw that like Ginny's husband, Harry, she had tremendous bravery, courage emanating from her. Lily went to her and sat down beside her, reached up with her hands and placing them on either side of Ginny's face, Lily just sat in front of Ginny, her beloved daughter in law, and looked directly into her chocolaty brown eyes, for the longest time.
Ginny never moved.
She just sat there and gazed back at Lily, knowing that this was one of those pivotal moments in Lily's life where she was about to teach something that was of vital importance.
"Ginny, look at me, look directly at me, for I want to ask you something." Here, she paused for a moment. "I've only one question to ask: 'Do you believe?'"
Ginny looked back at Lily and nodded her head in the affirmative. "Yes, yes I do."
"I'm handing out assignments now. When the trouble does arrive here, I'll need you to do something special for me."
"Me?"
"Yes, I'll be quite busy and, well, it's the children. They'll need someone with them, to guide them. Will you help me by staying with them and provide an example to them?"
"Yes, I don't know what else to do, but if you think I can do it, then I will. It won't be easy, Lily. I mean, how can I protect them?"
"Ginny, the only protection that you have to offer these children is your faith in Father. Just remember all the amazing works He's allowed me to preform, all for the benefit of strengthening your faith in Him. I'm nothing more than a tool in His Hands, that's all. All I ever wanted in this life was to be a good Mum to my son. Stay with the children. Your wand will be useless, your faith in Father will be your only protection. Just believe in Him and you'll be ok. Tell the children this and all will be ok. Let them see your strength and faith, and they'll emulate you."
"I understand, Lily."
"Remember, Ginny, faith, hope, love and lastly – Sacrifice – Even when all seems dark and apparently hopeless, its' all a lesson for us to learn of Father's Gift to us. Do this, do this for the children and they'll take it with them for the rest of their lives and they'll always love you for helping them."
"Ok, Lily, I'll do all you ask and have taught me to do. I can't ask you to not worry about me, but, I do have the faith you've taught us all. We'll be ok."
Ginny reached out and hugged Lily for the longest time.
"Now, it would be a good idea for you to go and introduce yourself to the children. The parents will probably want to keep their children with them because during this time families should stay together. There are some orphans with us that were brought here; they are being kept together. These are the ones I would like for you to see first. They may have the feeling of being left out, so, go see them, hug them and stay with them until this is all over."
"Thanks, Lily. I would rather stay with them. It gives me the feeling of being needed."
As Ginny was leaving, Lily looked at her and said almost as an afterthought – "Ginny, I do think you'd make a great Mum."
Ginny smiled like a newly risen sun in the early morning.
Lily went out to locate Harry. She never did have to look very far, she just 'knew' where he was and she went there. Being his Mum, she had some abilities that she used specifically for Harry's benefit. Even after a Millennium, she was still his Mum and had the need to offer him her hard-earned advice. Now is the time for her to use it.
Lily and Harry
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Harry's Love/ Harry in Winter asking Cho Chang to the Yule Ball
Lily found Harry sitting by the Lake under the Beech trees. He was just sitting there, looking at the setting that had inspired so many of their kind for many generations ever since the school was first built.
"Son?" Lily spoke out to her son.
Harry could feel his Mum's presence long before he heard her speak his name. It was a comfort that he knew all so well, ever since that first time he stood in the hall as a beginning first year. He remembered well that feeling of comfort he received from her, it was just overwhelming in it's suddenness. He looked up at his Mum.
"Hi, Mum." Harry smiled at her.
"May I join you?"
"Sure, you don't have to ask.
Lily sat down beside him and like him, she just looked over the lake at the grand visage. "It's been so long since we've both just sat here like we used to do when we were students here. It's just so peaceful."
"Yes, it is." Harry replied. "May I ask a question, Mum?"
"You may."
Harry composed his thoughts for a moment. "Why is it that you've not talked with me too much about when we were students together, here at Hogwarts? When you were Hermione and Dad was Ron? Why didn't you tell me then who you both were?"
"Well, son, what was I to say? Can you imagine the Hermione that you then knew coming up to you and telling you her secret? Would you have believed even when you saw what happened in Flourish & Blotts?" Lily turned to look at Harry. "Son, people don't come back a second time – ever. Like we, your father and I, have done. After your father and I died, I was worried about you, very worried as all Mum's would be. So, I asked Father if I could be a Mum to you again. I outlined a plan in my mind and went to Him and talked. Why He accepted my plan, my request, even to this day I can't explain it. Ever since my first day at school here, my second time, as Hermione, I've communed with him in the early morning hours at sunrise. Daily, with out exception I've talked with Him and been taught by Him, the Master Teacher. But, son, to answer your question, I don't think you'd have believed me. It may have put up a barrier between us that would have hurt us. But, I was there for you, as was Ron, all these years. You were never alone."
Harry just sat there, thinking and looking out and away at the far Horizon. "Mum, I think I know what you mean, by me not believing you. You both were my real true friends when I needed you the most. I remember Ron coming to my rescue and all those times him and I talked, I never knew just who he really was." Harry hung his head down and shook his head mumbling somewhat.
Lily reached over to him and rubbed his back easing his pain.
"Son, do you believe and remember all I've taught you, about Father?"
"Yes, but why do you ask?"
"This is our final test, as a people. After this is over, we'll have all changed from what we were to what we'll all become. The door to our future is beginning to open for us, for ALL of us. Son, after all this is over, we'll not be as we are now, inside each of us." Lily placed her hand on her chest, over her heart.
"What do you mean, Mum? We'll look different?"
"No, son, we'll still be the same, but we'll think different. Act different. For a very long time after this, we'll have peace for uncounted millions of Millenniums." Lily stopped and looked back at the setting sun in all its' blazing glory.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Track 6 – The Goblet of Fire
"Do you see the sun setting in front of us?"
"Sure, Mum. Why?"
"Well, one day, the sun as you see it won't look then as it does now. It'll be a very gradual process that'll not be obvious until it's completely changed. The sun will be growing older and will, like all things, be dying. That's when I'll need the help of each of us."
Harry was looking at his Mum, surprise written all over his face. His Mum, for the thousand years he's known her, could still surprise him with what she knows. 'She's so much like Dumbledore, I just can't believe it.' Harry thought to himself.
"Mum, we can't do anything about the Sun dying."
Lily looked at her dear son and smiled that cryptic smile of hers that said she knew something he didn't.
Harry looked at her and KNEW she was going to contest that point - and win.
"Son, the gifts that I've been given are vast and when that time comes you'll be standing beside me, assisting me. You'll see what Father can do, through me, first hand."
Harry couldn't believe what he just heard. For him, time just stopped, his eyes had befallen upon his Mum and her last words still ringing in his ears. A look of stunned disbelief was upon his face, pouring though out his mind. It was a very staggering thought. Disbelief, denial, bargaining, and finally, Acceptance, but begrudgingly so played out upon him.
"Mum, just when I think I've caught up with you, I look up and find that you've already leapt ahead of me so far you're almost out of sight – again. You surprise me every time I see you. I've learned long ago, to just accept you and what you tell me, on face value alone. It'd just be easier that way."
Lily smiled, her eyes dancing with joy at what her son just said. She reached over and hugged him to her. Her arms encircling about him, holding him close to herself. "Son, what you just said was the very foundations of faith itself. I could not have said it better in so few words."
"Thanks, Mum."
They just sat there, the both of them for the longest time. Finally, Harry asked a question:
"Mum, when I was growing up, the first time, after you and Dad died, I wanted a family, I wanted you to hug me like you're doing now. I don't know how things would have worked out if I'd gotten then what I wanted. Maybe, if I had, all this would not have come to be. I don't know. But all I wanted then was you and Dad. If it wasn't for the Weasley's, I don't know what would have become of me."
Harry's eyes were misting over. Lily could tell. She knew her son was speaking to her from his heart. She could feel so much pain in those few simple words, but it registered on Lily just how much her son was affected by being an orphan.
Then, quite suddenly, with out warning, the answer came to her: the question she'd asked Father but didn't get an immediate reply. It'd just been given to her from the unlikeliest of sources: her very own son! She and James were given a second chance at life because her son needed her, but he'd also needed the chance to face obstacles in life and grow from the opportunity at using them. Without all those years at her sister's home and that environment, Harry may not have been the person he was and is now. All those chances he'd faced would not have made him the man he is today without those hard growing up years. Now, with his second chance at having a family, he's had the love he so desperately wanted and needed. He understands the value of what he has now.
"Son."
"Yes, Mum?"
"You've just answered a question for me that I've been asking Father for a very long time. You've taught me a lesson just now. I appreciate it."
"What was that?"
Lily answered Harry's question in a way he understood. She explained to him the value of knowing the differences and he understood his Mum's answer.
"You had to know the value of what you have now. You now know just how valuable Love is. You're a better man now than what you'd have been otherwise. Also, I am too. So is your father, James. This has provided us with a learning experience we'll not forget. It's now a part of us."
Harry nodded his head in the affirmative.
"Well, son, looks like its time to go back up to the Castle, evening is upon us." Lily got up and extended her hand to him, and they both walked up to the Castle.
As Lily looked on, she saw, in vision, what was to come soon. She stopped and stared at what she alone was allowed to see and it horrified her, but she knew, then, that her people would be safe. To Lily, that was all that mattered."Mum? What's wrong?"
Lily shook her head. "Nothing, son, I can't answer your question." She bit her lower lip in anguish at not being able to tell others the future. It was for her information only so she could better prepare others. The burden of leadership was weighing very heavy on her small slender shoulders now. She could feel every bit of it.
Harry could see the sudden effect that something had on his Mum. But all he could do was to be with her, hold her hand and just comfort her with his presence.
Lily held onto her son as they walked up to the Castle.
Later that evening, when all was quiet, Lily received a premonition that all was not well. "James. James, get up, somethings wrong! I can feel it." Lily got up and dressed. She didn't want to be surprised anymore than she already was.
"Do you want me to wake the rest of the family and the others? I can get the Elves to help." James added.
"Yes, but Let me go see the elves, please? I'll get them to wake the rest of the people. I want to talk with the elves."
Lily gave James a hug and a kiss, and left for the downstairs area where the kitchens were.
James went to Gryffindor Tower where there were some rooms available. There he found Harry and Ginny asleep and gently woke them. "Harry, Ginny, wake up. Somethings wrong."
Harry woke up groggily, but awake. "What's wrong, Dad?"
"Your Mum says there's something wrong, you and Ginny get dressed now, hurry, please. And meet downstairs in the Great Hall, we'll go outside then."
"Ok, Dad. Ginny, Ginny, get up – now. Trouble."
"Huh? What's wrong, honey?"
"Dad was here. Mum says there's trouble. Get dressed now and get downstairs to the Great Hall. Hurry."
"Ok." But Ginny turned to Harry and held on to him momentarily. "Sweetheart. I love you. We've got a good family and when all this is over I want to give you as many children as we can handle." Ginny didn't wait for Harry to reply, but instead, just kissed him. "Now, lets go see your Mum."
Meanwhile, Lily hurried downstairs to the kitchens where the elves had their rooms nearby. When she went in she found them all up and ready. "Dobby! Dobby!"
"I'm here Lily Potter. We're all ready to go with you. We felt it too, just like you did."
Lily stopped and looked at all her Elves. After what she discovered about them she no longer was afraid because she knew they'd not be harmed. They were their Fathers' and were not allowed to be harmed. Still, she knelted down on her knees and opened her arms and they came to her, being hugged by the Headmistress of Hogwarts, the daughter of their Father. "I just wanted to see you all one more time before they came. Please, just help take care of the weakest of my people. Some are really scared, they have faith but, . . ., under these circumstances," Lily's voice faltered and she broke down crying again. Looking up at her precious Elves, "I don't want to loose anyone, not a single soul."
"You won't Lily, you won't. This is a test of your peoples' faith." Dobby said to Lily. "We'll all help you look after them all. Even the children."
"Thank you, thank all of you for your support."
Lily couldn't wait. She ran outside, flinging open the Great Doors.
There, standing in the open doors of the Castle, she witnessed her worst nightmare: Her people were running and screaming everywhere, in all directions for there at the edge of the schools' grounds stood gaping open was the immense portal from which the demons were beginning to emerge.
Lily closed her eyes momentarily, opened them and looking up at her unseen brothers and sisters. She let her Light burst forth: Like her son did in his 4th year in repelling the Dementors and protecting Sirius; Her Fathers' Grace poured out of her, racing forth across the grounds. It covered her people, warming them not just from the night chill, but their spirits as well.
The demons were repelled at once, flinging them backwards. The people were out of their way, but only temporarily. Lily knew not to fear them – she'd dealt with them previously – successfully, and she had - has- known her Father, but her people only had their faith to go on, and for many, it just wasn't strong enough.
James came up beside her, shimmering just like his eternal companion.
"James, dear, please, go down amongst them. Be with them, let them be near you, I'll be doing the same."
James nodded in ascent and departed, shimmering and glowing like a candle in the dark.
Harry stayed with his Mum, comforting the many people who tried to huddle as best they could, as close as they could, to Lily. Fear was running rampant among them all.
Lily walked down the steps of Hogwarts, directly to the yawning Jaws of the Gate that lead to the Pit whenst the Demons were emerging. She was bathed with her Father's Grace, something that they could not comprehend. They sorely lacked that ability and were so like Voldemort of so long ago, it was no wonder that he was defeated so easily. 'They'll be overcome by us in the same way, by the use of Father's Grace and our faith.'
The Demons were spreading out around the perimeter trying to locate the few they could get to. They were there, but Lily was protecting them all. Even the children who were with Ginny inside the Castle. She had a few of the elves with her, assisting her. She needed all the help she could get.
Ginny was holding all the children who were not with their parents; These were the orphans who had no family - until today, that is. "Hold on to me, children." Ginny said to them, looking directly at them. Lily will not let us down."
"Will we be ok?" One of the little ones asked, shaking all over.
Dobby, Lily's most beloved House Elf, went up to her and and held her in his arms. "Dobby has known Lily and her son, Harry Potter, for a very long time. It was Harry Potter who helped free Dobby and Dobby owes Harry and Lily. Lily's House is the best House Dobby has ever served in. She will not let you down." The little children knew the elves, but thought this one was strange. "You talk like you know Lily and Harry. Do you?" one of the little children asked. Dobby looked at her, holding her hand in his, "Yes, I know Lily. And Lily knows a secret about all of us elves that no one else knows. As I told Lily, the demons will not take a single one of us."
Ginny looked at Dobby, questions playing out across her face. "Dobby, what is it that Lily knows? Why won't the Demons take us?"
Dobby looked at Ginny, and smiled a gentle smile, full of love and concern. He held onto the closest of the children. "Ginny Potter, Father does not permit the Demons to harm us Elves, for we are his children. He has placed us here, in your world, so that we can learn to serve, learn kindness, sharing, work, and love. He has given us this chance before we gain our mortality and be like you." Dobby reached out to Ginny, and let his small gnarled hand stroke her soft cheek and with large tears in his eyes, he continued by saying something that astounded her, just as it did Lily: "We are your future, Ginny Potter. The way you see us now is not how we really look, for we are just like our sister."
"Dobby, you have a sister?" asked Ginny, surprise showing on her face.
Dobby nodded his head, smiling, "Yes, it's Lily, we're just like her in every way. That's why Father doesn't permit us harm." Ginny held onto Dolby's hand in tender kindness. "We've shown her how we really look and she was pleased. She cried so many happy tears and we all hugged her. It was like we were all back in our Father's House for those few minutes then. Lily really misses her one true Home. But this, Hogwarts, is where she really wants to be, with her people. Helping them. She has given up so much, just so very much. That's why we elves want to be just like her. And, one day, we will."
"Oh, Dobby, I never knew, I just never knew!" Ginny hugged him and hugged him for a very long time.
Out of this immense display of love and knowledge of sacrifice, the Demons were unable to penetrate into even the weakest of the people.
The Demons raged all around them, hovering just outside Lily's Grace of Protection through which they could not trespass. It was just not possible. They looked all around for any way to get in, but found none. Instead, they went on a rampage of destruction destroying everything they could find. Fires raged all around them, totally out of control. Meanwhile, the Demons beat against and threw themselves at Lily, who was their main target.
James and Harry were calming the people as best they could, Jame by his very being there and exhibiting himself as did his dearly beloved; Harry just by his presence. The elves, to the rest of the Wizarding population, were just elves. No one had Lilies knowledge of their true selves of what or who, their real identity really was. They went through the population and tried to calm the weakest members. But, inevitably as happens when your faith grows weak, people fail. It was this that occurred, it was Lily Greatest Fear during this final scene – that she would loose someone.
There, for everyone to witness, were the Demons taking one of her own back with them, in front of Lily herself, taunting her as they all descended back into the blackest of pits that emitted an overwhelming feeling even worst than the Dementors' Kiss.
"NNNOOOOOOOOO! YOU CAN'T HAVE HIM! I WILL NOT ALLOW IT!" Lily screamed out such that everyone all over the entire grounds, even inside the very Castle itself, all heard and felt her anguished cry.
"James, stay here, protect my people, use Fathers' Grace." and with this last statement uttered, ignoring everyone's cries of asking, pleading for her to stop, she went to the Jaws of the Pit and walked in, still emitting her Fathers' Protective Grace.
"MUMMMMMM! Nnoooooooo!" Harry cried out after seeing his beloved Mum go where no one ever returned from. His face blanched white, all color drained from his face. He fell down to the ground, tears, cries of such pain that all hear him. Here, Harry cried out his sense of loss over seeing his beloved Mum go after one of her own, totally ignoring the very danger to herself to try to rescue the least of her people from a fate that they would not be able to protect themselves from. Lily went to give help, to stand beside that one lone soul.
After a while, the Demons, the last of them, were seen descending down and into the pit, the gates closing up, leaving all as before. Except for the total scene of devastating destruction. The only building left was the Grand Castle, for it stood within Lily's Father's Grace of Protection. All else was totally gone. Including Lily.
A quiet covered all the people as they all witnessed just what she did: sacrificing herself to try to help one of her own. In their minds, she'd never return.
James, Ginny, Molly and Arthur went to Harry and helped him get up. They all surrounded him, covering him with their arms and love, for Harry had just seen his Mum descend to where no one returned from. He could not even protect her. She did just now, what she did for her son, to give of herself totally to make sure another would live.
The quiet that fell upon the Wizarding Population was heavy. The elves were stunned at what they'd just seen. They'd lost their Headmistress, their Beloved Lily, and to them, their beloved sister.
Harry looked up at his Dad, asking, "Dad, what'll happen to us now? We were promised to always be together – you, Mum and me. How, . . . ?" Harry was stuck for words to even begin to say his feelings or thoughts.
It was at this most depressing time, when all seems so dark, so dreary, when all looks so forsaken and hopeless that before anyone could leave, a portal of Immense proportions opened up before them. This was unlike before for standing there in that Doorway of stunning beauty was Lily, and she was holding onto the person who'd succumbed and was taken by the Demons. She'd rescued him and here she was, returning from the Realm of the Demons, still emitting her Fathers Grace and protection. She was holding him in her arms for he was too weak to help even himself. The Demons were not there, Just Lily and the person she'd helped. She stepped out of the Doorway and it closed. There she stood, on the grounds of the school surrounded by her people.
"Can someone help me and take him to the infirmary? Please? He will be alright." Lily was still shinning, and smiling. She turned and looked at James. Still, somehow, after all these years, she knew just where he was, and Harry, too. James ran up to her, held her in his arms and kissed her, hugged her there in front of everyone, unabashedly so. Lily released James and looked at her son.
"Come here, son." it was all she had to say, for Harry stumbled up to her and looked at her through tear filled eyes. ". . . , m-m-mum!" It was all he could say. There, Mother and Son hugged one another, lovingly.
"Son, I was never in any danger. You must realize that. My Father was with me all the time, He was there, standing beside me in my time of Greatest Need. He knew I'd go after anyone who'd not have enough strength of faith to stand up. Father allowed me to safely rescue one of my own people."
"Mum, I thought you were gone forever. I thought I'd lost you a second time. I was about to loose my mind."
"Son, I'm back. Don't you remember telling me that we'll always be together?"
"Yes, but,. . ."
Lily looked at her son, smiled, "Just have a little more faith, son, and you'll do well. Now, go see Ginny, she's anxious about you."
Harry just looked at his Mum, standing there in front of all the Magical Folks of the entire British Isles, gathered in front of the Castle. He didn't want to leave her side. He'd lost her once before and all those feelings had come rushing back to him. He was dealing with them now, but it was difficult. "Mum?" Harry hesitated, "I'll always love you, because you've loved me." Tears were streaming down his cheeks as he felt a soft tender hand upon his shoulder – it was his dear wife, Ginny.
"We all love her, Harry, every single one of us." Ginny held onto her husband. "And, Harry, I'll be here for you, come, lets go now and pick up the pieces. It's time to put things back to the way they were." Ginny held onto Harry's hand and took him with her, gently. As they were walking towards the Castle, "Harry, dear, everything will be ok now." Look at me, darling, look at me." Ginny held onto Harry's face in her soft gentle hands as she looked deep into her husbands Emerald Green Eyes that were given to him by his beloved Mum. "Everything will be different now; No more war, no more fighting. Only rebuilding and learning what Lily can teach us. Now, lets go back to the Burrow, back home."