A/N: ok! Soo . . . I've been gone a very long time, I know. I don't have many excuses except for writer's block and its my senior year of high school now. Anyway, without further gilding the Lilly and without any ado, here's the next chapter.

Chapter 24: Brides and Broomsticks

Contrary to Sirius' thoughts, little changed between he and Gretchen. They both behaved as normal, save for random disappearances, where they could be found snogging in some secret passageway. Both thought that the other found it to be a meaningless indulgence of hormones and tried to be satisfied with the "relationship" as it was. Both failed and as a result were not so secretly miserable.

April arrived, bringing not only showers, but the panic-inducing thought of Petunia's up-coming nuptials. Lilly felt physically ill at the thought of horrid dresses and hours with the demanding bride she knew Petunia would be. James felt physically ill at the thought of meeting Lilly's parents.

James and Lilly floo-ed to her house on Friday afternoon, with the promise to return the following Sunday. Within five minutes of standing in the Evans' study they wished to return to Hogwarts.

"Daaddyy! Where are my cream satin pumps?" a shrill voice reverberated through the house.

"In a moment Pumpkin, your sister has just arrived!" Tom Evans called back.

"I don't care! You watch her turn teacups into mice later! Today is my day and I need your help now!"

Mr. Evans turned to Lilly apologetically. "I'm sorry darling, but if I don't go to her . ."

"She'll be at it all day. It's fine. Really." She forced a smile on her face.

Mr. Evans walked swiftly out of the room, leaving Lilly fixating on a tile by the hearth.

"This is going to be horrible"

"I'm sure it will be fine, Lilly. Maybe Petunia will be nice for her wedding."

"Doubtful. We hate each other."

"At least you still have each other."

Lilly grumbled at this remark, but held her tongue. Some things were just too monstrous to explain and Petunia was one of them.

Eight hours, one purple groom, a spilt glass of wine, two ripped dresses, three fist-fights, and four glasses of champagne later, Lilly was finally relaxed.

And slightly tipsy.

Mrs. Evans shook her head as James escorted a softly giggling Lilly up the stairs and into her room.

"Thank you, James" she said quietly.

"No trouble at all, Mrs. Evans"

"I wish my girls got along better. Have you any siblings, James?"

A shadow crossed his face. "One sister, but she and my parents died this past New Years."

She put a hand on his arm. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry. I had no idea. I wouldn't have . ."

"It's alright, Mrs. Evans. And don't worry, they just don't realize what they mean to each other yet."

She smiled softly, patted his hand, and surprisingly, gently kissed his forehead. James' eyes began to prick at the first signs of mothering he'd received in several months.

"You are welcome here anytime James"

As James entered his own room, he heard an interesting sound coming from across the hall.

"James! Hsst! James!"

Turning back to the door, he saw ivory fingers beckoning him to the next room.

"Lilly?" he questioned as he header toward the door. The slender fingers grabbed a hold of his black lapels and gave a sharp tug, sending him haphazardly into the next room. He straightened to find himself staring down at a rather disheveled looking Lilly.

"Lilly, are you sure this is a good idea? Your parents . . "

"Shh . . must I shush you?"

Lilly kissed him, slowly and sweetly until the respiratory system demanded to be satiated.

"I'm not complaining, " James panted, grinning mischieveously, "but what brought this on?"

Lilly laughed softly. "Well, one it's to . . to thank you for coming. I'm sure this wasn't your idea of a fun weekend. And two . . . I've always wanted to kiss someone right under my parent's noses!"

Her lips ascended upon his, two perfectly pink lips lightly covering his own.

"And I'm the lucky someone?" he replied softly.

"Well . . yes. You've always been the l-lucky someone." She replied, smiling lazily up at him.

"Really? And all those years trying to impress you"

"You never had to . . to impress me," Lilly said, a large yawn interrupting her, "I loved watching you on your broomstick during Quidditch. You just had to be yourself. I like you just, just as you are." Finished with what she had to say, her voice a half-whisper, she leaned softly into his chest.

He smiled softly and looking down to answer, noticed she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Gently he scooped her up and tucked her into bed. Brushing a bright strand of hair from her face, he dropped a kiss on her lips.

Settling into his own bed across the hall, he smiled foolishly. Remus had been right all along.