Written for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges and Assignments) Term 13

HSWW: Survival Skills - Task #1 - Write about someone moving into a new home.

Additional challenges listed below

Word Count - 486

"Darling, is this everything?" Lily yelled from the kitchen as she opened the last box.

"Yes, is it," said James, holding a tiny Harry is his arms. "We're done unpacking all of our stuff."

"Great," she replied, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "If I only see cardboard box again in fifty years, it will still be too soon."

"Believe me, I know." James agreed.

Lily and James had just moved into the cottage they would have to hide in for God knew how long. Lily was glad that their cottage was not too big, because unpacking all that furniture was exhausting even with magic. Harry was also not being the most helpful during the move. He would not stop crying until one of his parents picked him up.

"What should we do now?" James asked, sitting down on their new couch and bouncing Harry on his knee. "If you say 'decorate' I may throw myself out the window."

Lily joined him and extended her finger for Harry to grab it, which he did with a delightful smile.

"Can you believe that he is already 5 months-old?" she asked, staring at her baby. "A few days ago, he couldn't even hold himself up and now you barely have to support his back."

"He is going to be an extraordinary child, that's for sure. But you still haven't answered me. What should we do now that everything is unpacked?"

"I don't know. I wish we could just go out and get something to eat like we used to. Get everyone together and have a big old laugh." Lily had a longing in her eyes and voice that she couldn't mask. "I think this place is great, you know that, but I know the both of us. Soon enough we will be feeling claustrophobic."

"You're right, darling. We'll have to find ways to entertain ourselves." James eyes twinkled and Lily braced herself for what was to come. "Which is why I think it's the perfect time for you to teach me how to cook."

Lily's eyes widened. Last time she tried to teach James anything related to food, it did not go so well and he may have nearly blown up an oven. She wasn't exactly looking forward to exploding her new house.

"Are you sure about that, James?"

"Oh, come on! The boys are coming over next week and I want them to be impressed by my new skills." James made puppy eyes at her. "Please."

"Oh, I'm going to regret this so much." Lily pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine, I'm hungry anyway."

"Yes!" James punched the air with one hand, while supporting Harry with the other. "Here, take Harry and walk me through the steps."

James carefully placed Harry in Lily's arms, and skipped excitedly towards the kitchen. He had a passion for cooking, that was undeniable, but absolutely no talent.

"Harry," Lily said with a serious face looking at her infant son. "I think I have made a big mistake."

Insane House Challenge

#47 – Word: Decorate

August Auction

Day 27/ Auction 1 – Pairing: JamesLily (Doppelgänger)