Chapter 8: Disastrous Dinner Date

The sobbing and screaming was impossible to ignore. It was not the sob or scream of someone who had broken a bone or someone who had ended a relationship, but someone who knew that death was coming. That death was inevitable. It practically shoved a fist into your chest and tore at your heartstrings. It went against everything James believed in to ignore it and push forward, because to head back meant his death, too. He reached his hand out to tug at Lily's as a way to not only pull her forward but to receive some kind of comfort or reassurance in her touch. The fear that gripped James when he grasped only air was worse than any sobbing or screaming someone an inch from death could emote.

Feeling the ice trickle down his spine, he pivoted on the spot and searched for Lily. Of course! She's heading towards the screamer. James would not allow his awe at Lily's pure character take over and simply let the fear drive him. That fear, not awe, would save them. He sprinted forward, wishing that he had a broom of some sort he could fly on. He could clearly see the tower of icy water that would soon be descending on them as it was channeled down the city street. It was monstrous and made James swallow nervously. But he couldn't think about that, or how the water would crush him and slowly drown him. Even worse, he would watch the same happen to Lily. See her lifeless form floating amongst crushed cars and various debris in the chilly depths. That image propelled him even faster.

Lily meanwhile was scrambling to find a way to open up the car door that had the trapped young woman who screamed inside. The door would not budge. Not even any magical spells could unlock and unjam the door. Lily's green eyes were wide in a panic as she tried everything to open the door while also becoming increasingly aware of the 5 story wall of water that was swarming ever closer.

"LILY! MOVE!" Bellowed James as he lunged over a bent stop sign and directed his wand at the car. Lily leapt away without thinking and watched in amazement as half of the car tore off and soared through the air.

Lily immediately reached into the car and grasped the coat of the hyperventilating woman inside. In a moment, the girl was out but barely able to stand. "Come on, up you go, we must get a move on." Lily urged a little too forcibly.

The woman muttered incoherently before screaming again as she pointed up at the towering wall of water that loomed just behind them.

Without wasting another moment, James reached out for Lily and all but dragged her away. Together they sprinted towards the nearest building. "Oh god, James, oh god!" Lily breathed over and over again. The woman could still be heard where they left her, screaming those same heart-wrenching screams until they abruptly stopped. A strangled sort of sob caught in Lily's throat, but she didn't dare turn around. Instead, she continued to follow James through the swinging doors and up the steps. Up and up and up they climbed. Lily could hear windows below them smashing open on impact, and felt the building creak and sway as the water rushed in. The sound of it quickly rising up the stairwell was deafening.

"Come on, Lily." James urged. His legs were burning something awful, and he couldn't imagine the pain Lily was going through at the moment. He knew that the water couldn't rise forever, they just had to beat the surge.

Just then the water had pushed up so far that it soaked their toes. Less than a minute later it was up to their shins. Despite the freezing temperature of the water they continued to climb. Lily thought her body had knives driving through it and likened the feeling to perhaps the cruciatus curse. At least the cruciatus allowed you the breath to scream. Lily could not suck any air down, and soon she was pulling herself up by the banister as the water had reached her torso.

With a burst of strength, James hoisted Lily to the steps above him so she wouldn't be submerged in the water as they continued to climb up to what the signs indicated as the 8th floor. The water wouldn't rise much higher. Despite that comforting fact, he didn't slow down. Two flights later, the water had stopped rising and the two escaped its icy hands.

Lily collapsed to the floor in a shivering heap, desperately sucking in air. James was not fairing much better and had propped himself against the wall rubbing at his arms. "Lils, come here." He groaned, sliding down the wall and opening up his arms.

Slowly, very slowly, Lily crawled over to James and collapsed again onto his chest. "James," she breathed, "She was right there. But she didn't come. She couldn't come." James closed his eyes as his face formed a frown and let his head fall back against the wall. "She died, James. I couldn't help her. She just stood there and let it happen."

"Lily," James said so softly that Lily felt him speak more so than heard him. "You are not like her. You are a fighter, Lily. You are brilliant and you are strong. You would never let that happen to you. I would never let that happen to you."

Lily clutched James a little tighter. "It's so cold." She said after a minute's pause.

James looked down at Lily and gave her a roguish wink. "You know what they say about that, don't you Lils?" Lily raised her eyebrows in confusion. "We should go starkers to share our body heat." It was then when Lily saw the playful glint in his eye that she knew she would be safe, and would always be safe with James.

She emitted a low chuckle and snuggled closer into his chest. "If only I wasn't too scared to use magic when there may be Death Eaters still in the area, I wouldn't hesitate to hex you right now."

James ran his hand down her back and his chuckle filled her body with warmth. "You'll get your chance when we get back. Until then, we wait here until the Order finds us."

They sat against the wall, huddled together for a while longer, keeping alert and drawing comfort out of the other. After what could have been minutes or hours, Lily spoke up softly. "Just so you know, James, I will always come back for you, regardless of how dire the situation may seem."

James knew he didn't have to say it in return, for he showed her it earlier, and actions speak so much louder than words, but he responded anyways with a kiss to the forehead. "And I will always come back for you too, Lily."

By the time the Order had arrived, Lily and James' clothing had dried stiffly to their bodies. They were apparated back to Dumbledore's office and were treated to warm, fluffy robes, a steaming cauldron of soup, and a large bar of Honeyduke's chocolate. They ate quietly as they listened to the reports given by the other Order members before submitting their own. It was just the facts of what happened, an emotionally detached description with no mention of the woman who died or the aching and stabbing pains of climbing up the stairs to avoid the freezing water. The muggle news explained away the situation as a freak mid November tsunami. 16 muggle deaths. 4 wizard. Only the Order knew that 78 were saved.

When they arrived at the Head dorms, they went into James' room this time. With backs turned to one another, they undressed and climbed into bed. James outstretched his arm and Lily curled into his side. She inhaled deeply, surrounding herself in the scent of leather and wind. Within moments she was asleep. The next morning she met her friends for breakfast, gossiped about the latest Hogwarts break up, attended her morning and afternoon classes and studied in the library. Every time she passed Potter in the hallway, she would look up at him and meet his eye. It was a shared comfort to be able to look at one another and draw strength from that. She knew that Sirius would also be in on everything they did, he always was. Every so often she would feel James' hand squeeze her shoulder in support or a tug of her hair in affection after a difficult mission, and it gave her the support to continue on through the rest of her day.

Weekends were always a breath of fresh air. Lily had recently gotten into the habit of stopping by the kitchens (thanks to Sirius) for a mug of warm butterbeer and a stroll around the lake. This particular morning Lily was fortunate to catch the giant squid's tentacles lazily crest the surface and brush away the fog. Soon the fog would be replaced with snow and the ice will keep the giant squid deep within its depths. Lily mused what new habit she would develop next.

Walking cautiously to the water's edge, one mittened hand holding her mug, the other her wand, Lily cast a new incantation. Wispy white threads bloomed into petals from her wand, circling to merge into a delicate lily that drifted across the lake's surface. It was her gift to the giant squid.

"That's very pretty."

His baritone voice didn't startle her. Neither did the playful tug of her hair. Lily was no longer nervous around him and even dared to think she could sense whenever he was around they were so attuned to each other now. "Thank you, James."

Lily felt James move closer and watched his bare hand reach across her face to pull her chin towards him. "Look at me." He said gently. Her eyes drifted away from the squid and met his hazel eyes behind smudged glasses. She smiled. He smiled. She reached up for his glasses and gently pulled them down his nose. His eyes never left hers as she rubbed the lenses between her cotton fingers and returned the now spotless glasses to his face.

And there it was again. That pulling sensation Lily had grown accustomed to whenever she and James had found themselves in a quiet moment together. The feeling no longer stifled her and only gave her (albeit it a severe fit of) butterflies. She blushed and grinned because she knew James could read what she was feeling. After all he was still waiting for her to decide where their relationship would go. Lily had no doubts that their relationship should and would move forward, but she had many doubts as to when. It seemed inappropriate to try and pursue a relationship with so much war and destruction. So she stubbornly resisted the pull and had learned to find enjoyment in these awkward little moments they shared together.

"Were you looking for me?" Lily nodded towards the familiar piece of parchment still in James' left hand.

It was James' turn to blush and he quickly tucked it into his pocket. "Not just me, but Marlene and the girls, too."

"Oh? What can I do for you then?" Lily knew if the girls really wanted her, they would come get her themselves. She nudged him playfully in the hip to let James know she caught his lie and took another sip from her mug.

James grinned down at her. "Slytherin is playing Ravenclaw today. I of course need to watch for training purposes, but would you like to come along?"

Lily planted her wand hand on her hip and squinted up at James. "Well if you're just asking me to tag along I think I would much rather watch with Marlene, Dorcas and Mary."

James' grin widened into a full on smile. "No I will have none of that. I insist that you stand next to me. I can guarantee that they will not be able to keep you warm like I will."

Well that was a delightful thought. Lily grinned and took James' elbow as he led the way to the Quidditch pitch. As it was, Lily ended up standing next to her good friends anyway. The wind was blistery, their cheers stolen by the wind, and Lily took great comfort in being pulled into James' warm arms. Lily mused she liked watching James act as a spectator as much as she liked watching him fly. He had a calculating stare that followed the teams collectively across the pitch and occasionally shouting plays so loud that they rumbled down her back. The best was when James and Marlene would disagree, their voices and hands escalating until the commentator's voice announced a new event that had both of them returning their attention to the players at hand. Though Lily would secretly have to admit her favorite part was when James held her in his arms, his thumbs rubbing circles across their enclosed hands, even when he shouted and cheered he followed up with a squeeze that reminded her he was still thinking of her.

Though things at school seemed to be peaceful, the lingering threat of an attack happening over winter hols was ever present. The Order did all they could to put protective enchantments in place, but nothing could stop the coming of time as term drew to an end and the Hogwarts Express chugged up to Hogsmeade Station to carry its passengers back to Kings Cross.

"Don't forget to send me an owl from time to time." Dorcas said on the platform of the station, her voice carrying despite the wind.

Lily nodded and said her goodbyes quickly once she spotted her parents standing awkwardly in the back. No matter how many times they came to Platform 9 ¾, they always stood nervously off to the side with looks of wonder across wide-eyed faces. Lily smiled fondly and made her way towards them.

"Lily, wait." James' hand slid into hers and tugged her towards the opposite end of the platform. "I just want to make sure you'll be okay. You remember how you can reach me?"

"By owl." Lily said smartly.

"No, in case of emergency. How can you reach me?" James stood stoically, no amusement across his usually playful face.

Lily huffed. "You're going to see me in a few days anyway. You're coming over to dinner, remember?"

"Lily." He growled.

"Okay fine." Lily reached into her pocket and pulled out a pendant the size of her palm. "I just touch this and say your name and you will come straight away."

James closed her fingers over the pendant. "That's right. Don't hesitate to use it."

"Yes, yes." Lily hastily put it back in her pocket. "I will see you soon."

Oh no, there it was again, the pull. James reached down and tucked a strand of hand behind her ear. "Be careful, Lils."

Lily felt her stomach flip. She swallowed. "You too." Lily could feel herself draw closer to James. If she wasn't careful, her treacherous hands would pull him down to seal their lips.

Lily twitched and launched herself into James' chest. "Oof." Came his muffled reply as she buried her head against his shoulder, her arms looping around his torso. "I'll miss you." She whispered. And so quickly that James thought it may have been imagined, Lily rocked up onto her toes and planted a kiss on his cheek before dashing away to her parents.

"I'll miss you, too." He whispered into the air.

As scheduled, a few days later, James stood nervously on the stoop of a beige semi-detached house in Cokeworth, a bouquet of flowers tucked behind his back. With a deep breath, he knocked on the door. Not a moment later, the door flung open and a wild eyed Lily abruptly pulled him aside.

"Now listen." She said, snatching the flowers from his hand and stuffing it in a vase nearby. "Keep that wand in your pocket. You came here by the underground. There is absolutely no mention of Hogwarts-" Lily swept the wrinkles from his shirt, "Merlin-" another sweep, "magic-" a tug on the collar, "and especially Quidditch."

James stood frozen in place. "Should I bother talking at all?" He asked, shoulders stiffening with tension. Lily melted at the uncomfortable look on his face and ran her hands up his arms to link around his neck. "Now this is more like the welcome I was hoping for." James brought his arms around Lily and sighed into her neck, pleased to feel her body relax against his.

"I'm sorry." She said finally and took a step back. "It's not like Vernon doesn't know that we're wizards. I suppose that's why they want to meet in a public restaurant so that nothing 'funny' happens. Really that man is quite insufferable. I don't understand why Tuny agreed to marry him in the first place."

James looked amused and he pulled Lily back into his arms for a tight hug. "I wouldn't take any of it personally. Petunia is still your sister and she still loves you. How could she predict that your lives would be so different? I'm sure it takes time to get used to. But that isn't an excuse to act any differently than you already are. Be yourself. And I promise to be myself, too."

Lily laughed dryly and leaned back to meet his eyes. "That's what I'm afraid of." James winked. Lily took a deep breath and James felt her eyes roam over him in an appraising way. Despite his brown shoes not matching his black belt, he still looked quite dashing. "You make a very attractive muggle by the way. Very convincing."

James laughed and took her hand. "Let's go then, shall we?" Lily nodded and turned on the spot, squeezing through time and space to reappear in front of a steakhouse in London.

Petunia and Vernon could easily be spotted from the front of the restaurant. Large and neckless, Vernon Dursley was already tucking his napkin into his collar, his eyes peeled on the 16 oz steak steak being delivered to their table. Petunia sat thin as a bird with her lips pursed, poking at her lobster salad. Lily did not hesitate and breezily approached the table with a bright smile on her face. Petunia spotted them first, her fork clattering onto the plate. Vernon had already cut a piece of steak and was about to swallow it when Petunia gave a polite "ahem," forcing Vernon to put the steak back on his plate and looking thoroughly put out.

"You've already started." Lily said by way of greeting.

"You were late." Vernon huffed. The two of them stood up out of their chairs in an attempt to shake hands, but no one reached forward.

"By five minutes." James quirked an eyebrow. He wondered if every muggle restaurant had such exceptional service that you could order and receive your lobster and steak meal in five minutes. Seemed awfully like magic to him.

"We arrived early." Petunia said tersely.

Silence.

"Well, I'm Lily." Lily finally said, reaching forward to shake Vernon's hand. A look of extreme discomfort passed Vernon's face and James likened it to someone who had been told to stick their hand in a bin of cockroaches. James was eager to go next.

"And I'm James." James reached his hand forward after Lily's. To his delight, Vernon's face turned a shade of purple. Vernon quickly let go of James' hand and so James turned to Petunia.

"And you are Lily's...boyfriend?" Petunia speculated disdainfully.

James was positively beaming. "For lack of a better word, yes."

Petunia's eyebrows shot skyward and James reckoned he heard Lily snort beside him. The four quickly took their seats, Vernon furiously cutting his steak, Petunia gulping down water, and James and Lily calmly glanced over the menu.

After Lily and James' orders had been taken, Lily began the painstaking chore of making small talk. "So Tuny," Petunia flinched, "Since I missed your whole engagement at school, please tell me all about it! How did Vernon do it?"

"What do you mean how did he do it? He got down on one knee like any good gentleman and proposed." Petunia sniffed.

"Well, what was so special about it?" Lily turned to Vernon, still swallowing chunks of steak, "Did you take her some place nice? Where did you propose?"

"In my mother's sitting room." Vernon said between bites.

"Oh, how lovely." Lily said, though obviously she didn't think it was so lovely at all.

Petunia seemed to notice Lily's disappointment and defensively asked, "Well, just how did you two start dating?"

Lily shifted uncomfortably in her seat. James reached for her hand and squeezed reassuringly. "Well, I took her out the weekend of Halloween to Hogsmeade." (Vernon coughed and mumbled "there is no such place!") "We walked around, went to the pub for some butterbeer-" (Vernon sputtered again "what kind of nonsense drink is that?") "and returned to the castle for the Halloween feast. That's when I told Lily that it was ultimately her choice to set the terms of our relationship. And if this is what she is most comfortable with, than I am more than happy to comply. Like I told her before, Lily is worth waiting for." James brought Lily's hand up to his lips and pressed a sweet kiss.

Vernon muttered wordlessly as he cut his steak while Petunia watched the couple in astonishment. A look of longing crossed Petunia's face briefly and she lifted her hand up out of her lap to rest next to Vernon's on the table like an open invitation. The act did not go unnoticed by James, but it certainly went unnoticed by Vernon.

"Well whatever future you two decide to have together, I hope you have the sense to start respectable careers to earn a modest living. You'll need a car, a house, a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear. What kind of vehicle do you drive, James? I'm sure you noticed my new Triumph Dolomite Sprint outside. Petunia certainly enjoys it." The rejection Petunia felt moments ago was washed away at the mention of her name. She openly preened at his words.

"Me? What vehicle do I have? Well, we don't exactly need cars, do we? Not when we can apparate from place to place. But I suppose I have my broomstick." James answered just as their food was brought to the table. "It's very fast, you see. I use it to play Quidditch, though I do travel on it from time to time."

Vernon's face turned purple, a pulsing vein throbbed on his forehead. "You live in a castle, you ride on a broomstick, you obviously have a curious taste in clothing. So then I suppose your lot don't need jobs then to support yourselves? You're the kind we see waiting in those unemployment lines, leaching money from those of us that make an honest living."

James smiled and shrugged. "My parents have made a small fortune that we keep in our wizarding bank called Gringotts. Manned by goblins, you see. You'd be crazy to try and rob it. It's the safest place to store all of our gold." James leaned forward and said in a hushed whisper, "They say there's all sorts of enchantments to protect the vaults, and even a dragon!"

"Goblins?" Vernon roared, pulling his napkin from his collar and throwing it down onto the table. "Enchantments? Dragons? What do you take me for, a fool? Come on, Petunia. We will not associate ourselves with individuals like these." He scowled down at Lily and James as if they were pond scum. Lily looked imploringly at her sister who just stuck up her nose, sniffed, and followed Vernon as he stormed out of the restaurant.

James sat back on his seat and laughed, his hand reaching up to scratch the back of his head. "You were right, Lily. What a terrible choice your sister is making in marrying a walrus like him!"

Lily did not laugh. Instead she let out a loud sob and pressed her face into her hands that swept the smile off of James' face.

"Oh, Lils," he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Lily remained stiffly in her chair, tears running through her fingers. "Lils, I'm sorry. I suppose I did egg him on a bit. It's my fault they stormed out. Let me make it up to you. I promise, next time I see Vernon, I'll make it better. I'll behave. I swear it." His words didn't seem to make things any better, however, so he flagged down the waiter, asked to put their untouched food in doggy bags, paid the bill, and escorted Lily, still hiccuping into her hands, out of the restaurant.

Back in Cokeworth, James knocked on the Evans' door. A cheery man with balding red hair answered and looked sympathetically down at his daughter. "I'm sorry, Mr. Evans." James began, one hand around Lily and the other bashfully rubbing his neck. "It was all my fault. Vernon couldn't tell if I was joking or not and got angry and stormed out of the restaurant with Petunia."

"There, there." Mr. Evans said sympathetically as he drew Lily inside the house. "Go on into the kitchen, your mother's making a bit of tea."

Lily nodded and walked away as James stood helplessly on the front doorstep.

"To tell you the truth, James," Mr. Evans began once his daughter had left the room, "We feared that this would happen. Vernon isn't accepting of things that aren't what he believes to be normal. He is very materialistic and can't understand why people do not value the same things he does. You obviously care for my daughter and you show it with your words and actions instead of showering her with gifts. I value that. But Vernon does not. And, if we are being completely honest, I think Petunia may even be a little bit jealous of that. Let me and the missus take care of it from here." James nodded. "Good night, son." With that, Mr. Evans closed the door and James, still crestfallen, solemnly apparated home.