"Miss Evans?" Professor McGonagall's usually sharp voice was extremely soft. "Professor Dumbledore wishes to speak to you."

Lily glanced up from table she was working at in the Gryffindor Common Room. She looked a bit surprised to see McGonagall looking so grim but thought nothing of it. She pushed back a strand of her hair which had fallen out of the ponytail her crimson ribbon had held up.

"Please wait for me near the exit," McGonagall said, sweeping past her and walking upstairs to the boys' dormitory.

Lily waited for a few minutes and watched McGonagall escort a confused looking James Potter. She breathed a sigh of relief. It was probably Head's business.

The three of them walked down the long corridors to Professor Dumbledore's office, where McGonagall covertly whispered the secret password (poppy seeds) and watched as the door slid open to reveal the moving staircase.

"He's waiting for you upstairs." She smiled at them faintly before leaving Lily and James on the steps.

"Wonder what this is all about." James muttered, leaning against the banister.

"Dunno." Lily replied. "But I was in the middle of her homework so if I don't have time to finish it…" she trailed off as they reached the top of the staircase.

James knocked once and the door opened to a very somber scene.

In Professor Dumbledore's office stood two Muggle policemen in uniform. Lily and James glanced at each other curiously as they waited for Dumbledore to address them.

"I'm afraid I must be the bearer of bad news," he began quietly. "Lily, James, I'm sorry to tell you that your parents died earlier tonight." Lily glanced at the calendar above Dumbledore's desk. September 11th. The day of her parents' death. The day of James's parents' death.

"How?" James asked, sinking into one of the plush armchairs.

"They were driving together, the foursome. I'm not sure where they were headed but a drunk driver hit their car, killing all four upon impact. The driver then escaped, leaving the car behind. Unfortunately, there is nothing to tie the car to a driver. However, these two police officers have assured me that they will do anything they can to find the driver." Dumbledore gazed at them over his half moon glasses. "I'm telling you this as accurately I can and I am very sorry for it."

Lily nodded as she stood before him, beside James.

James placed his hands over his face, shoulders shaking.

"When are the funerals?" Lily asked simply.

"September 13th. We will make all provisions for transportation." Dumbledore stood and gently placed his hands on their shoulders. "Would you like to stay here or in the infirmary or perhaps just leave on your own?"

Lily looked at him. "I'd like to leave."

Dumbledore nodded at her, his piercing blue eyes filled with unfathomable sadness.

Lily walked slowly out of the room and back to her own bedroom in Gryffindor Tower. She took out all of the letters her mother had written her since the one about James. Scooping them into a small leather bag, she walked out of the Tower and to a different tower, one she knew would be deserted.

September 7th

Dearest Lily,

How are you, my darling? I hope you're feeling wonderful. I heard that it is frightfully chilly up north so I hope you're wearing a jacket every time you leave the castle! Daddy, Petunia, and I are all doing wonderfully. The weather here is still amazingly warm.

Daddy and I are meeting with the Potters to go to the theatre soon! I'm so excited to see them again. Lately we haven't been able to talk because of work, both your father's and theirs. Philena told me all about the magical world, even the things you forgot to mention, darling. She's such a comfort to have. James's truly has a wonderful mother. His father, too, is quite fantastic. James Sr. is quite the gentleman, though he does enjoy his pranks a wee bit too much. He reminds me a lot of his son.

Petunia and Vernon are still dating. It seems a proposal is in the air! I'm not quite sure I like Vernon but so long as he keeps my daughter happy and safe, I'm pleased for her. He loves her and she loves him, of this I am sure. And there couldn't have been a better suited couple.

I'm sorry to hark upon this again, darling, but I do think you should give James a chance. I know you two spoke about dating (you told me and James told his mother so I have both sides of the story, darling) and I think it'd be a wonderful idea. However, if you don't then God forbid you date him. Do what pleases you, darling Lily.

Speaking of the Lord, the Potters and we have recently begun attending Mass together. The Potters hadn't been in quite a while but have started attending again. Petunia and Vernon, however, refuse. I can only pray for them.

Darling Lily, I love you so much. Be careful, be safe, have fun, and study hard.

Your loving mother,

Amy Evans

Lily bit her lip and tasted blood. She took out the next piece of paper.

September 9th

Darling Lily,

How have you been, darling? Your letters please your father and me so much. Petunia hasn't been home lately so she hasn't read any of them but I'm sure she'll be ecstatic to read them!

Daddy's got a bit of a cold but he's doing alright. He's quite happy that he gets to relax at home instead of working those long hours at the bank. Well actually, I'm the one who's pleased! He'd rather be working!

Your classes sound fascinating this year. Professor Slughorn seems like an interesting character and I've always liked Professor McGonagall. She seems extremely logical.

How are your friends? Sirius and Caroline are still dating, right darling? Pippa and Charles? Poor Remus needs a girl, doesn't he darling? James isn't seeing anyone, I know because Philena Potter told me. I adore that woman.

Petunia and Vernon are officially engaged! Write your sister a note of congratulations, please darling. It'd mean the world to her.

Supper's almost ready so I've got to run! I love you so much, darling!

Your loving mother,

Amy Evans

She read the one she had received today.

September 11th

Princess Lily!

Many congratulations on receiving the highest score in all of your classes so far! I am so proud of you, darling! You're such an inspiration, Lily!

Besides academically, I'm sure you're faring well. I get a teensy report from James's mother but it's nothing like your letters. His letters, according to his mother, are filled with tidbits about the pranks they plan on pulling. Philena Potter told me she isn't sure whether to let Dumbledore know ahead of time what they're planning! They've got such elaborate plans, it seems.

Petunia and Vernon have set the wedding for January so you'll be able to attend! It'll be a small affair; the Potters are definitely invited along with your friends, Sirius and Caroline, and Remus, Pippa and Charles. It'd be wonderful if you brought a date but if you don't want to, it's alright. I'm just so pleased to see you! I miss my beautiful daughter so much!

The Potters have gotten us tickets to see Romeo and Juliet tonight. We're going to see the play with them, driving in our new car! I'm terribly excited. It's been ages since I've been to the theatre. I'm wearing Grandmother's fur stole and plan on looking divine!

I miss you more than I can express, darling. The house seems so empty without you, though you'd think after seven years I'd be used to this feeling of emptiness. I miss you so, with your cool logic and happy, smiling face. You're such an amazing girl, Lily, and I'm so proud to call myself your mother.

I'm very sorry darling but I must run. I've got lunch simmering on the stove and it'll boil over (I'm making soup) if I don't go now! I love you!

Your loving mother,

Amy Evans

PS. Your father sends his love. XOXO

Lily finished her final letter and brought her knees to her shoulders. Clenching her body, she gazed out the window at the vast emptiness outside in the sky. Somewhere in that empty abyss her parents were floating. Somewhere they were flying.

She felt beyond tears, beyond physical displays of sadness. She couldn't bring herself to cry, she could only look out onto the sky and see the twinkling stars.

She sat there for what seemed to be an eternity before she heard footsteps. Bracing herself, she prayed they'd leave.

"Lily?" a voice asked cautiously. "It's me, James."

Lily turned to face him. "I'm so sorry, James." She said, the words barely coming out.

"I'm sorry too, Lily." He sat down beside her. "They were happy though, together as a foursome."

Lily nodded. "I know. My mum wrote me about it all the time."

James smiled a little bit. "Mine too."

They sat in silence for a few moments, breathing in the air and the knowledge that they were now orphaned.

Slowly, Lily looked at James. She reached gently for his arm, which she placed around her shoulders. "Are you sure?" He whispered as she leaned into him, feeling the comfort of another body.

"Yes." She replied, placing his hands on hers.

James gazed down at her for a second before looking up again. "What's your favorite memory with them?" He asked.

"When I was six. We went to this absolutely amazing park, just the three of us. Petunia, my sister, had spent the night at a friend's and refused to come with us. We had a picnic in the park and then we lay on the grass for hours, looking up at the clouds and finding shapes. They told me that angels sat on those clouds." Lily closed her eyes, imagining it all. "Yours?"

"I was six too and my dad and I had just finished playing Quidditch. He had beaten me, badly, in the game and I was disappointed. He scooped me up onto his shoulders and we walked home from the pitch. My mum was standing in the kitchen when we walked in, only she wasn't alone. The entire English Quidditch team was there! Turns out my dad had told my mum how sad I'd been about it all and she called her friends, most of whom were married to Quidditch players! It was amazing." James smiled at the memory before continuing. "Damn it feels weird."

Lily nodded, "I can't believe they're gone," she said simply. "It feels surreal."

"I know. I miss them, though, so much."

"Me too."

James tightened his embrace. "I'm so sorry, Lily. I really truly am."

Lily looked at him. "It's not your fault. I'm the one who should be sorry. I introduced them! If it weren't for me, you'd still have your parents."

James shook his head. "Don't talk like that. Becoming friends with your parents made them ecstatic, Lily, and you know it."

Lily shrugged. "I don't know much anymore. My parents are dead. I can't cry. What the hell is wrong with me?"