James

" James...I wasn't expecting you " said Lily looking surprised.

" I know " smiled James. " Thought I'd pay a visit...I'm not interupting anything am I?"

" No " cried Mrs Evans grabbing James by the arm and sitting him down the on the sofa.

" In fact...you are very welcome to our home James. So tell me how are you?"

James looked flustered and put on the spot.

" Fine Mrs Evans...very well thank you."

" Good and the exams went well?"

" Erm...ah...yeah...not bad at all."

" Good and are you all prepared for the next big step?"

" Ah...next...what?"

" You're future dear...your job...life."

" I think so...the results...depend..well you know..."

Mrs Evans smiled. " You must be starving."

" No I'm fine...thanks."

" No you look famished...come on..."

" No really I'm grand..."

" Ah come on...a small bit wont kill you."

James smiled. " Oh alright...then..."

" Good well I'll get started on some dinner. Petunia I could do with some help in the kitchen."

Petunia stood up and glared at James. She walked out.

Lily and James sat by each other smiling. Lily blushing slightly.

Her Father sat in the corner reading the paper with one eye not focused on the paper at all. James looked over and slipped his hand into hers causing her to giggle. Her Father looked up.

" James...a walk maybe?" said her Dad suddenly.

" What? I mean yes Sir."

" Yes just a turn about the garden...Lily darling...your Mother could do with a hand in the kitchen. Off with you for a moment."

Lily sighed and got up. Looking at the pleading signs to stay in James eyes she left slowly.

James followed Mr Evans outside.

" Now then James..."

James looked up. He knew not what to say to this statement and apparently Mr Evans didn't expect an answer as he continued on talking.

" Lily has worked very hard in school these last few years."

" Yes Sir...I know...she is very bright."

" If these exams have gone well and I believe they have...she will want to get the best start in life that she can get."

James nodded.

" I dont want anyone holding her back."

James looked up frightened. " Sir I..."

" Now...Now James. I know you like my daughter. But I am asking you to do what is best for her."

" I would always do what is best for Lily Sir...I lov..."

" Lily tells me...you have requested that she move in with you?"

" Yes Sir I have."

" Have you arranged all this?"

" Yes I have..."

" And you think it wise that two young people with clearly strong abbitions move in together so early?"

" Lily and I want to be Aurors Sir...she expressed a wish to be with me too. We both want this."

" My Daughter deserves the best."

" And she will always get it Sir."

" I dont think it's wise James...you are only a boy and Lily needs a stable start in order to secure a future for herself."

" Perhaps Sir...but I love her...and she loves me. There is nothing I would not do for her and she knows that."

" And what if she gets ill Potter?...what if she cant support herself...or work or take care of her basic needs? What will you do then. Abandon her and find some other girl?

" Never " cried James his voice raised. " I would stay by her side from the moment she wakes to when she closes her eyes. Our love is forever Sir. You only ever find true love once in your life and I have found it. I know I have."

" And if I forbid it " said her Father. " Tell me what you will do then?"

" I am afraid I will not stop until we are together Sir. I would sneak to see her every night...every moment of the day my thoughts would only be of her and my dreams would be smothered with images of her. You cant stop this Sir...no one can stop the feelings that I have for your daughter."

" I think you have said enough " said her Father. " The dinner is almost ready."

Her Father walked away and he met Lily who was waiting worried at the door. He bent down gently to her.

" You've chosen a very fine young man my darling. He clearly loves you. I am very happy for you."