Chapter V:

Author's note: As you know Harry Potter characters aren't mine. Sorry for any stupid mistakes that may be found in the text and thank you to all the reviewers.

(I've been in a French school my whole life so my English may be a bit rusty as compared to what it was before. Please forgive any bad use of the language.)

When Lily woke up, she once more found her whereabouts unknown. The room she had been placed in was very plain and held no trinkets or knickknacks whatsoever. As she took in her surroundings, it also came to her attention that her clothes had been tampered with. She was no longer wearing that frightful- looking dress that she'd arrived in and was now clad in a rather dull gown.

Deciding that laying in bed all day wasn't the best thing to do, Lily pushed aside the bed covers and started searching for her shoes. They had also been replaced with funny- looking boots that were ankle high. She put them on without a care in the world and headed towards the door.

Once out of that dreadful room, she came upon a long staircase and quietly descended the steep steps. The house seemed vacant, not one servant girl was present, not even a guard of some sort.

As soon as she got to the bottom, she could vaguely hear two voices, one which she recognized for it was her brother's and the other not so familiar. She neared the door, not wanting to make a disturbance, she simply lay her head on the dark wood that separated her from the intense exchanging of words that was going on the other side.

From what she could make out, Sirius was arguing with someone, something about a proposal and whatnot. She didn't understand what they were so mad about and decided to stick around for a while.

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James was now beyond annoyed, he had warned Sirius about showing his face back in the Highlands but apparently the Englishman had thought better of it. The man just didn't know when to give up and was certain that his so called plan would work.

"I assure you that no one will ever know about this. The king would never think to look here in fear of causing another revolt. Don't you see? It's a perfect idea…" Sirius was having more than a hard time trying to convince the laird that this was the right course of action.

James Potter was a stubborn man, probably as stubborn as he was, if not more. He would not yield unless he found some profit in the exchange. Sirius intended on making him an offer he couldn't refuse, he was ,after all, a master in the art of persuasion. But this was proving to be quite a challenge and he knew that the Scot took those very seriously.

"That it may be, but what might I get out of this?" James asked, crossing his arms over his chest as a sign of defense.

Sirius wasn't put off by this at all and chose his words very carefully. "You'd get a wife and a vast sum of money…"

James cut him off. "What good is an Englishwoman to me? There a many families from which I could chose a strong wife without a problem. But the coins do interest me, so go on," he urged, staring Sirius in the eyes, daring him to make a mistake in his favor.

"You are now living on English lands if I am not mistaken. You'd inherit them by wedlock, they'd be yours to do what you will."

James chuckled. "I already do, it would make no difference, just another burden in my lap."

Sirius shook his head in disagreement. "I can assure you it would. With Lillian at your side, no man of the English court would have claim to her deceased husband's property. You'd have no problems whatsoever and wouldn't have to worry about dragoons on the outskirts of the land."

James' smile grew wider. "They are no trouble at all, at least the men don't seem to think so. Those… soldiers, as you English like to call them, are excellent for target practice. The men are getting better at it every day."

Sirius didn't laugh at this even though, in a better situation, he would have found it funny. He simply sighed and looked a his feet, having nothing else to say, he couldn't bear to look into James' eyes. He felt ashamed, he wasn't used to begging for help, especially not from his greatest rival.

James became serious again. Sirius was unnaturally jittery and it was hard to miss for the man had great control of his emotions and let nothing show. But something else seemed to be bothering him and it had nothing to do with the numerous raids which were held on the frontiers of the Macfee land.

"What are you doing here Sirius? And don't tell me it's because you wish to repay me for that day I saved your sorry excuse for a life because you are the worst at deception."

Sirius looked up at him, he was confused as to what James was implying. "Whatever do you mean?"

James pushed off the wall which he'd been leaning on. "I thought I'd warned you about coming back here. You have deliberately disobeyed my orders and are now seeking aid?" he paused letting his words sink in. "I never thought you to be a coward. You are running away from your troubles…"

Sirius jumped up from his sitting position, ready for a fight. No one ever called him a coward and he wouldn't let it pass so easily, he may have been in distress but there was no excusing his "friend's" comment.

James smiled internally, he'd finally gotten a reaction from the man and was having a hard time containing his laughter.

"I thought I'd been damn specific Black, I told you not to come back here," he said trying to sound as angry as possible.

"Yes, you did tell me not to come back." Sirius agreed. "I remember."

"Do you also remember I told you I'd have to kill you if you ever set foot on my land again?"

Sirius nodded. "I've a strong memory for details Potter. I remember that threat."

"Is this not open defiance then?"

"You could conclude it is," Sirius answered with a negligent shrug.

James let out a long sigh. "Take off my plaid, Sirius."

His voice shook with fury, the man was really starting to get on his nerves. One minute he was as sad as an orphan then, before you knew it, he was jesting.

"Yes, it is your plaid," Sirius shouted to the barbarian. "But the land, Potter, well now, that belongs to my sister."

James' scowl intensified, he didn't like hearing the truth. Taking a step forward, he pulled his sword from its sheath at his side.

"Hell," Sirius muttered. "Nothing's ever easy with you, is it?"

He didn't expect an answer and didn't get one. He removed the plaid which he had draped around his shoulder and tossed it to the seething Scot.

"It was your brother-in-law who destroyed this holding and half the Macfee clan," James roared. This had started out as a mere way to relieve the tension between the two but had quickly backfired. "And I have suffered your presence long enough."

The two giants matched glares. "I would remind you that it is not I but Baron Gruder who ordered the massacre and who put those incompetent men in charge of this holding. The baron is dead and the land belongs to my sister. It's her land, like it or not."

Both furious warriors advanced upon each other like raging bulls and neither said another word for twenty minutes. The fight consumed every ounce of their strength and concentration.

"You're being damned inhospitable," Sirius panted. "We're going to be related, Potter."

It took a few minutes for his words to actually make any sense. James didn't let up his attack when he asked. "How can that be Black? Does your king agree with this statement?"

"He does." Sirius' voice was emphatic. "For some reason, he wants Lily out of England and you're the ticket out. The king keeps her under close guard; she has private quarters but is aloud no guests. She lives every day in constant fear, I want her away from England. Marrying you is my answer."

James' voice was low when he remarked. "So it was you who came up with this clever plan."

"Yes," Sirius replied. "And just in time too. The king would have married her off to Lucius Malfoy if she hadn't been able to resist." he then grinned. "She asked for an annulment."

James' surprise was evident. "Why? Her husband is already dead."

"A clever stalling tactic," Sirius explained. "It takes at least four months to get a proper contract and a witness is needed; Gruder didn't die in England so it makes it all the more difficult, not to mention that his body wasn't found."

"Just out of curiosity, who was the witness?" James asked.

"Lucius Malfoy." Sirius answered. "I cannot abide my sister being under his control. You were the lesser of two evils, I took a chance. I know you will treat her well, that is, if she will have you…"

James clasped his hands behind his back "I must consider this proposal of yours," he announced.

"There is also something you should know before making a decision… she is barren." Sirius said.

James simply shrugged. "That will not matter." he went on. " Is she at least appealing? From what I saw the other day, she looked a right witch."

"She is, when she isn't covered in dirt among other things." Sirius answered. "And keep that mutt away when you meet Lily."

His attention was turned towards James' giant wolfhound who'd been sitting quietly in a corner of the room. The beast was a fierce-looking thing with a thick coat of fur and dark colored eyes. The hound spotted Sirius and let out a low growl which made the hairs on the back of his neck stand erect.

James snapped a command in Gaelic and the animal got up and made it's way to his side.

"Hide the thing somewhere. Lily will take one good look at the both of you and run straight back to England."

James laughed. "Mark my words Sirius, I won't be denied. She will have me."

Sirius nodded. "Very well. I will inform her of the news when she wakes."

"You do that."

Little did they know, Lily had heard the whole thing. She'd stayed only halfway through but it was enough to make her stomach turn.

So, this was all Sirius' doing: the trip to the woods, the carriage. He'd done everything in his power to get her here and she'd fallen for it. As she made her way back to her room, she couldn't help but feel betrayed and scared at the same time. That man's look had really frightened her the other day, though she had to admit. "He is handsome."

Fifteen minutes after she'd settled back into the room, a maid came knocking on the door and announced her brother. Sirius came in with his head held high and a big smile on his face but Lily knew something was ailing him.

He came up to her, graced her with a light kiss on the hand and sat at her side on the bed. He said nothing and Lily didn't see the need to encourage him to talk for she didn't find his little scheme amusing at all.

When he'd finally gathered his wits, Sirius spoke barely above a whisper. "You are already aware of the plans that laird Potter and I have set up for you so there is no need for me to repeat myself." he stopped, giving Lily the time to get rid of her surprise.

She gulped. "I don't know what you mean."

Sirius gave her a look that proved he shouldn't be trifled with. "Do not play the innocent. I know you were eavesdropping, so we will leave it at that," he stood up and walked to the door without giving her a second glance. "Prepare yourself to meet you future companion and pray that he is more indulging than I."

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A very shaken Lily stood next to her brother in the great hall of the Potter holding. Sirius was attempting, without success, to keep a straight face; he found his sister's nervousness very refreshing, to say the least.

"I won't have him, Sirius." Lily said in a harsh whisper. "You must be out of your mind if you think I would even consider becoming his wife."

"Appearances can be deceiving, Lillian," her brother countered. "Wait until we're closer. Your surely notice the kindness in his eyes."

She shook her head, Lily had no desire to look into the man's eyes again, those were what had scared her to begin with. Her hands were shaking so violently as she tried not to gape at the huge warrior and the monstrous-looking animal at his side.

They were nearing the front of the hall where James stood on the step leading to the throne room. He didn't look too pleased by the sight of her and she felt ill with the sight of him.

"You told me he was a gentle man with a soft voice and a quick smile. He isn't smiling now, is he, Sirius?" she felt so small as opposed to the giant in front of her, she almost wanted to cry.

"Now Lily…"

"You lied to me." she stated.

"I didn't lie to you," Sirius argued. "Potter saved my life twice during the battle for the holding against Gruder's men. Even though he refuses to acknowledge it, I do owe him. He is proud but a most honorable man and I was convinced this would be a sound union."

Lily didn't answer him, her gaze kept going back and forth between the warrior and his mutt. "He's a very big man, isn't he?" this was more of a statement than a question.

Sirius grabbed hold of her hand. "He is no bigger than I am. Besides, most women wish for a strong husband."

Lily continued to stare at James who seemed to be getting larger the closer she got.

She blurted out her opinion in an accusing voice. "He is handsome. It's a mark against him."

"You aren't making sense. I promise he will never hurt you."

Lily snorted. "I would never let him," panic, once more, took hold. "But, will he leave me alone?"

"Yes"

James was quickly getting bored, his bride was taking her time chatting with her brother and all the waiting was making him weary. However, as the siblings approached, his expression turned from a scowl to an internal grin. He hadn't asked Sirius for a description of the girl because it hadn't mattered before. The closer they came, the more it surprised James how small his bride actually was; she barely reached his shoulder.

It wasn't Lily's size that surprised James the most, but her unnatural beauty. She was dressed in the outfit he'd borrowed from one of the women in the village and seemed to be floating in it. Her long red hair cascaded down her back in curls and her almond-shaped eyes were a forest green. This was very rare in the Highlands, only a select few had those characteristics while the rest were dark-haired and had either blue or brown eyes. He had to admit Sirius was right, for once.

She was a bony lass and didn't seem to have any flaws. He also like the light sprinkle of freckles she had on the bridge of her nose. Her complexion was pure and her mouth was enough to make any saint lustful.

James took a quick glance at the people who had lined up to greet their new mistress. His soldiers were all in front while some of the women tried to sneak peeks at Lily from the back. The Potter clan looked quite happy and were all smiling as his bride walked by, whereas the Macfee men just glared as their women continued their whispering.

James simply shrugged, they would get used to the idea of an Englishwoman or he'd make them. Out of respect for him, they would accept this woman amongst them but would do nothing to make her feel welcome, that he knew.

Lily gave Sirius another disgruntled look as they stood in front of James who took a step forward. Of course, his wolfhound followed which made Lily's knees buckle together. She

was lucky if she didn't fall flat on her face she thought as she executed a perfect curtsy.

Her voice shook as she greeted the man. "Good day, Laird Potter." Lily stole a glance from her brother who wasn't being much help. He just stood there grinning like a simpleton.

When the laird asked her a question to which she remained silent, Sirius frowned at his sister's reaction. He then caught the look of panic in her eyes when she glanced up at him and understood. Lily was simply too nervous to think straight.

Sirius decided he didn't want an audience during this important meeting and asked. "Is there somewhere more private we could speak?"

James turned to him and ordered. "You, wait here. Your sister and I are going inside to talk, alone," he grabbed Lily's arm and took off towards the throne room not even noticing her retreat when his animal had made a move forward.

Lily was looking ready to faint again. Sirius knew she needed a little time to get her courage back but couldn't think of a way to stall. He watched as his rival and "friend" practically dragged his sister out the door. What a couple they would make.

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