Chapter VI:

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.

(Sorry I didn't update sooner but exams are coming up and it may be a while before my next update.)

Lilly couldn't help but gasp as she was being dragged away from her only source of protection. She wished to argue but the angry look on the warrior's face quickly made her rethink what she'd intended to do. The only thing stopping her from screaming like a child was her pride, she wouldn't make a fool out of herself in front of this barbarian.

Deciding that whining would get her nowhere, she sought to ease her nervousness by concentrating on something less scary-looking. She was highly disappointed; the room was just a big space filled with nothing but a wooden throne and two plaids on each side of it. Lily was definitely not impressed, she'd have to make changes if she was to live in the horrid place.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't even notice the laird had come to a stop until she walked right into him for she'd been running to catch up with his long strides the whole time. James let go of her hand and turned a weary look at her all the while crossing his arms on his chest as he'd so often done.

Lily simply stared wide-eyed at the giant towering over her, she couldn't find any words to excuse her little mishap. She took a slow step back so as to avoid the outburst which was soon to come.

James' brows quirked up with amusement, he'd have to go easy on this one: she was, in fact, terrified of him. But the low growl that came from his side made him think twice on that last statement. His pet was, at the moment, not in a good mood. James snapped a few words in Gaelic and the animal ceased it's grumbling . "You have nothing to fear. He won't attack unless I tell him to."

Though he'd meant it in an assuring way, James doubted that Lily would be calmed by his far from consoling words. "Lord, she's weak."

Lily knew he sensed her distress and retorted. "I am not afraid, of you or your beast."

Her quick tongue astonished James, maybe she was tougher than he thought. "Your expression deceives your words milady, for you eyes tell me all. You shiver with my every breath."

Lily shook her head. "'Tis the cold, sir, that makes me weary and pale. It is most unnatural for this time of year and I haven't the proper attire."

James had no idea what she was talking about, surely she'd been misinformed. "Unnatural, you say? Why is that?"

Lily rubbed her hands together to keep warm. "Why, winter has no place here. 'Tis not like in England, in fact, it seems almost worse. Sirius tells me I will get used to it, but I doubt I will."

Whenever that name was mentioned, it meant trouble. James had to keep himself from laughing at the white lie the Baron had had to tell to get his sister in the country. Sirius had specifically told him that his sister hated the cold and longed to get away from it. That was one wish that wouldn't come true; winter in the Highlands was far worse than anywhere in England and she would soon learn that.

Deciding not to spoil the fun he would have when his wife would witness the first fall of snow, he replied. "I will see to it that a warmer wardrobe be brought in for you…"

Lily immediately jumped up. "Oh! No, sir. I would not want to trouble you with such trivial matters. Besides, I can make my own clothes, all I'd need is the proper material."

James furrowed his brow. "My wife does not do servant's work," he clasped his hands behind his back and trooped around her. "There are certain rules you will have to follow while you are under my roof. First, and most important, you will do as you are told. Second, I will not have you running around like a madwoman, you stay where I tell you to and you will rest."

At this, Lily huffed in dismay. "Begging your pardon, sir, but following orders like a dog does not agree with me. And I trust you to believe me when I say, many have tried without success."

"Then you will have to make an effort, now won't you?" he continued on with his speech. "You will respect the rules of both the Macfee and the Potter clans and will not question their traditions. You will wear the Potter plaid one day and switch to the Macfee's the other. Do I make myself clear?"

"Like a needle in a haystack, sir." James grabbed her arm.

He glared at her and in all seriousness said. "While we are on the subject, I suggest that you learn your place. You only speak freely when I want you to, otherwise, you keep quiet."

Lily looked down, anything to avoid his piercing gaze. "I will try…" James nodded. "But I cannot guaranty you anything." her frustration was evident, no amount of willpower could have hidden her anger.

"Have you any other requests that you would like to put to me, milord?" she tried to pull away but he wouldn't let go. He had her now and wasn't about to let her get off that easy.

"You're afraid of me," he waited for her to lie to him again. She surprised him with the truth. "Yes, I am afraid of you," she announced. "I'm also afraid of your hound."

James finally let go of her. "Your answers please me," he smirked. "I already knew you feared me, Lillian. I'm pleased because you admitted it. After all, you could have lied."

"But, you would have known I was lying."

"Yes." He sounded so arrogant, but she wasn't offended, she'd actually expected it from a ferocious looking warrior such as himself.

"Explain to me why you hesitate," he commanded. Lily cocked her head to the side in confusion. "You are going to marry me, Lillian."

She shook her head at him and braced herself against his fury. James wasn't used to being contradicted, but he tried not to let his impatience show. He wasn't very skilled in conversation with women.

"Your timidity is disturbing," Lily's shoulders straightened. "I don't like timid women."

"And I don't like big men, even handsome ones," she announced only realizing her mistake after she'd said it. She could bet that he was going to turn her words into a compliment just to inflate his already overly-sized ego.

"You misunderstand, sir. 'Tis not a good thing," she quickly continued ignoring his incredulous expression. She knew she sounded ridiculous but didn't care. She wouldn't back down. "What do you think of my opinion?"

James snorted. "I think you're completely daft," he told her, being as blunt as possible.

"That is also possible," Lily agreed.

James decided he'd wasted enough time on this useless discussion and it was high time she understood what he meant to do. "You already know you will not be leaving here any time soon, so I'd suggest you get used to having me around. Whether you desire it or not, Lillian, I will have you."

"You'd marry me against my own will?" she looked terrified again. James didn't want to allarm her and wanted to prove that he could be reasonable.

"Do you have the necessary means to make the payment to remain unwed for an extra year?"

"No"

"I suppose you'd prefer an Englishman, it's closer to home," James paused a few seconds. "Very well, if you wish to marry that Malfoy man, by all means do so. Staying here is only a waste of my time and your own."

"I don't prefer Malfoy."

"I take it from the disgust in your voice that the man is also a handsome giant?"

"Only if you find pigs attractive. He is therefore, unacceptable to me."

"I see," James drawled out. "So big men are completely out of the question. Where does that leave your brother? Sirius is, after all, as big as I am."

"Yes, but he would never hurt me." The truth was out, she'd blurted out the words without even thinking. Lily, once more, turned her gaze to the floor, trying desperately to hide her blush.

James was absolutely stunned. "You insult me with your lack of trust. I'd beg you to reconsider doing that again for if you do there will be consequences."

Lily remained silent not wishing to egg him on even if she wanted to. It would bring her nothing to argue with the man for he was clearly already winning.

"You will marry me Lillian," James couldn't help but notice her back away, she would have to get used to the animal and him as well. She flinched.

"And Lily," he waited for her to look at him and she did but soon regretted it. "Unlike some, I don't bite."

ooooooooooooooooo

Hours later, Lily found herself walking down the isle. Her hair was swept back and pulled high in a knot at the crown, curls falling loose to tumble down to the back with ringlets in front of her ears. She wore a low-necked gown of heavy cream-colored satin with a separate bodice that was laced in the front as were the neckline and the sleeves.

She turned to her brother as he took his place on her left and hissed. "You can't make me do this you know," she threatened but was forced, nonetheless, to follow her brother's lead.

"It's not like you have much of a choice," was the short reply.

Lily huffed. "We who are about to die…" Sirius mumbled under his breath, praying his sister wouldn't make a scene in front of the guests. He'd hoped she'd be on her best behavior, but that was proving to be too difficult.

It was a beautiful day for a wedding, no matter how rapid it may be. The clansmen were all seated, the Potters on one side and the Macfees on the other with each captain at the front near the altar where stood a chubby priest. He went by the name of Douglas and was in charge of directing all the sermons and important ceremonies.

Sadly, the groom was nowhere to be found. Sirius frowned at this, James had a habit of being fashionably late but seeing as it was his wedding day he didn't much appreciate his tardiness. He prayed Lily wouldn't notice but as he took a peak at his sister and her firm grip on her wedding bouquet he guessed she wouldn't have the time to be bothered.

But Lily had noticed and was quite disoriented; her and Sirius had already reached the altar and the great barbarian was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, the gates opened and the sun came out in the person of James who was positively resplendent. Lily's mouth fell open and stayed that way.

The thick brown hair had been nicely groomed and fell at the collar of his bell-sleeved shirt which was tucked in front. A dark red plaid was swept around his shoulder and fastened with a silver brooch. His pants were tight-fitting and matched perfectly with his leather boots. Though he also wore a sword, the silver belt adorned with diamonds made up for the deadly object's presence.

James took his time in getting to the altar where his bride stood. As he looked her up and down, he couldn't help but notice the quick blush that had appeared on her face. She was dazzling as well as a bit unconventional; James wasn't certain whether it was a habit all English women had to stare open-mouthed at people like Lily was doing.

He wiped the thought out of his mind and concentrated on getting to his destination. He new he was late but would never admit to his untimeliness. When he finally made it to the top of the steps, he gave Sirius a curt nod, took Lily's hand in his own and advanced a few paces towards the priest. James then barked something out in Gaelic and the wedding ceremony began.

Sirius was quite proud of his sister and was glad she'd managed to stand still for the ceremony but what she would do next completely went beyond spontaneous. When the time came to give the vows, everyone was at the edge of their seats, eager to get it over with.

Father Douglas first turned to the groom. "Do you, James Potter, take this lass to be your wife? To hold and to comfort when need be, to shelter and to protect with your whole being?"

"I do," was the quick reply.

Father Douglas nodded happily. "And do you Lillian Evans take this Scot to be your husband? To honor and to obey?"

Everyone was holding their breath. When the answer didn't come, James gave his bride a little nudge in the side; she seemed in deep thought. She nodded, apparently having made up her mind and said. "I think... no, no, I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride, laird."

Both Lily and James faced each other, Lily bracing herself for the worst which was soon to come. She leaned forward on the tip of her toes so as to peck her husband on the lips but James had other plans. He grabbed her by the waist and devoured her mouth like he would a delicious desert, though this was way better. Once he broke the kiss, Lily was like in a daze; she was so out of it, she had to lean on him for support which he gave freely.

When the couple finally turned to the crowd, nothing but cheers were heard. As they walked back down the isle, Lily and James were bombarded with flowers which the children had gathered from the fields to throw as a sort of congratulations.

Minutes later, everyone was standing in the great hall enjoying the festivities. Though the Potters and the Macfees kept their distances, each clan member seemed to be having a wonderful time. The men were drinking and staring hungrily at the women who had tied their skirts to their belts to join in the Scottish folk dance.

Lily, however, was not amused. She felt completely ignored; her husband was sitting with his men and looked to be entangled in an interesting conversation about how the keep's outer walls were to be reconstructed. So she went in search of the only person she actually knew in the gathering.

She found her brother, looking just as bored as she was, near the door entrance of the room. She walked up to him as he turned, just noticing her presence. He smiled. "Well, you've done it now, Lillian. There's no going back."

Lily nodded. "I know. But I have a feeling I'll like it here though the weather is rather queer for this time of year." Sirius tried his best not to laugh, if it weren't for James' interruption, he wouldn't have been able to stop himself from bursting out.

James took one look at his wife and Sirius and abruptly reached for her arm, pushing her behind him.

Sirius frowned. "I think a form of congratulations is due. You now possess everything you've always wanted, milord."

"Yes. And now it's time for you to leave." James' expression was that of man who wasn't going to be argued with and Lily who'd been standing behind him hadn't a clue what he was doing.

She attempted to get around her husband but he wouldn't budge. Realizing her little dilemma, she pulled at the back of his shirt, trying desperately to catch his attention. He finally took notice of her and moved aside.

"Why are you doing this?" she then looked at her brother. "Sirius, why does he ask you to leave?"

James didn't give the latter the opportunity to explain. "The deal is sealed. You've got what you wanted and have no business on my land."

Lily couldn't believe her ears. "Have you no respect? He is my brother…"

James cut her off halfway through. "No, he isn't."

"What?"

"He is not your real brother, is he? During the ceremony, when the priest pronounced your name, he referred to you as Evans and not Black. This man has no relation to you whatsoever."

"James…" Sirius warned.

"Yes," Lily acquiesced. "You speak the truth, he is not my brother but only by blood. He was an orphan and my parents took him in and raised him as their own," Lily halted to catch her breath. "He was still in my parent's care at my birth and is still now. I have always referred to him as brother and that will never change. He is the only person I truly trust in this world and I love him for that."

"Trust?" James sneered. "A brother who marries his sister off to flee his own troubles, how… honorable."

Sirius practically shoved Lily aside, sword in hand. He held it to James' throat and motioned him to the door. They left, anger surging through them. Lily could do nothing but wait until their return.

Though James was the only one to come back. He looked all battered up. "Serves him right," she thought. "Where is Sirius?"

"He is on his way back to merry old England," came the sarcastic reply.

Lily was highly disappointed in her husband as well as her brother, she could tell they had fought. The gash above James' left eyebrow was proof enough. "If you will excuse me, milord, I am weary and wish to retire to my quarters."

James did not answer to this but simply snapped his fingers at a servant woman giving her orders to show his wife to her bedroom.

ooooooooooooooooooooo

As soon as Lily entered her new sleeping chamber, she threw herself onto the bed and practically cried herself to sleep. She only woke when she heard the door slam shut. Their was movement on the right-hand side of the bed.

James was carefully undressing with the hopes Lily wouldn't wake, it was sadly too late. Though she hadn't moved an inch, her breathing had quickened giving her away. James settled himself under the bedcovers and draped his arm across Lily's thin waist all the while nuzzling her neck.

"This feels… nice?" Lily thought as the cuddling turned to kissing and prodding. Her eyes snapped open as she pushed herself up and away from the soft hands which had been groping her moments before. "Milord! What are you doing here?"

James rolled his eyes. "You are my wife, are you not? And this just happens to be my bedroom."

Lily hunched back even more. "You mean to sleep? Here?"

"Yes, I do plan to spend the night but sleeping wasn't what I'd had in mind," he replied pulling Lily towards him as she fought to be freed from his tight hold.

"But why? Surely you know I am barren, bedding me would serve no purpose."

"As my wife, it is your obligation to do as I say. You're not a virgin, you must have seen it coming." James was far beyond annoyed. Why couldn't the woman just hold still?

"No, I am not a virgin and I curse the one who took that away from me. My first husband wasn't the gentle sort and when I didn't get pregnant after the first couple of tries… You have a right to this but… would you take me against my will?"

"I am not like Gruder, Lillian. But since you seem so against the thought of me bedding you, I will not touch you tonight," he released her from his deathly grip and lay down, his back turned to her.

Lily was thankful to have such an understanding husband. She rushed back under the covers also snuggling closer to James to catch his warmth. She inched closer to him, thinking he'd already fallen asleep, until her behind was stuck to his. But James was far from dreamland and was having quite a hard time. 'Twas a reflex that came naturally to him.

ooooooooooooooooooo

Lily had been having a good dream but it was interrupted by a heavy weight which had settled on top of her whole body. Her eyelids fluttered open and she found herself staring into the hazel depths she had first lost herself in. She gasped. "What are you doing? You promised you wouldn't take me tonight."

James grunted, dipping down to peck the side of her neck. "And I have kept my promise. It is way past midnight, Lillian, and I mean to have you now."

Lily would have argued but she never got the chance for her husband was taking her to a whole new level of fulfillment. "This is going to be a long morning."

Sorry for the long wait. Hope you enjoyed and don't forget to review, please.