Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognise. Check chapter 1, 2 or 3
My maiden name was Thompson, I'm Alexis Potter now"
Lily was stunned and her eyes widened "Hi..." she said softly, almost in a whisper. Lily appeared as is she had been expecting it, but that it still hurt more than she though it would. She looked down. James seemed to notice the tension and Lily's problem with her voice so he finally spoke "We have to go Lily. Good bye" Lily looked up at him and noticed regret in his eyes. She nodded unable to find her voice and both walked away. Alexis grabbed James' hand as soon as they started walking. Lily just watched silently the couple leave.
A/N: Sorry it so long but finally it's here. Enjoy
Chapter 4 – And then they were three
I'm so alone, and I feel just like somebody else
Man, I ain't changed, but I know I ain't the same
But somewhere here in between the city walls of dyin' dreams
I think her death it must be killin' me
(One Headlight-The Wallflowers)
"It was completely awkward, I didn't know what to do, I was completely speechless, I must have looked like the most stupid or retarded person in the world " Lily said.
"If anyone here is retarded it's him and your reaction is completely understandable honey. It was a shocker meeting her, you knew it was coming but it still grabbed you by surprise." Natasha assured her and after pausing for a moment she asked"And how are you NOW?"
"What do you mean?" Lily asked pretending to be confused by her question. She avoided Natasha's look, trying to find a way out of this.
"Lily you can't keep doing this" Natasha said. Lily got up and went into the kitchen, and she was followed by her friend. She didn't answered and instead started to wash some dishes on the sink.
"Lily….don't shot me out" Natasha pleaded and placed her hand in Lily's shoulder.
"What?" Lily said annoyed, she turned to face her and tears were already gathered in her eyes. She raised her hand to try to wipe them but Natasha caught her hand and she lead Lily to the living room once again.
"Don't keep it all for yourself. I would be lying if I said that I understand what you're going through because I obviously don't. But I'm here to listen Lillian. I'm here for you girl. I had already told you" Natasha reassured her.
"I know" Lily said in a restrained whisper "but I have to move on, I need to move on. But I have so much past with him. I just can't go on and pretend none of that happened. How can I just let it go, there are things I can't"
"But you need to or you won't move on"
"I can't let go of my baby…." She whispered to herself and Natasha listened her and was shocked.
"Baby?" Lily just nodded sadly and a single tear escaped her eyes. "The night I disappeared I had just found out I was pregnant "Natasha covered her mouth and was speechless and suddenly she was sobbing "I don't know what happened to him or her" and Lily got up and slid up her shirt "All I have is this scar, I woke up with it in New York"
"Oh my, I had no idea. He knows?" Lily just shook her head.
"Who does?"
"Dumbledore, my parents and now you. Please don't mention anything to Nelle, she's pregnant and I don't think is a good idea to tell her now"
"I won't" Natasha assured her
"Thanks Tash"
"Do you plan on telling him?" she inquired.
"No, and promise me you won't" At this Natasha looked unsure but nodded. "Promise?" Lily asked dubious
"Promise"
Remus Lupin was a young man even though he looked older. He was cute with sandy blonde hair, nice complexion and beautiful brown eyes. He had been quite a heartbreaker during his Hogwart's years. And he had to be, he was friends with the two most popular guys of Hogwarts Sirius Black and James Potter. All three of them plus Petter Pettigrew, called themselves The Marauders. Peter was completely different from them, but somehow he was their friend. So after Hogwarts many of their fellow students thought they would drive apart. Is what usually happens with everyone. People change and go in different directions. But they had proved them wrong.
Remus apparated into Sirius' apartment and saw all three of them in the living room. He smiled at the sight of them drinking.
"Couldn't you just wait for me to get all drunk?" Remus asked with a boyish grin on his face.
"You are late" said Sirius angrily and he tackled him, and both ended up in the floor. Sirius got up and totally changed his mood "but I forgive you Moony, Kate's keeping you late…..hey that rimes" and he started singing it adding a tune to it.
"Brilliant padfoot" said James sarcasticly "Real poetry."
"So is Kate really that good?" asked Peter
"Ha ha ha funny Peter. But if I tell you then I would have to kill you" said Remus grabbing a bottle of beer and taking a swig. He took a seat next to James.
"And we wouldn't want that, now would we? "replied James laughing. It felt good to hang with his friends. Lately he had been so busy with everything that he needed a break. They started talking about quidditch and making predictions. They talked for an hour or so until Peter had to leave. Her mother was sick and he was going to visit her on weekends. After Peter left Sirius started a new topic, one that made James uncomfortable.
"So, I heard they finally met, how did it go?" Sirius looked at his friend and saw him go all depressed. Sirius turned to look at Remus and he looked as worried as he was.
"Fine I guess. Lily was shocked and Alexis was surprised, but nothing ugly happened," he simply said, "I mean Alexis wanted to invite her over for dinner"
"I don't think that's a good idea James," said Remus softly. James just shook his head "I back up Remus, Lily wasn't really that excited about having to see her ever again"
"How would you know?" James raised his eyebrows.
"Well she burst into my apartment yelling and complaining about the whole thing. It ended up with Nelle and her having a BF and kicking me off the apartment" explained Sirius making a face of fake pain as he supposedly remembered.
"A BF? What's that?" asked Remus confused
"Bitch Fest, duh!" said Sirius in a girly voice as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Watch it, you're turning into one of them" said James laughing and then he continued on a more serious tone "I had no idea she was that upset"
"Come on James you surely didn't expect her to go and throw a party or be Alexis' best friend? Did you?" Remus said
"Of course not…"
"You've seen her Prongs, she's really upset and she needs time. Time to adjust to everything" explained Sirius.
"I just hope someday she can forgive me…" James whispered and took another zip of his beer and went into the bathroom.
Sirius sat where James had been, next to Remus and said, " I just hope he can forgive himself someday…"
"Well I'm just hoping he gets over her someday…." Remus said. James came out of the bathroom and went into the cabinet and took out a bottle of firewhiskey. He took a shot and joined his two friends.
"I always thought he would go for me first you know" James started. "If only I had been there…."
James pushed his glasses up his nose convulsively, as if searching something to do with his hands.
"It's not your fault Prongs" Sirius whispered, "You had already accepted that"
"But if I hadn't been with her…I was so selfish" Remus laid a hand on his friend's shoulder "You can't go back in time…."
"I know…I just…" Finally James let the tears fall "It's been two years…. It was hard accepting she wasn't coming back…but she…it's harder t accepting she did…"
Remus Lupin turned and wrapped his arms around his friend. James Potter was a strong man, but there were moments when he needed this. Especially moments like these ones. Sirius gave James a gentle glare and finally asked him "Do you still love her?'"
"I…." He was at a loss of words.
Remus seemed to understand better the situation and after glaring at Sirius he explained, "It isn't so easy Padfoot, everything is different now…."
"Well it shouldn't " said Sirius quietly.
"A four death eater team broke into one office of the French Ministry of Magic. The place did research into dark arts, specifically potions. "Adam Thompson told his team.
"What were they after?" asked Jared Cauldwell
"They took four vials containing strains of magically manipulated Ebola. The 5th was damaged during the heist, infecting one of the team members…" explained Adam
"The death eater they're questioning?" John Graham inquired
"Yes, Rodolphus Lestrange." Adam answered
"And the French just handed him over to us?" Lily asked surprised
"Apparently they share our desire to learn more about Voldemort" Adam chuckled
"Wait, if he was infected how are we bringing him in?" Susan asked.
"The manipulated ebola was just at stage 2, and that isn't enough to kill someone. They have a counter potion for stage 1 and 2. He was a lucky bastard" Adam said smiling "Now, we have a task in hand. Everybody go, except for Lily I need to talk to you, the rest knows what to do, I want it all by 5 in my desk."
Except for him and Lily the others left the room. Adam motioned her to sit across him. Lily had no idea what possibly he could want. He didn't said a word and just stared at her. Lily found this extremely uncomfortable, but was able to notice how handsome he looked today. His blue eyes looked intense and his hair felt just on his eyes making him all sexy. Lily snapped back to reality, and soon after Adam did the same and apologised immediately"I'm sorry about that, I just got distracted it happens to me sometimes. By the way you have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen"
This obviously caused Lily to blush a deep shade of red and she smiled, thanking himfor the compliment. "So I wanted to talk to you about this task. There are going to be people from the Minister's office, and Dumbledore wants you to be one of the aurors present in the interrogation. And you should also do some research on him and prepare questions"
"Ok. I will. Anything else?"
"On another matter, more personal. I was wondering if you would like to go out with me soemtime. You know to grab a cup of coffee or something. What do you think?"
"Maybe…I don't know"
"Is just coffee, besides we're team mates. Don't you think?" he asked giving her a warm charming smile that Lily just couldn't resist. "Coffee sounds good and if you add some cake toit, itsounds even better"
"Then we have a deal Lily"
"More like a date I hope" she said grinning and left his office with a big smile plastered on her face.
"The head auror thought it would be best bringing two teams for the mission, so Potter's team will be joining us" said Adam Thompson to his team. At the sound of his name, Lily went blank. This was the last thing she needed. She had been avoiding him since their encounter in Hogwarts. Moments after this James Potter walked in followed by his team. He shook hands with Adam and they talked about something apart from the rest of the crowd.
Lily looked at the two men talking until James left again the room. Adam joined the crowd and Lily just sat there waiting. Then she remembered she had left something at her office. Lily went to retrieve it. She walked through her office; she was obviously having problems to find it. Finally she grabbed a file and left the office, as she walked round the corner she saw James and Alexis. They noticed her, and she had to put on a brave face and smile back.
The couple approached her and James was the first to speak "Hi" he said formally.
"Hi" Lily said back. James was tense, well for that matter everyone was. They started walking toward the conference room, until James spoke again "You've already met Alexis"
"Yes"
"Hi" said Alexis
"Hello, again." said Lily all business like. And then there was an uncomfortable silence growing between them. They heard footsteps and Lily turned to see Sirius. All three of them stopped outside the conference room.
"Lily" said Sirius
"Sirius…. hi"
"Uh, listen, Danielle wanted me to give you this" he said handing her a box "It has pictures from Hogwarts, and things that she thought you might want to have" Lily took the box and looked over at Alexis with an embarrassed smile. The look on her face when she turned back to Sirius said she wished that he wasn't doing this in front of James and Alexis.
"I think she also dropped some new things you might like. You know pictures of hot guys for potential dates" James didn't look amused at his comment. "Whatever, we are having dinner next Friday, all three of you are invited"
"Thank you" said Lily. Lily fingered the box uncomfortably, Alexis looked tensely at Sirius, and James was glaring at him. Sirius leaned toward them as if he was telling a secret and said with a singsong voice "Awkward!"
James shook his head slightly as if to say, "Now is not a good time…" Lily looked that James was getting angry so she said "Sirius could you leave this at my office, I have a meeting"
"Oh sure, see you guys later" he took the box from Lily and left. Then the three of them entered the room. A second later the head auror with other two persons entered the conference room. He directed to Adam and started talking. Everyone else took a seat and remained silent Lily noticed that Alexis took a seat too and didn't leave the room. Mr. Potter gave some final instructions to Adam and soon after left the room with the two men.
Adam assembled his team and approached to Lily. "We need to talk some final touches with James and the ministry officer who's going in with you to do the interrogation" They walked towards James and Adam seemed a little bit surprised when he saw Alexis.
"Alexis?" Adam asked. "You must be kidding, right?"
"Actually no, she is not" said James firmly "I'm the ministry officer" she said afterwards and smirked at her brother.
Adam threw her a sarcastic smile and just shook his head. "Well, Lily will be working with you to do the interrogation and something else has come to our knowledge. A group of death eaters is planning to release Lestrange. Apparently he has made contact with his brother."
"Do we have any idea of how many?" asked James.
"Not yet, but we're sure that Bellatrix and Rabastan will be on the team. A team of local aurors was ordered to surveille him."
"If we're going to grab Bellatrix, I'd like to be on that team" Lily said immediately.
"It isn't our intention to grab her" said Adam and Lily's eyes widened at this news. She couldn't believe it.
"The ministry believes we may learn more about the Death eaters by tracking their movements in hope they will lead us to He-who-must-not-be-named"
Lily wasn't thrilled with this plan and it showed on her face. "That's…fine in theory, except that I guarantee that within five minutes we will have lost them. It's happened before"
"You know, within the last two years, our surveillance capabilities have become far more sophisticated."
"I may have missed a lot in the last two years…I mean, quite a bit…but the fact that they are death eaters who have killed innocent people and they are key players in Voldemort's plan indicates it is necessary…."
But Alexis started to speak over Lily "As I was going to explain to you" Adam was starting to look uncomfortable with the developments between Lily and Alexis "the security in our facilities has increased dramatically, now we have…."
Lily cut Alexis off and started to get angry "All the spells in the world can't and won't fix our problem. It's the people we need to stop!….."James was looking really uncomfortable now. "I'm familiar with the strategy you're suggesting, it's been employed by the ministry before, when the first attacks of Voldemor happenedt" many people flinched when they heard the name "and I saw that…." Even the other aurors were now looking uncomfortably between the two women.
Alexis cut off Lily, she was pretty heated now "The risks you are describing have already been factored into our analysis, we've studied reports and analysed the causes of failure…."
"But it's still theory you can't tell me you really think that ishow it works. So, do me a favour, and don't revise reports that I lived through!"
"All right, enough" James yelled. "Right now Rodolphus is under custody and we want to keep it that way. Capturing one death eater or two or three, while it might put a smile on my face, will do nothing to shut down Voldemort"
Lily looked down, not happy but quiet for the moment. Alexis also was quiet, wasassessing Lily unhappily.
"For the moment, as Potter said he is under custody. Lily, you, Jared and John will go in along with Mrs. Potter. The rest of us will prepare the surveillance operation. Am I right Potter?"
"Yes" James said. Then he spoke to everyone else in the room "There have been some changes, we leave in an hour"
Alexis stalked out of the conference and turned around the corner into a hallway, James followed her close behind, it was obvious from the look on her face that Alexis was really riled up from her confrontation with Lily.
"I hate her!" Alexis fumed
"Just remember, she's been through a lot." Said James. Alexis turned and stopped. James stopped as well facing her. James defending Lily didn't made Alexis any happier.
"I came here trying not to say the wrong thing, trying to imagine what it's like for her…. I am done!" she said angrily "Lily Evans is self righteous and arrogant!"
"She just lost two years of her life." James tried.
"Was she any nicer two years ago? Because she's the most condescending person I have ever met!"
"I understand why you have a problem with her." James tried to calm her down.
"No… she's the one with the problem! I'm not going to apologise because I remember the last 24 months, or because I'm married to the man that I love!" this comment surprised James
"You're reacting emotionally".
"No, I'm reacting intelligently, as I expected Lily to. She's been gone two years, you'd think she'd listen to someone instead of talking all over them! She's horrible!" Alexis answered
James moved closer, and took hold of Alexis' gently by both forearms "Okay, stop" and he let her go "This was Lily's first mission. Give her a minute! I mean, the way things are, no one would blame you if the two of you hated each other… But I actually believe that you'll end up respecting her… you might even like her."
Alexis appeared to be considering what James had said. Her anger had been diffused. James leaned in and kissed her lightly on the mouth. "Just remember that I love you " and Alexis smiled.
Down in the conference room. Lily was sitting working on something when she was approached by Adam.
"So how do you think it went?" he asked with a warm smile.
"Wonderful" Lily said sarcastically.
"Don't worry, she's just like that. She's always been" Adam assured her. "She loves her work and likes to be right all the time"
"Do you know her?" Lily asked intrigued. Adam laughed at this. "Yeah, she's my sister" Lily looked surprised but after a moment she remembered that when they were introduced she had told her, that her maiden name was Thompson. She had never imagined she was related to Adam. But she also remembered she said that she had attended Beauxbatons. "How come? You went to Hogwarts, she went to Beauxbatons."
"Long story….well actually no. Our parents split when we were young. I lived with my dad and she lived with my mom in France. My mom is french. We saw each other at Christmas and in summer vacation."
"It must have been pretty hard" Lily said
"It was better though. Well anyway don't worry, you'll find a way." He assured her.
"I am going to make some changes" said Mr. Potter "John and Jared are going with you Adam and James is going with Lily and Alexis. That should be enough "I don't want to waist more time. Adam come with me." he said and turned to the other three "Is everything clear?"
Lily still was not thrilled, but she nodded. James looked pretty unthrilled about his father's idea of a mission with Lily and Alexis but nodded also. Mr. Potter walked out of the room followed by Adam. Lily, James and Alexis were literally standing in a triangle. Lily was looking at James, James was looking at his dad's and Adam's retreating backs, and Alexis was looking down.
Rodolphus looked over at Lily, clearly shocked. "It can't possibly be you mudblood…."
"Don't start this conversation by acting surprised that I'm alive" Lily said
"Always so aggressive, really hot but too bitchy and tainted too" Rodolphus smirked, and he was punched by James on the jaw."Don't get me started" James warned him.
Rodolphus laughed out loud "Feels just like old times" then he turned to see Alexis and laughed out loud. "I missed you little mudblood during the last months. I really have." He said seductively and James clenched his fists again.
"You son of a bitch! Voldemort did something to me, I think you know why.…" Rodolphus just laughed out loud.
"You have no idea where you've been for the last two years." He asked amused. Lily din't answer.
"None?" he asked again and Lily gave him a dirty look. Rodolphus let out a short laugh.
"Unbelievable!" and he snickered again "I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh, it's just...I'm speechless"
"You know it would be best if you cooperated Mr. Lestrange" Alexis said.
" And if you won't…….I am obliged to extract immeasurable pain from you the moment you are no longer a valuable source for the ministry. Personally, I hope you don't help us out…" said James.
Someone knocked and Jared Cauldwell appeared, he told something to Alexis and she stood up. "I hope that when we return you will talk"
"Potter….you know, I remember how close you were with Evans" Rodolphus said. Lily gave Rodolphus a really dirty look. "I'm sure you like having her back as well as I surely do"
Alexis looked down. Rodolphus remark had hit a nerve with James, it showed on his face, because his expression hardened.
"We'll be back" he said nastily. James shoved himself out of his chair and stalked out of the room, with his hand on Alexis back. Lily looked disgusted with Lestrange. She got up and left. Rodolphus looked supremely pleased with himself…very Cheshire catlike…as if he knew something he wasn't telling.
Lily was rereading the file. When she looked up and realised someone was standing next. It was Alexis.
"Do you mind?" Alexis asked politely
"Of course not" Lily said and moved a file folder off the seat next to her. Alexis sat. They sat for a second in silence, both looking very uncomfortable.
"This is a difficult situation for all of us. I thought…I'm not sure how exactly, but I thought we should at least acknowledge that." Alexis started
Lily made eye contact and then looked down. Alexis looked down also.
"No one would blame us if we hated each other…but I hope that doesn't happen." Alexis said.
Lily looked uncomfortable, trying to hold it together "I don't hate you….or James" Alexis gave Lily a tiny smile "That's what makes it so difficult" Lily sighed heavily, and looking down at her lap again.
Lily and Alexis looked as if they were about to start a conversation when an alarm went on and James came up behind them running.
"Death Eaters. Attack" was all he said. Both women reacted to this new. Lily looked resigned and knew this would happen. Alexis looked shocked, then worried.
"Lily come with me, Alexis inform the ministry" and with that the two of them left.
Lily and James turned the corner and two death eaterswere headingtoward them. They start firing hexes. Lily saw that there were approximately nine death eaters. But just about 7 aurors.
"Lily get Lestrange" Adam commanded. Lily ran through the corridor. She tried to open the door but it was jinxed "Alohomora" weak Lily thought. She pushed open the door. There was Lestrage lying on the table, and a gray haired man was performing some magic oh him. Lily knew assumed he was a healer because of the light his wand was emmitting, it was a healing spell.
"Stop right there" Lily said pointing his wand to Lestrange who was her primary concern. The man threw a spell "Crucio" Lily dodged it but it gave time to Lestrange to get on his feet and the man gave him his wand. "Crucio!" the man yelled and missed again. Rodolphus saw the two of them and left the room. Lily turned to follow him but the man got her with cruciatus curse. Lily fought the curse, but felt a too familiar sensation. She felt as if he had hit her before.
She fought it completely and struck the man with a paralysis' charm. He smiled and started to speak "You kept your promise. You said you would come back for me" Lily was shocked "You were my favorite….." Lily's mouth dropped open. "You never broke"
Lily suddenly realised this doctor knew her, and had something to do with her lost time. She lowered her wand and rushed over to him.She grabbed him by the lapels and shook him.
"Who the hell are you? What are you talking about? Why...why did Voldemort took two years of my life?" she yelled.
"Avada Kedavra!" Lily heard Rodolphus yell from the door aiming at the healer. The man made eye contact with her the moment the curse reached his chest. Lily turned but Lestrange wasn't there anymore, she put her hand over her mouth, gasping and sobbing.
A/N:That was chapter 4 sorry for the delay. First I didn't had time to write and then I got sick, really sick like for 3 weeks ,almost four now. I'm good now, but still. I hope you enjoyed reading and if not still please let me know and REVIEW!
What I wanted this chapter to show, is that Alexis isn't just some stupid bimbo, or cold hearted bitch. At this point she doesn't even hate Lily, she just feels threatened. Also James and Lily can be immature when expressing how they feel or talking to friends, but they are very professional-intelligent like in their work.
And I have a question, is it Lupin or Lupine? I don't know…..
This time I can't promise how fast I'll update, but I'm on vacation so that should give me more time to write. But if you want to know check out my "page" nobody ever goes there, but I'll post messages to let you know when I post. I also post random things lol.
Lilian85-I take it you like it
lilyhostetler-glad you think so.
Ronnieharry-You're my best friend too. Thanks for encouraging me to write during the past weeks. I love you girly girl.
Bread and Cheese- Thank God I have never been sued. And feel free to make any other suggestions.
MoonShineMagicSsarer- There's a bit of Remus in this chappie. Next, I promise he'll participate more. And he was already part of the plot. Don't worry...you'll have plenty of Lupin
xLuLuLovex-Thanks for accepting! And I already send you that.
darkchocolateimpatience-Keep reading please. Reviews like yours make me happy.
SweetSouthernGal-I think so too. It could have been longer. Maybe my beta can help me with that, But I'm glad you still like it.
banny-You think so? Well please keep reading. Next chapter will have a lot of l/j
Jasu- Yep, it will take a really long time for Lily and James to be together.
nerdysunny- Yeah James immature, but we love him. At least I do. I'm curious to know how you imagined Lily?
Emilyp-Congratulations! You were the only one to figure it out. And I can't tell you if they will go out. For now they just have a "date" but remember Lily doesn't want to date him because he's her boss.
Ivy