A/N: MINOR SPOILER FOR HBP IN THIS AN! Ok, I think I might have confused some people with my poll at the end of last chapter. Lilyflower is not finished yet. It still has four or five chapters to go! I plan to go all the way up through Lily and James' wedding with this one and cover the rest with Thrice. Sorry if I confused anyone! As promised, I am updating now that I have finished reading HBP. I admit that the events of the book did not change my immediate plotline, but I had a huge plot-point planned out to explain why Dumbledore trusted Snape. Obviously to those who have completed the book, that has gone completely out the window now! I will be making some changes to chapters that have already been posted. Again, I am very sorry for the long delay. Thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers! Individual responses are at the bottom of the chapter!
Ch. 15 A Tearful Reunion
"Petunia! I'm home!" Lily shouted as she stepped inside the front door of Number Four Privet Drive. She had hated her sister's house since the day she moved in, just after their parent's death. It seemed so drab and boring; the neighbors were the worst! Everything was always so prim and proper, and Lily could have sworn that Petunia was Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder with all of clearing she did all of the time.
"Darn," Petunia Evans said nastily as she walked down the stairs to see her younger sister smiling expectantly and holding her arms out for a hug. "I was just starting to think you might have been killed at that Freak School Then again, I guess I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up." She walked straight past Lily and into the kitchen.
"Its good to see you too, Petty!" Lily called after her, using the childhood nickname that she knew her sister hated.
Lily sighed and pulled out her wand to levitate her trunk upstairs to her bedroom. She unpacked her things and took out a copy of Witch Weekly to occupy her time until dinner. It would certainly be a long month.
"LILY! COME AND EAT!"
"I'M COMING!"
Lily stuffed her magazine into her bookcase and raced down the stairs into the kitchen. She stopped dead as soon as she entered the spotlessly white room. There seemed to be a great whale in the kitchen.
"Who're you?" she asked, curious as to why her sister had allowed the gigantic man into her house.
"Lily this is my husband, Vernon Dursley. Vernon this is my younger sister, Lily. Come and get something to eat, Lily. It'll be cold," Petunia sniffed, holding out a plate to her younger sister.
"You're married! You went out and got yourself married and you didn't even tell me about it?"
"Who ever said that I have to tell you what I do in my personal life?" Petunia snapped.
"You don't just go out and get yourself married without even telling your younger sister! "Who was you Maid of Honor?"
"Muffy Kingselbride."
"You had Muffin Stuffin' over your own sister as your Matron of Honor?"
"She's lost loads of weight! Don't be so rude Lily!" Petunias snapped.
"I don't care what she looks like, Petunia!" Lily shouted in reply. Her eyes filled with angry tears. "I just can't believe that you didn't want me to be your maid of honor. I can't believe you didn't even let me know you were getting married." Lily hung her head and her voice dropped to a whisper. "I'm your sister."
"Come into the kitchen with me," Petunia's voice was sharp. Lily just stared at her. "NOW LILY!" Lily obediently stood and followed the older woman into the kitchen.
Petunia closed the kitchen door behind her and turned on Lily, her face pale and her voice waspish. "I loved our parents very much, Lily, make no mistake about that. I took you in because it was down in their will that they wanted you to live with me until you became of age. Don't speak, Lily, just listen," Petunia paused as Lily made a noise as if to protest. 'If it were up to me, it would have been off to an orphanage with you, or you could have gone to live with one of your freaky friends, but mum and Dad wanted you to stay with me, so I abided by their last wishes. I have no feelings whatsoever towards you. In my opinion, we stopped being sisters when you walked away from that burning hunk of metal and my parents were-"
"There were my parents too, Petunia." Lily's voice was deadly even.
"What do you mean by th-"
"They were my parents as much as they were yours. We both come from them. That means that we are, irreversibly, sisters. It also means that I love you, Petunia. I would take my dying breath to save you from harm. I'd do so willingly. It's clear that you don't feel the same way anymore. You did once. Unfortunately for me, I will be haunted by memories of that time until the day I die." Lily paused, fighting back the tears that burned her eyes and made her throat come close to closing off completely. "When I walked away from that car crash, I didn't know how I'd survived. You were the only person there to comfort me, and that's exactly what you did. You told me that it was okay as long as we had each other. When we sat together in the waiting room at the hospital and were told that we wouldn't ever see our mum and dad again, we held onto one another because we were all each other had. Now, I see that you have Vernon. You don't need me anymore, so you're willing to siphon me off as an excess family member from a life you don't want to belong to. I won't force my presence on you any longer than I need to. The day I turn 18, I am gone. I have a wedding to plan and a fiancé who is waiting for me. You'll be invited to the wedding, Petunia. I know that you won't come, but that won't stop me from asking you, begging you even, to be my Matron of Honor. We're sisters. I love you. That's as simple as it gets." Lily turned on her heel and walked out of the kitchen. She refused to let a single tear fall down her cheeks until she had locked herself safely in her bedroom.
Lily leaned her back against the door and cried. She wasn't sure how long she stood there, crying her eyes out over something she knew she'd lost a long time ago. The shock was that she hadn't ever before realized that it was gone.
Lily kept to herself during her weeks at her sister's home. She and James received letters from one another daily. Lily didn't tell him about her row with her sister. James' letters were always full of information and excitement. His father was very connected at the Ministry of Magic, so James received news on the actions of the wizarding world. Lily drank in every word of his news. She had been forbidden at an early age to take out a subscription for The Daily Prophet, and she found herself starved for news of her own world.
These were dark times for the Wizarding World in Britain. Lily had, of course, known of the rise of Lord Voldemort. It had been covering the newspapers for a year and a half. The Aurors of the Ministry had proved quite unskilled at catching the Dark Wizard or his followers, a nasty group of people called Death Eaters. They thought that people of Muggle heritage, like Lily, were scum of the Earth, not worthy of joining the world of Magic. Some of the Death Eaters didn't think they even deserved to live.
Lily let out a large sigh as she placed James' most recent letter on her desk. There had been three murders in the past two days. Lily sat down and took out quill, ink and paper, preparing herself to write a response. She had been at her sister's house for two weeks, and absolutely nothing the least bit interesting had happened to her. It was a struggle to find things to write about. She quite simply refused to tell James about the row she had had with Petunia. If he knew how miserable she was, Lily was certain that her soon-to-be husband would knock down the door of her sister's home and drag her immediately to his manor, after giving Petunia and Vernon a tiny taste of what it felt like to be under the influence of the might James Potter's wand.
Lily had to admit to herself that there were times when that was all she wanted in the world. However, she, like Petunia, felt that it was her duty to abide by her parents last wishes. If that meant that she would have to spend a few days under her sister's tyranny, so be it.
Lily sighed as she held her quill over her parchment, thinking what to write. A few large drops of ink splattered onto her clean parchment.
"Oh, damn it. Evanesco," Lily muttered, and the mess of ink vanished. Lily dipped her quill into her inkbottle once more and began to think of what she wanted to write.
Quite suddenly, a large tawny owl flew through the open bedroom window.
"What are you doing here so late, Felicia?" Lily asked the owl, recognizing it instantly as James' favorite pet. The owl hooted softly, baring her leg to show a tiny scroll, which had been poorly attached. It was near to falling off.
Lily was surprised to be receiving post from James again. This would have been the second letter in a day. He didn't often write more than once a day, if that.
Lily slit the scroll open and read.
Lily-
I need to see you immediately. Something's happened. I can't say in a letter, but I need you here. Please come as soon as you can.
-James
Lily's eyes narrowed in concern as she saw the significantly shaky from of James' hand. He normally had very good penmanship, but this letter was hard to read. It appeared as though his hand had shaken terribly as he had written.
Lily grabbed her quill and penned a quick response.
I'll be there as soon as I possibly can.
Love
Lily
Lily sent Felicia back to Potter Manor with the scroll and set out herself. Petunia and Vernon were watching the evening news in the den.
"I'm leaving," Lily announced. Vernon didn't look as though he had even heard her. Petunia, however, started and sprang out of her seat, glaring daggers at her younger sister.
"You're not going anywhere," she spat maliciously.
"My fiancé needs me to come to his Manor immediately. I am going, Petunia. I'm not a little girl anymore." Lily started for the front door, but Petunia blocked her path.
"I said that you're not going anywhere." Lily merely stared at he for a moment before pulling her wand out of her pocket.
"Get out of my way, Petunia," she said, calmly. Her sister's eyes widened in fear.
"You're not allowed to use that here," she said in a harsh whisper.
"Oh, but I am, Petty. I'm of age in the Wizarding World, now. We become of age at seventeen." Lily didn't actually intend to use her wand against petunia, but she knew that it was important to get to James as quickly as she could. "Now, let me pass, please." Petunia stepped aside without another word, and Lily hurried off into the night.
Arabella Figg's home was nearly two miles away from Petunia's. Lily sprinted the entire way there. She cursed her sister for not allowing her to go into London to take her apparition examination.
"'Bella!" Lily shouted as she arrived at her neighbor's door. The older woman appeared an instant later.
"Come on in, Lily. Oh, this is a surprise! It's been since the beginning of summer since we've been able to have one of out little chats."
"I'm afraid I'm not here to chat, Arabella," Lily replied. "There's been an emergency at James' Manor. I have to get there immediately. Can I use you fire?"
"Of course, dearie!" The older woman replied. "I hope everything's alright at your future love nest." She chuckled good-naturedly.
"Thank you so much," Lily said, hurrying into the den and lighting a fire in the grate with her wand. She grabbed a handful of emerald green powder and threw into the blazes.
"Potter manor."
Lily passed grate after grate and finally arrived in a room, which must have been James' home, because he was staring into the fire, apparently waiting for her. He immediately extended a hand to help her from the grate. Lily launched herself into his arms.
"I'm so glad you're safe. When I got your letter, I mean, well, I thought that you might have gotten hurt." Lily buried her face in his chest.
"No. I'm fine." James' voice was oddly flat as he spoke. Lily looked up at him, fear registering in her eyes as she saw the dull lackluster in her fiancé's.
"What happened?"
James sighed heavily. "There was an attack. It was at the Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix. It's Dumbledore's society against the Dark Arts. Both my parents are members and my dad was there when it happened. He-he…. He died, Lily. My father is dead."
"Oh, James. I'm-I'm so sorry. I mean, I-" Lily stopped, not quite knowing what to say. James' eyes were now shining with tears. "It's going to be alright, James," Lily said, pulling him close. James clung to her, crying silently into her shoulder.
Lily knew what he was feeling. It was a helpless, deadened feeling. She knew that James felt as though, if he didn't hang onto something, that he would float away. He felt that he would be carried away by his grief. Lily's form felt so familiar in his arms that James didn't ever want to let go. He didn't want to let this moment end, because he knew that when it did, he would have to go into the next room. James knew that when he walked into that other room, he was going to have to face the truth, but, now, standing here with Lily in his arms, he just wanted to hold her and forget everything that had happened other than her arrival a few moments ago. The rest of it, he wasn't ready to face just yet. And Lily knew that James was feeling and thinking all of that.
After a few moments, Sirius walked into the room. He was paler than Lily had ever seen him. "Dumbledore says he want us all in the kitchen, Jamie. He wants to talk to all of us. Hi, Lily," Sirius mumbled somberly.
"Hi, Sirius," Lily replied. James released her, and she walked over to give her friend a hug and a quick peck on the cheek. James grabbed Lily's hand as they filed into the kitchen area of the Potter's home. Emily Potter sat at the end of the table. She was sobbing into her arms. James released Lily's hand and went to sit next to her. Lily followed and sat on James' other side. There was a fairly large amount of people. Lily realized that Alice and Frank sat a few places away from her. Sirius was next to her and Remus and Peter were in each seat next to him. There were about twenty other older witches and wizards seated at the table whom Lily did not recognize. Lily also saw many of her Hogwarts teachers, including Professor Dumbledore, who sat at the head of the table.
"Firstly," Dumbledore said, as he called tem all to order, "I would like to thank Emily and James, who have offered to host this meeting in their home. I would also like to offer them my condolences. Jason was a warm man and a powerful wizard. He is a great loss to our community."
"Thank you, Albus," Emily choked through her sobs. James nodded at him.
"There are some of you here tonight who probably have not heard of this organization. We are the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society dedicated to fighting against Voldemort and his Death Eaters, who are terrorizing our country with their cruelty and hatred." Here, Dumbledore paused and sighed heavily. "Tonight, our Headquarters was attacked. I blame myself for not using stronger enchantments to hide our location. You see, even I had previously underestimated Voldemort's mastery of the Dark Arts.
"We lost two valiant men tonight. Jason Potter and Brian Prewett were both extraordinary men." At this, Lily noticed two mournful looking young men who were sitting near Dumbledore. 'They must Brian Prewett's son sons,' she thought. They were obviously identical twins, with their identical shade of red hair and their exactly identical statures. "I hope that their families will find support and understanding in all of you.
"Our main objective tonight, however, is not to dwell on grief, but to celebrate life and youth," Dumbledore continued, smiling around at all of his former students. "I taught you at Hogwarts and, now I am asking for your help. James, Frank, Alice, Gideon, Fabian, Emmeline, Remus, Sirius, Peter, and Lily," He nodded at each of them as he listed their names. "I would like to know if any of you are interested in joining the Order. If so, please raise a hand." Ten hands shot into the air. Dumbledore smiled at all of them. "Yes, I though you all might be. However, I must give you warning. The brush we have had with death tonight will not be singular in character. Becoming a member of the Order is a dangerous thing. Each and every one of you will be putting your lives at risk every day, simply by belonging to this organization. I will, at time, ask you to do things that are extremely dangerous, if not life threatening. If you have any doubts about the Order, please, I beg you, leave now rather than put the lives of yourselves and others in jeopardy." No one moved. Dumbledore smiled at them. "I did not think that would deter you," he said. "Very well, then. It is time I inducted you all into the Order of the Phoenix. When you swear your allegiance to the Order, remember that this is a business. We are playing with matches, while swimming in a pool of gasoline." This analogy was lost on everyone but Lily, Alice, and the Prewett boys. "In other, words, this is extremely dangerous. Do not take it lightly." Dumbledore stood from his chair and asked them to do the same.
"If you all will raise your wands, I will begin the Induction." Nine wands were withdrawn from inside pockets of robes, and one was drawn from the back pocket of a pair of blue jeans. "Do you all solidly swear you allegiance to the Order of the Phoenix?" Dumbledore asked.
"I do," half the group responded, while the others answered with a resolute, "Yes."
"A simple 'Yes' will do, thank you," said Dumbledore with a smile. "Do you swear never to divulge any information that is entrusted to you by the other members of the Order of the Phoenix?"
"Yes."
"Do you swear never to raise your wand and against another living creature in anger or vengeance outside of combat?"
The members of the Marauders hesitated. "You mean, like, ever?" Sirius asked, apparently in awe of this request.
"We do not ant any members of the Order in Azakaban," Said Dumbledore calmly. "People who have information about Voldemort will not find themselves in good company there, and there is a likelihood that you could be captured and taken away from the fortress."
"There's never been any sort of breakout from Azkaban!" One of the Prewetts exclaimed.
'How else would you explain why death eaters are captured and sent to the prison one day and are seen committing more heinous crimes the next?" asked Professor McGonagall sharply.
"Minerva is quite right. Now, do you all commit not to duel outside of combat that you participate in for the Order?" Dumbledore asked, seriously.
"Some of us plan to become Aurors," James said softly, glancing at Lily.
"Yes, of course. That is perfectly understood. Alastor Moody, here is the head of the department of Aurors. So, what say you all?"
A resounding "Yes" filled the room once more.
"Now, finally," Dumbledore continued, Are you willing to put your safety, health, possibly even your life at risk if you are called upon to do so by the Order?"
There was a hesitation. Lily opened her mouth, quite prepared to respond with a "Yes," but James shouted "Wait!" Everyone in the room turned to look at him.
"I-I need to talk to you in the other room, Lily. Right now," James said, uncertainly.
"Is everything alright, James?" Dumbledore asked kindly.
"I just need to…. Please excuse us." James grabbed Lily's arm and dragged her out of the kitchen.
"I don't want you in the Order," he said, once they were out of earshot.
"What? But, James, why one Earth-" Lily started to protest, but James cut across her.
"Lily, please. I'm not willing to risk you getting hurt. You know what those people are after? You know that they hunt down Muggle-borns and kill them, Lily? I-I just lost my dad, Lily. Please, don't out yourself at risk like this. I can't lose you too. I can't handle it, Lily." James was gripping her upper arms very tightly, staring into her eyes. Lily saw the pain and the confusion and fear written in his hazel orbs. She moved out of his grasp and embraced him, pulling him tightly against her.
"Okay, baby. Okay. I won't join the Order right now," she said softly, feeling a pang of regret as she spoke.
"Thank you, Lily. I'm sorry, I know that you-I just-"
"I know James. Trust me, I know," Lily murmured. She moved out of his embrace. "Let's go back in there, okay?" James nodded mutely. They walked back into the kitchen, hand-in-hand. James needed the physical contact.
Lily cleared her throat. "I'm, um, I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore," she said softly, "But I don't think I'll be able to join the Order."
"And may I ask why not, Lily?" Dumbledore inquired, fixing her with a penetrating stare.
"I, um, well I have so much to do with the wedding coming up, I just…. Right," trailed off, feebly. Everyone in
the room knew it was a lie, but no one asked. They all just seemed to understand.
DontmesswithYami: Yeah, the biting you thing, I'm pretty sure I took care of that sometime last week. You're right, your English grammar is pretty horrendous. You repeat yourself a lot in reviews. It's a bit annoying really. LOL. Oh, JK, you know I love you, you disgusting slasher, you!
Iluvgerardbutler: Thank you so much for your sweet comments! I really enjoyed your story Just Another Year Putting up with Potter? I am not really a big fan of H/Hr stories, but I'll try to read your other one if I have the spare time someday! Again, thanks for reviewing!
Miracle Girls: Sorry about the late update, dearie! Like I said, I just try to keep it as close to canon as possible! Glad you like the story so far!
Foci: Hello darling! Thanks so much for reviewing. Your reviews are always so kind! Hey, just wondering, you are going to finish Foretold Love after HBP, right? I mean, it may not be canon anymore, but it's still a great story! Anyways, thanks for the beta offer. (I may actually take you up on that) And also thanks for the advice! You know how it is, though, fan fiction is sometimes about pleasing your readers and I really don't want people to stop reading just because they don't like the rating change or anything like that! Anyways, thanks again!
Tears-of-crystal: LOL, I'd forgotten you had random British phrases going through your head the last time I'd updated. And I had random British phrases going through my head last time I e-mailed you. LOL. Sorry, I'm a bit hyper as I'm elated to finally be finished with this chap. Thanks for sharing your opinions, darling! TTYL!
