This story is dedicated to Bo Thompson.

June 9th, 1989- August 26th, 2005

I know you're running the streets of gold.

We'll be running for you.

Chapter Six: Loads of Letters

A week passed since the arrival of the anticipated N.E.W.T. scores, and on this day, fateful letters were sent out to the recent graduates that had newly succumbed themselves into the magical world, at least, for the first time, on their own.

Lily was cooking breakfast in her nightgown when a small tawny owl flew in, delivering a letter on the counter-top.

She left the frying pan on the stove, the bacon momentarily forgotten as she walked swiftly to the counter to reach for the letter.

The parchment was a typical yellow, with royal blue ink scrawling out her name, and the Ministry of Magic seal delicately sealing the letter.

Lily held it up to the light, as if to predict the contents, before inhaling, closing her eyes, and tearing open the letter.

Just a few blocks away, James and Sirius were being awoken by annoying taps on their foreheads.

"Bloody bird." James mumbled while shooing the owl away. This particular owl was on a mission, however, and dove for James's fingertips, pecking them vigorously.

James sat up. "Bloody owl!" he rubbed his eyes from sleep as the owl continued to peck at him.

"Just a second." he snapped as he fumbled around for his glasses. Once his spectacles found their place on his head he reached for the letter and the owl zipped away.

He heard colorful loud swearing and knew Sirius was being awoken too.

James recognized the seal and inhaled. It was the letter that could make or break his future…the letter from the Auror Academy.

He tore the envelope delicately with his thumb and forefinger as if he was scared to damage the letter inside. He then pulled it out quickly and let it fall on his lap. He stared at it for a moment longer before picking it up and reading his future.

Dear Mr. James S. Potter,

Congratulations! You have been accepted to the Auror Academy. Your N.E.W.T. scores proved more than satisfactory, and we would like to further this acceptance letter into that of the Elite Auror training program. This program, designed for individuals that have accelerated in academics and are known to possess great natural magical ability, allows one to get the required Auror Academy training in a shorter amount of time. I would like to discuss this further with you, so if you would meet in the Auror Department at the Ministry, my office on the twenty-ninth of July, seven am. I look forward to seeing you.

Alice Longbottom

James read the letter over again just to make sure he had understood it the first time. He had been accepted into the Elite program? His heart leapt with joy, and he smiled. He had heard of Alice Longbottom from his father, she was married to Frank Longbottom, and together they were two of the most unstoppable Aurors. Frank and Alice has also been Gryffindor seventh years when James was a third year, and he found himself hoping they didn't remember his reputation.

Just when he was about to scan the letter over again, Sirius rushed into his room jumping up and down, with only his boxer shorts on, his identical letter clutched in his left hand.

"Prongs! I got in! I got in! I'm going to be an Auror!" He exclaimed happily jumping onto James's bed.

James laughed and sat up and smiled before a horrible feeling lurched in the bottom of his stomach. Was Sirius in the Elite program?

Before he had a chance to say anything, Sirius had reached for the letter in James's hand.

"I know you got in, Prongs, if I did…you had three more N.E.W.T.s than I did and mine were only Excellents most of the time, and you were Head Boy!" Sirius said as he read the letter his voice trailed off, he then looked back up at James. "Wow. The Elite program? You'll have your training done in a year…it'll take me at least two…probably three."

James stood up and looked at Sirius, studying his expression. "Yeah…I don't know why they chose me though, I get into just as much trouble as you do, and we're practically equal in magical ability…loads of times you were better than me."

Sirius shook his head and forced a smile and handed James his letter back. "No, you deserved to be chosen…I mean, you did behave more…this year at least, and you were Head Boy. I'm happy for you Prongs."

James smiled, still unsure of how Sirius really felt. It was going to be different. He and Sirius, until this past year, had always been together. Being Head Boy had separated them at night, but even in the classes they had together, they always performed the same, they went through everything together, and it seemed now that their paths really were changing. In James's heart, he truly felt that it wasn't fair for him to be admitted into the Elite program, when he had only just aspired to be an Auror mere months ago. Sirius had desired to be an Auror for years, it was one of the only goals he had of his life, and here James was, with a letter that was going to make all the dreams Sirius ever had possible in a third of the time it was going to take him. James felt extremely guilty, and he felt even worse that he was happy for himself.

Sirius gave him a halfhearted smile and a pat on the back.

"At least you'll be able to figure out all the horrible situations before I go through them. Make sure you warn me, mate!" he grinned.

James grinned back. "I'll be sure." his grin faltered and he gave Sirius a sympathetic look. "It really isn't fair for us to not be together. I feel like it should be you with this letter instead of me."

Sirius laughed. "Well then, let's check and make sure they addressed them right! Really, James, it's alright, I'm proud of you, I'll be fine. I'm happy to just be admitted, I was worried that my surname would keep me out the Academy permanently, I'm grateful for what I have." With one final smile, he left James in his room, and a whole new horror struck James.

What if he had only been accepted into the Elite program because of his surname?

James felt sick and decided to go take a shower. He would have to see Lily today; she always knew what to say to make him feel better.

Lily stood in her kitchen, still reading the letter. She was alone in her flat, as Charlotte had already headed off to work that morning, and there was no one to hear her give a little squeal of excitement.

She had gotten the job.

She was going to be interning a lawyer at the International Magical Office of Law. Who she would be following, she didn't know, but she had a meeting with them on the first of August, that Friday.

Lily smiled to herself and clutched the letter to her breast. She was going to be a criminal lawyer. She decided to head back to her room and write her parents and James with the news. Charlotte wouldn't mind if she borrowed Ralph.

Halfway through her letter to James, a small owl came swooping into her bedroom. Lily recognized it as a Hogwarts owl. It contained two envelopes of yellow parchment. One had Dumbledore's emerald green ink and loopy, individual handwriting. The other, which the owl dropped on her desk along with Dumbledore's, was in a scarlet. She recognized the neat, direct handwriting as Professor McGonagall's. Any letter from her alma mater made her anxious and Lily dropped her quill and immediately picked up the letters, trying to decide which one she should open first. After closing her eyes and picking one randomly, she opted with Dumbledore's.

Dear Lily,

Congratulations on your N.E.W.T. scores and new position at the Ministry. Thank you for accepting my invitation. The next meeting will be at the Hog's Head, the second of August. Eight p.m. Ask the bartender.

The best of wishes,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Lily folded the letter and laid it back on the desk. Never had she seen a letter so informative, yet so vague. Leave it to Professor Dumbledore to know she already had a job.

She then moved on to the next letter, which spiked more curiosity than the first. She had expected Dumbledore to reply to her acceptance, she had no clue what her former Transfiguration teacher could want with her.

Dear Lily,

May I offer my congratulations to your N.E.W.T. scores? You certainly made me proud with your Transfiguration score, but we both knew you could do it. I would like to continue our lessons, a meeting after the one Saturday would be best to discuss this further. I'll be expecting you there.

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Lily smiled as she folded the last letter and placed it on top of Professor Dumbledore's. She had yet more news to put in her letter to James, so she grinned and continued to write.

At seven-thirty James knocked on the door to Lily and Charlotte's flat, after having a conversation with the elderly couple downstairs.

Charlotte answered the door, smiling at her cousin and hugged him, kissing his cheeks.

James grinned as she broke away. "What is it, dear cousin?"

"I'm so proud of you, Jamie! The Elite Auror training program! I'm sure your parents are pleased."

James nodded. Yes, when he had written the news to his parents they had been very pleased. He had a new stack of galleons in his Gringotts account; he didn't think he'd ever seen his father prouder. He had hugged James, as well as Sirius, and had offered an award to rival James's to Sirius as well. Sirius had respectively declined and insisted being accepted was an award in its own.

"Yes, they are. Is Lily ready?" he asked peering around the corner, hoping to catch her down the hall.

Charlotte smiled. "Yes, she's just finishing up in her room, give her a few minutes. Care for a drink?"

James shook his head and walked into the sitting room and took a seat on the couch. Charlotte followed him in and studied him for a moment.

"So is Sirius happy?" she asked finally.

James looked at her with a lopsided grin. "Yes, he's thrilled he's been accepted…I wish he could have gotten into the Elite program, too."

She nodded her black head. "Yes, but when you think about it, Sirius doesn't have what you have yet. He hasn't really shown his maturity, at least, not in his marks. I'm sure they find him capable. They wouldn't have accepted him otherwise."

James nodded, his cousin's words were comforting.

"I'm sure he'll do well." James replied as Lily entered the room, looking as beautiful as ever.

Charlotte smiled once more and left Lily and James to themselves.

James stood up and hugged her in greeting.

"Ready?" he asked, smiling down at her.

Lily grinned. "Yes."

"Good, there's this great place I stumbled across the other day in Diagon Alley." James said, offering his arm.

After saying goodbye to the elderly couple in the bottom floor of the flat, James and Lily were off, walking down the street towards The Leaky Cauldron.

"So you know the Apples?" Lily asked as they walked down the street, hand in hand.

James raised an eyebrow. "Is that their name? Well I just had a little conversation with them downstairs before going up to see you. They absolutely adore you and Charlotte. Friendly people."

Lily nodded. "Yes, they keep trying to invite me over for dinner. I keep smelling boiling cabbage from the downstairs though, so I'm rather frightened to accept an invitation."

"Was that what smelled? I thought it was just old people." James commented as they reached The Leaky Cauldron.

Lily laughed as James ushered her in.

After taking several turns down roads Lily had never explored very closely, James stopped and held the door open for Lily. She managed to read the sign on her way in.

"The Enchanted Boar?" Lily asked with question before turning to James.

James smiled. "It's good, I promise."

Lily looked like she highly doubted this before the hostess addressed them.

"Good evening, please follow me."

James grinned and wrapped his arm around Lily as they followed the hostess to a empty table.

She gave them a booth and left them with menus and the promise of a waiter shortly.

"James, what is this place?" Lily asked as she looked around. The dining area looked like a taxidermist's dream. Stuffed animal heads lined the walls, and every once in a while, one would make an unexpected noise.

James chuckled. "Sirius and I went here the other night. It's a bit odd, but the food is great. I think it's a real adventure."

Lily smiled as she watched James's excitement. "Well, I suppose we'll have to try it then. I just won't look at the deceased victims while I eat."

"That's the spirit!" James commented with a laugh as the waiter arrived.

"What can I get you to drink?" he asked politely.

"I think a bottle of your finest champagne, as we are celebrating, after all. That okay with you, Lily?" James said.

"That sounds excellent." she said with a smile.

The waited nodded as he conjured the champagne glasses, a bottle of champagne, as well as some glasses of water.

"I'll be back in a few minutes for your order." he said, and with a pop he was gone.

"Well, James dearest, what do you recommend?" Lily asked as she searched the menu.

"The chicken is good…and the beef stew." James replied. "I think I'll try a nice steak. What are you thinking of?"

Lily closed the menu. "I could use a nice steak myself."

"With a twice baked potato?" James asked hopefully.

Lily nodded. "Yes, that sounds lovely."

As if hearing them decide on their dishes, the waiter popped back up, making Lily jump up slightly and causing James to chuckle.

"Two steaks and two side orders of the twice baked potato?" the waiter asked as a quill scrawled everything the ordered onto a piece of parchment, the quill had a mind of its own, it seemed.

"Yes, please." Lily confirmed, glancing at the quill with amazement.

"How would you like them cooked?"

"Medium-rare." she looked at James with question and he nodded. "Both done medium rare."

The waiter nodded. "And what kind of dressing?"

"Ranch." Lily said quickly.

"Bleu cheese for me, please." James said.

The waiter nodded robotically as the quill continued to write. "Is that all?"

"Yes, thank you." Lily said, as the waiter disappeared yet again.

Once the waiter had disappeared, Lily took a sip of her champagne.

"So, we are celebrating!" she stated, smiling happily at James, who grinned in response.

"Yes, you got your job, I got accepted into the Auror Academy…we need to celebrate!" James replied.

Lily nodded. "Not just the Auror Academy, James. The Elite training program!"

James nodded and the smile on his face began to falter.

"Yeah."

Lily glanced at him for a moment. Their dinners magically appeared in front of them, but neither paid much attention to the hot food before them.

"What's wrong James? You are happy about the Elite program? Is it Sirius? He did get into the Academy, right?"

James sighed. "Yes, Sirius got into the Academy…but Lil, he got into the three year program…and I'm in the Elite program. It's just not fair! He's wanted this for so long, and I feel like…I don't know. That I don't deserve it. I'm worried it's just because my last name is Potter, I know it. If his wasn't Black…"

Lily cut James off, her eyes flashing with determination.

"James, stop it, right this second! You do deserve this. You were Head Boy, Captain of the Quidditch Team…that won the cup every year that you were Captain, I might add, and you did far better on your N.E.W.Ts than Sirius did! You and Sirius may have the same raw natural magical ability, but James, you've done things that show your leadership, responsibility, and independence! Sirius hasn't, don't get me wrong, I love Sirius, but he's just now growing up, the Academy was right about accepting him and all, but from what they've seen, he isn't ready for the responsibility of the Elite program. They know he's brilliant, James. They don't know if he's mature."

James listened to Lily's decided words, they did comfort him, yes, everyone else had been saying pretty much the same thing, but only Lily seemed to reassure him. It had something to do with her eyes, her beautiful, green, almond shaped eyes.

But there was something that was still worrying him.

"What…what about if it's just because I'm a Potter? What if that's the only reason?" he asked carefully.

Lily looked at James and smiled at him.

"James, I'm sure they've looked beyond that now. Your name might have been what interested them at first, but when they saw how extraordinary you were, they did what they thought was best." Lily's words were no longer fierce, but loving and comforting.

James seemed to think her words over for a minute, and he knew she was right. She was always right; this was Lily Evans he was dealing with.

He grinned his lopsided smile at her.

"I love you so much." he said as he picked up his fork and knife.

"Well I'm glad your feelings haven't changed." Lily teased. "And I love you too."

The two smiled, and both happily tucked in and began to eat, smiling at each other.

A/N: Lily's engagement will be announced on her eighteenth birthday, which will be in early August. I'll put the exact date in the story soon. Please be patient with me, I may find writing a little hard for a while.

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