A/N: Well hello there, readers! (and prospective, reviewers…) Thanks for coming to read the latest…poll question…Is there something your parents make you do that you can't stand doing? You know, the things that "build character". I have a nice list and I can't deny my character is spectacular. Great moral fiber, I have. Ha. Anyways, read, review. Thank you!

Chapter Twenty: A Sirius Day

Lily emerged from her bedroom at half past eleven on Saturday morning. It was a considerably late hour to wake up, at least for her. She was usually up by nine on weekends, but this Saturday she was exhausted. She had spent Thursday evening at the Ministry, first being checked out for injuries, then giving reports to Aurors, then talking with the Daily Prophet, or rather, James fought off the Prophet, he later explained to Lily that Dumbledore wouldn't want any details out. (her interviewer had been Allison, who hadn't been that miffed, but was disappointed) and then she, Sirius, Benjy, James, Grace, and Dorcas had all gone to see Dumbledore. They had each given him their separate accounts of what had happened and they were dismissed. James had left angry, after Dumbledore had—according to James—made excuses for Snape.

James expelled a rant of curses and foul language till the time he dropped Lily off.

"May or may not have been Snape. What bullshit." Were the last words James had muttered before kissing Lily softy, telling her everything was going to be okay, and asking if she needed anything. She had shaken him off by asking how his arm was and telling him he should rest and take the day of training. He had refused. She knew he would, but it was worth a try. He left her in a slightly lighter mood, and she had hurried to her bed.

Friday had been hectic. She had to explain to Madam Bones that she had eaten a terrible bit of fish, that she had gone home violently sick immediately and was much too sick to even write—and then had to spend the rest of the day catching up on her work from the previous afternoon and listening to Owen go on about the responsibilities of being senior intern.

She spent her evening at James', checking on his arm and making sure he got plenty of rest. His day had been worse than hers, as he had to answer to Moody and continue with training. She was sorry to leave him, but he needed to get to sleep for his Saturday of training.

So here she was, Saturday morning, dressed in baggy pajama pants and a t-shirt, her hair pulled back into a lazy ponytail and her stomach growling for breakfast. She entered her kitchen and began pulling out pans when she heard a gigantic yawn. Startled, she turned to see Sirius walking into the room, wearing nothing but his boxer shorts.

"Sirius!" Lily exclaimed, covering her eyes.

Sirius turned lazily towards her, continuing his yawn for a few more moments before scratching himself, not understanding Lily's discomfort.

"Oh, hi, Lily. Didn't know you were still here." He said. "Making breakfast?" he added hopefully.

Lily nodded with her hand still over her eyes. "Um, yes, actually. I just got up—er, Sirius? Do you think you could go put on some trousers?"

"If you want me to." Sirius replied, disappearing to Charlotte's room.

Lily had time to compose herself and place the frying pan on the stove before he returned.

"Is Charlotte here?" she asked as she searched the fridge.

"No, she left early this morning for Paris, some work stuff, apparently. And she went to see her dad."

"Oh." Lily replied as she took out some eggs. "Well is there anything particular you would like?"

Sirius grinned handsomely.

"French toast?"

Lily laughed at his eagerness. "You're just like James sometimes, Sirius. French toast it is. Bacon or sausage?"

"Sausage." He replied, not missing a beat as he took a seat on the barstool as Lily pulled out her wand and began to cook.

"So, got any big plans today?" he asked.

Lily shook her head as she placed the egg-soaked bread into the pan.

"No. Well, I really need to get on with these wedding plans…I've got my dress, the bridesmaids gowns are ordered, James said he had his dress robes, my mum and I have picked out the flowers, but other than that…there's still so much left to do. It's all just so stressful."

Sirius nodded. "Oh, well. You'll get it together, I mean, it's you and James we're talking about. You two can pull off anything…and the wedding is still—" he counted on his fingers—"three months away."

"Three months!" Lily repeated frantically. "That's three months, Sirius. Well slightly more than three months…we have this week of September and the first week of January, but it's three months, and we still need to get the house set up. It needs furniture."

"You'll get it done." Sirius said calmly as he opened the paper. "Just relax. I can always help you guys if you need it."

"Well, thanks." Lily said, taking a deep breath as the sausage sizzled in the pan.

Ten minutes later and two places had been set at the bar and Lily sat down beside Sirius, putting a plate in front of him.

"This looks great. And it smells great. Hell, I'll even bet a galleon that it tastes great." Sirius said, taking his fork to the food.

Lily smiled and began to eat.

She was halfway done when an idea hit her.

"I was actually thinking of going furniture shopping for the house today…just a few things…I plan on buying them, as James insisted on paying for the house and all…"

"I'm sure James would want to pay for the furniture too." Sirius interjected, smiling. "Rich bastard."

Lily nodded. "Exactly, so I don't want to take him, because he'll insist on buying everything, and I want to do something for the house…to make it feel like I belong there, if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, I know what you're saying. If you don't do anything for the place, you'll feel like James just is sort of presenting everything to you…and you'll have to like it. Or at least you feel like you do. James really wouldn't care. I sort of felt like that when the Potters took me in. Just between you and me, I hated this one chair in my room. Puke green and this horrible yellow. It was revolting."

Lily laughed. "I think I know what chair you're talking about."

"It's hideous."

"Well can I ask you a favor?" she said.

Sirius nodded. "Of course, but only because you fixed me a delicious meal."

"Would you go with me to pick some things out? I don't want to take James, and you know what he likes…I don't want to choose anything to girly…"

Sirius thought for a moment, and for a brief second Lily thought he would say no.

But he nodded. "All right. I am free today, and you are my best friend's lover." He grinned.

Lily pushed him lightly, but he exaggerated the hit by falling off his stool.

"Some appreciation I get." He said, folding his arms as he stood.

"Oh, Sirius. You prat. Thank you for agreeing to go. Let me change into some different clothes and we'll go."

"Okay, I've got to piss."

Ten minutes later, and they were bounding down the streets of London, on their way to Diagon Alley.

James wiped the beads of sweat collecting on his brow with the sleeve of his cloak. Training for the day had just ended, and it had been more brutal than usual. Moody had brought in some top Aurors and had them practice sending their worst curses, hexes, and jinxes at the students, who all had to work together to defeat the army of Aurors. It had taken them five hours, but the class apprehended the Aurors. The experience was eventful and valuable, but James was completely drained and in dire need of water.

Dorcas approached him with a cup of cold water.

"Nice job, Potter, you saved my arse a few times." She smiled at him and James nodded.

"Well, it's not like you weren't there when the Prewetts tried to two-team me."

Dorcas grinned again and then looked past James for a moment before turning and patting him on the shoulder.

"Moody's coming, I think I'm going to go find a ladies' room." She smiled once more before disappearing.

James silently cursed himself as he turned to see Moody feet away from approaching him, he had no escape from his grueling instructor.

"Potter." He greeted gruffly.

James nodded. "Hello, Moody."

"Nice performance today, although I think your reactions should be a little quicker next time, Yardley nearly lost his nose." Moody started.

"Oh, yes, sir. I'll work on that it's just I've been---" James stopped himself. He had been about to say "tired" but didn't want Moody to think he was complaining about the long, excruciating hours of training.

"I don't want to hear excuses Potter, an Auror must always be on his toes. Constant diligence, I always say. Now, I believe you have some hours to make up with me for leaving early the other day."

James opened his mouth in a desperate chance to delay his extra practice, but closed his mouth and thought better of it. He had planned on having dinner with Lily that evening, but he didn't want to risk Moody thinking any less of him.

"Yes, sir. Could I please send an owl before we start?" James asked hopefully.

Moody sighed but his one real eye twinkled slightly as the other looked him over. "If you must, Potter, but be ready in five minutes. I've got a supper to eat, you know."

"Thank you, sir. I'll be back in three minutes." James smiled appreciatively before running off to find a Ministry owl.

Lily and Sirius returned to her flat that evening, Sirius looked rather worn out but content, and Lily was talking jubilantly.

"Thank-you so much for coming with me today, Sirius, I really appreciate it, and James will too, I'm sure…he won't be living in a effeminate house, now." She laughed slightly as she took of her black jacket.

"It was nothing, Lily. I had a good time." He checked his watch, or rather, James' watch. "James should be off training soon, do you two have plans tonight?"

Lily nodded. "Yeah, we we're going to have some dinner and maybe go down to Diagon Alley and see what's going on there, you're welcome to come if you like."

"No, no, I'm fine." Sirius grinned. "I was going to get a drink with Peter tonight and wanted to know if James wanted to come along."

Lily nodded. "Oh, well, if you really want him to, I mean, don't let me keep you from him, you know…if you guys want to go out…"

Sirius waved his hand. "It's fine, Lily, you can have James for the night." He gave her his usual wink that always resulted in Lily kicking him.

"If you're sure." She replied, smiling kindly rather than hitting him. "And are you going to see Remus tonight? I worry about him getting lonely…he gets a little depressed when he's alone too long."

Sirius chuckled and his black hair fell into his eyes. "He'll be anything but lonely. He's spending the evening with Grace and we all know what an animal Remus is." He laughed again in his crude manner and Lily shook her head before opening the door for him.

"Thanks again, Sirius, have a nice night."

"You too." Sirius replied before giving her a pat on the head. "Tell Jamsie-boy his best mate said hello."

"Bye, Sirius." Lily chuckled as she shut the door.

She turned and headed to the sitting room, where she saw an owl at the window. Lily hurried over and let the bird in.

It fluttered around for a few moments before dropping the letter and rushing back out the window. Lily picked the note up, scanned its contents and sighed. James wouldn't be over till past nine.

Deciding that she had a good few hours ahead of her, she picked up her purse and put on her jacket again and headed to the market. If she was going to wait for James, she might as well make him a nice dinner.

Almost four hours later, a knock came to Lily's door.

Lily sat up from where she was reading on the couch, stifled a yawn, and headed to the door, hoping that it was James.

She opened the door to find a very tired looking James smiling at her.

"Sorry I'm so late, Moody was being extra…moody, tonight." He started, walking in.

Lily closed the door and gave him a comforting hug.

"It's all right. I had enough time to make a three course meal, so I hope you're still hungry."

"I'm famished." James replied rather happily at the prospect of food. "But don't tell me you still haven't eaten, it's almost ten o'clock."

"Of course I haven't eaten, you can't eat at a candle light supper for two without two people. It's against the rules."

James grinned. "I suppose it is, I hear they hang people for it in Germany."

"So the rumors are true." Lily said playfully, taking James' hand and leading him to the small dining room.

"Sadly, yes. You don't even want to hear what they do to people in Ukraine. It's simply horrific."

Lily laughed as guided James to his chair, before he sat down, however, he grabbed her around the waist and kissed her.

When they broke apart Lily smiled up at him. "What was that for?"

"I decided to thank you appropriately ahead of time for a delicious meal." He smiled handsomely, his hair sticking up in all directions as usual, and his glasses shimmering in the dim light.

"You might want to actually make sure the food is good before you thank me. It's probably dreadful."

"Your cooking is always fantastic, Lily." James grinned. "And besides, even if it was burnt to a crisp I would eat it now."

"I'll hold you to that, Potter." Lily replied before disappearing momentarily into the kitchen.

James patted his stomach lightly as he finished the treacle tart Lily had provided for dessert.

He studied her for a moment while she continued to eat, he often observed her indiscreetly, when he was tired and just happy to be alive. Lily was always to beautiful and radiant, and her presence always gave him such warm, jubilant feelings.

"What?" Lily finally asked, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. James had been studying her for a few minutes and his eyes were starting to glaze over.

"Oh, ah." James started, startled from his reverie. "I was just, er, thinking." He yawned slightly and smiled at her.

"Are you okay?" Lily inquired, slightly worried at James' state. She often saw him after training, when he was exhausted and sweaty, but he was never quite as withdrawn as he was currently.

"I'm fine." James replied with an attempted finality, he however, had looked straight into Lily's bright green eyes, which always glowed when they were in an inquisitive state. James sighed and put his hands through his ebony hair. "I'm just a bit stressed, is all. Training takes up so much time, you know? And well, everything just keeps coming at me…Moody, the Order stuff, Voldemort, the wedding, Merlin, Lily, there's so much left to do for the wedding!"

Lily stood up from where she was seated across from James and moved over to where he was sitting. She put her small, soft hands over his shoulders and began to massage them. The diamond ring on her left hand twinkled in the candlelight.

"You've just got to relax, James." She whispered. "Don't get too stressed out, it'll be okay. Everything always works out."

James nodded his head upward so he was staring straight up into her eyes.

"How do you know?" he whispered back.

"I just do." Lily replied, kissing him lightly on the forehead and smiling as she remembered Sirius' words. "After all, it is me and you we're talking about here. We can do anything."

James grinned and reached his hands up to touch her face, which was lingering inches away from his, and brought her lips to his for a sweet, tender kiss.

"You mean everything to me." He whispered softly moving his hands over her arms and pulling her around towards him, she sat on his lap and he held on to he as he burrowed his head into her shoulder and played with her red hair, twirling it in his fingers, like had always done when they had spent late night studying together at Hogwarts.

For that moment, they were both at peace--at peace with each other, and at peace with the world.

Thanks to: Missing Summer, Hermione-lilypotter1234, unidentified writer, IAMSOAP, official cheeky devil, glowing-ice, scooter5710,elise bentwin, xxxxParvati-Patilxxxx, ggyy, harry-an-ginny, riduculouslyriddikulus, Jude Harrison, Heather Gernenz, WhiteCamellia, Luv24+Alias, Kaean, and chikichiki

And of course, thanks to my beta.