I'm so sorry for the long update, it's the end of my first semester of college and it's a mad. I wrote on paper whenever I could, but time was really scarce. I spent most of my time doing projects and studying for exams. I sure hope that this chapter is worth the wait! I have a favour to ask of you guys, please look at the post script below. This is unedited, I'll go edit it as soon as I can, so pardon me if there's any errors.
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Chapter 5: Sister Business
That will be your crowning glory,
Darling when they tell your story
They'll call your heart of gold your crowning glory
The most glorious part of you.
"Your Crowning Glory" by Raven Symone and Julie Andrews
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It had been more than a month since Lily and Juliet's little escapade. They managed to get away with the deed and no one had even suspected that they were up that night at all. Of course, Jacqueline wasn't pleased and the revolted look on her face when Juliet showed her the rose was reward enough. Although the week that followed became one of the best they ever spent at Madame's. Jacqueline was forced to comply to Lily and Juliet's will- which included orders such as rubbing Juliet's feet , doing Lily's dressmaking project, carrying both their books, taking notes for them in class and wearing a hideous orange and red polka-dot dress sent by Juliet's old gran for a day. They even made her act sweet and patient towards the other girls, especially to those she despised. By the end of the week she was shooting both of them such intensely hateful glares that they would have died a thousand deaths if only looks could kill.
"If I were you, I'd sleep with one eye open", she warned them.
"Oh please, you're the one who agreed to do it", Juliet sneered, although she looked like she was fighting the urge to laugh. "And so what? What are you going to do, suffocate us with pillows?"
When the week ended, she went back to being her old unpleasant self and continued forcing her superiority on the other girls.
Of course she was considerably more vicious towards Lily and Juliet because of what they subjected her to, but it was well worth it to see her have a bad week.
A week after the one Jacqueline spent serving Lily and Juliet, Lily received a letter. Actually, it was more of an invitation…to her sister's wedding,
She had almost forgotten about her sister's engagement, and she was admittedly surprised when the invitation came. She had to conclude that it was her mother who sent it to her, as giver her way, Petunia would never ask her to come. It said that she was granted permission to leave school for a few days to attend, and she was just pleased to be able to get away for a while.
The wedding was scheduled for the 26th of October, and Lily would be leaving the school on the 24th. It was also said in the letter her mother enclosed that she was granted the position of bridesmaid, a position she suspected her parents forced Petunia to appoint. Nevertheless, she was genuinely happy that her sister had not found a way to keep her from the wedding.
"Packed everything for your trip tomorrow, Lily?" Juliet asked the night before Lily left for London.
"Yes," Lily replied, "I'm all packed, and even more importantly, I'm prepared to face Petunia."
"Well, good luck to you then," Alessandra said sincerely, nodding towards Lily's luggage. "I just hope getting married will make your sister a little more pleasant towards you."
"Right, that would happen", Lily scoffed, but a grin had made its way to her face.
"When will you be back?" Alessandra questioned, propping herself on Lily's bed.
"Two days after the wedding. My mother wanted me to spend a few days at home so we could at least spend some time together."
"Well, we'll miss you", Juliet said sincerely.
"I'll miss you too", laughed Lily. "But I'll only be gone a few days!"
"Yeah, well", Alessandra mused, "We'll miss you anyway."
"Alright, as much as I love you lot, I have to sleep early if I want to wake up on time. The car will be here at nine thirty to fetch me."
"Night, Lils."
"Night, both of you."
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The car ride to London was long. Lily read Jane Eyre on the way, but she still felt the restlessness, watching the lush countryside being replaced by busy streets as they drove further. She was more than relieved when she saw the familiar streets of London, smiling at the foggy streets she had missed. She beamed even wider when she saw the familiar gates of her parents' house, and almost ran out of the car when she saw her father waiting by the front door.
She rushed out once the door was opened and flung herself at her father, who was smiling widely at her.
"Hello, darling", he greeted, hugging her back. "Glad to see you home at last."
"I missed you", she said as she let go of him. "Where's Mother?"
"She is waiting in the study. Why don't we go there now?"
Lily nodded. She was just happy to be home.
"So, how do you like finishing school, Lily?" her father asked.
"It's incredibly dull", Lily said. "But I'll manage."
Her father chuckled heartily. "No, I never thought you'd be satisfied with simply sitting and doing embroidery like all the other young ladies."
Lily wrapped her arms around her father's middle section affectionately. "You know me, Daddy, I never behave."
"We'll discuss what you've done when your mother isn't around, shall we?" her father said, winking at her.
Lily nodded enthusiastically. "Of course we will, Daddy," she said, grinning widely. She looked around the house and caught the scent of flowers from the open study.
"Mother's personally arranging Tuney's flowers, then?" she directed the question to her father, who nodded.
"You know she's very particular, especially now that it's for her daughter's wedding. She wants every little detail according to plan."
The two of them entered the study where Lily found her mother bending over an arrangement comprising of forget-me-nots and orchids in blue and white hues. Ribbons, stray leaves and petals littered the floor surrounding her.
"Lily," she said once she saw her daughter, opening her arms in welcome. Lily strode across the room to hug her.
"Mama," Lily greeted.
"I missed you, darling," Mrs Evans said as she released Lily.
"I missed you too, Mama. Very much," Lily replied, smiling. "This is lovely," she nodded towards the flowers.
"You liked it?"
"I love it, Mama," Lily said, touching the soft petals. "You have certainly outdone yourself this time."
"Only the best for my daughters," smiled Mrs Evans. "Would you like some tea, dear?"
"No, Mama, I've had enough of that back at Madame's," Lily answered nonchalantly. "Do you mind if I retreat to my room first? I feel tired."
"Of course not, dear, go on ahead, I'll catch up with you later. I'll send someone to inform you when dinner is ready, shall I?" her mother said, returning her gaze to her flowers.
"Alright, Mama."
With a last smile to her parents, Lily made her way down the familiar halls leading to her bedroom. She relished the soft sound of her heels as she walked, glad to be back to a place she knew very well.
She walked around her bedroom, smiling blissfully. She made to sit on the edge of her bed when the sound of laughter reached her ears. Curious, she crossed the room and opened the door, only to hear her sister's fiancé talking –complaining, more like- loudly. Lily scrunched up her nose in distaste. She had never liked her soon to be brother-in-law too much, he had always treated her contemptuously, following Petunia's lead.
They make a fine couple. Both of them are absolutely full of themselves.
"…Lily is upstairs," she heard her mother say.
Lily slammed her door shut, not wanting to meet Petunia just yet. She had just gotten back to her bed when someone knocked. Thinking it was Petunia who came to gloat, she stomped her way to the door and threw it open.
"What?" she snapped irritably.
But it was not Petunia standing at the doorway.
"Easy, tiger," Remus chuckled, holding up his arms in a sign of surrender. "I haven't done anything yet!"
"Remus?" Lily said, her annoyance evaporating quickly. "Oh, I thought you were-"
"Petunia?" Remus cut in. Lily nodded. "Don't worry about her; she's minding her own business right now. She's having a final fitting for her gown. I heard you're arriving today and I thought I'd drop by."
"I missed you," Lily said, pulling him into a hug.
"I missed you too, Lils," Remus hugged her back. "I've no company lately. Everyone's always busy."
"I wish I could keep you company," Lily said, letting go of him.
"Shall we go downstairs?" Remus offered. "The garden looks lovely, fancy a walk?"
"I'd love to," Lily smiled, taking his arm. They raced downstairs, careful to avoid the sitting room at all costs. They finally made it to the Evans's vast garden, walking in the afternoon sun.
"So… anything interesting to share?" Remus asked her as they sat down on the iron-wrought bench. Lily looked thoughtful for a moment before she finally cracked a smile.
"I met someone," she said. "But don't tell my mother!" she added quickly.
"Someone?" Remus repeated, amused. "May I ask who this is?"
"His name is James," Lily told him. "I don't know his last name. We both have rather common names, so we decided to keep our last names to ourselves and come up with new ones every time we meet. It was fun, it gave us a little mystery to each other. The last time we met, his last name was Parker."
"What was yours?" Remus chuckled.
"Emmett," Lily replied, crossing her ankles. She looked around the garden, gazing at the rosebushes nearby and the archway made of flowers made for Petunia's wedding. "It's lovely, isn't it?" she commented off-handedly.
"Your invented surname?" Remus said, laughing.
"No!" Lily whacked his shoulder playfully. "I meant the flowers!"
"I knew that!"
"I miss doing this," she said, her voice softer. "Just sitting here, talking. What about you? Any new girls I should hear about? Are you still going out with… what's her name? Mary?"
"No," Remus smiled sadly, "It didn't really work out."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Lily said sympathetically. "But you'll find someone, I'm sure."
"I hope so too," Remus said, almost wistfully. Lily responded with a reassuring pat on his shoulder. "So, are you ready for Petunia's wedding? I can assure you now that she will be the most nightmarish bride there ever was."
Lily scowled darkly. "Don't even remind me."
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The twenty-sixth of October was a bright, cloudless day- perfect for an outdoor wedding. The Evans's garden was decorated with bright flowers in intricate arrangements and chairs decorated in blue and gold ribbons were neatly arranged to seat the guests. Up at the house, Mrs Evans was fussing over every little detail, wanting to ensure that her daughter's special day would be nothing less than flawless. Petunia was up in her room, busy preparing herself, already having her hair and make-up done. She gazed at the mirror, where a blushing bride was beaming back at her, genuinely happy. It was her special day and no one could take that away from her.
In her bedroom on the other end of the hallway, Lily was also getting ready. She was in front of her vanity mirror, applying make-up on herself. Once she was done, she twirled to see how the off-shouldered, blue bridesmaid's gown looked on her. Her dark red hair was set in an elaborate twist on top of her head, with loose tendrils framing her face. She picked up the pair of while elbow length gloves on her vanity table and took a deep breath.
"I'm ready," she told herself.
A knock interrupted her thoughts. "Come in," she called out.
"Don't you look beautiful," her father entered the room, smiling at his youngest daughter.
"Thank you, Daddy," Lily said gratefully. "Aren't you supposed to be with Tuney?"
"Your mother is in there, and they're going to have a little female moment so I decided not to stay for that," her father responded. "I meant give them time alone," he added quickly as Lily started giggling.
"Is she nervous?" Lily asked.
"She didn't seem to be," Mr Evans said, grinning. "You know Petunia; she always wants to be composed. But you know what? I think she is."
They heard the grandfather clock chime from downstairs, signalling that it was already ten o'clock. "It's time to get everything ready, Lily. We need to be downstairs and we have half an hour before the service starts. We have to make sure everything goes perfectly- your mother is already short tempered as it is."
"Oh, she always gets that way when she feels pressure," Lily chuckled appreciatively, but her father gave her a look so she simply shrugged and took one last look at the mirror. Concluding that she was as prepared as she would ever be, she pulled on her gloves and followed her father out the door.
Her mother was already downstairs, wearing a flowing navy blue dress, instructing the quartet on their cues. "Finally," she sighed exasperatedly eyeing her husband. "Robert, you have to go upstairs and get ready to walk Petunia down the aisle. Lily, darling, do you mind helping with welcoming the guests?"
Lily nodded and headed to the garden, where many of the guests were starting to arrive. She spotted some people she knew: a couple of Petunia's friends and a few of her parents' clients were already at their seats. She walked over to the hired receptionist, who was helping the guests find their seats. She helped entertain them, pausing to talk to those she knew. She still looked around for any signs of Remus.
"Well, don't you look lovely?" a voice said from behind her.
Lily turned sharply. There, smugly smirking down at her, was Vincent Van Heusen. "Oh, it's you," she said, displeasure evident in her tone. "I don't mean to be rude, but what are you doing here?"
"Your parents have kindly invited mine," he answered. "You know, if you had only agreed to marry me, you would have a wedding far grander than this."
"What a shame," Lily said crisply. "As tempting as that sounds, I'm afraid I still have to refuse."
"Lily!" another voice called, interrupting the conversation. To Lily's relief, Remus came jogging towards them. "Oh, hello, Vincent, you don't mind if I steal Lily for a while, do you?"
Vincent's expression made it clear that he did mind, but Remus already pulled Lily away. Once they were out of earshot, the two burst into laughter. "Thank you!" Lily said gratefully. "He was about a second from giving a monologue."
"Anytime," Remus said, smiling slightly.
"So you've just arrived?"
"Yes," Remus replied. "Mother is inside helping them with the last preparations. I reckon Aunt Azalea is shouting her head off at the poor staff for something as minor as wrongly laid napkins."
"Oh, you and I both know that she is not the best person under pressure. "She wants everything perfect for Tuney. I could only imagine Petunia's face if something goes amiss. Trust me, we'll see a hissy fit."
"How long do we have until the wedding begins?"
"Not long now, I expect. A little more than fifteen minutes? Darling Verny would be here with his parents soon and the rest of the entourage should be assembling five minutes before the ceremony begins."
"Well, I should be going now," Remus told her.
"Oh, alright," Lily smiled. "You would be on the Bride's side, second row, just behind where my parents would be sitting."
Remus waved goodbye and Lily heard the screeching of a car. She turned to see that the Dursleys have arrived- Mr and Mrs Dursley, looking as sharp as ever, dressed in black tie attire, looking around at the garden, seemingly examining it. Vernon's elder sister Marge, who was as wide and beefy as her brother, followed. She wore a light grey jacket and skirt ensemble, which did a poor job at concealing her massive bulk, and a matching feathered fascinator on her short blonde hair. She shot Lily a look of distaste before casting her gaze on her brother. Vernon was the last to emerge, wearing a black suit, his hair and moustache kept as neat and even as always. Lily fought an urge to laugh- he looked like an oversized penguin. She walked over to them, fighting to keep a straight face.
"Hello, Vernon," she said pleasantly. Vernon gave a little jump and turned to her, grunting in response. "Nervous, are you?"
"Is Petunia ready?" Vernon ignored Lily's question, looking around. "Yes, she is. She's upstairs, waiting with our father."
Vernon nodded once and walked off without another glance at Lily. Lily stared after him, eyebrow raised, until a loud barking interrupted her. She looked down to see a small brown and white bulldog trying to gnaw at her dress. She let out a shriek. "What on earth-?"
"Ripper!" Marge called, waddling towards them. She took the dog in her arms and looked at Lily.
"Hello, Marge," Lily said coldly. She had no patience with Vernon's unpleasant sister and she was sure Marge felt the same way about her.
"Hello, Lily," Marge returned her greeting stiffly. "How are you?"
"Absolutely peachy," Lily said, flashing a falsely sweet smile.
Lily saw Mrs Dursley walking towards them and attempted to walk away before she was noticed.
"Well, hello there, Lily," the older woman greeted, striding forward to hug her.
"Hello, Mrs Dursley," Lily said, returning the hug uncertainly.
"Such a big day, isn't it?" Mrs Dursley looked like she was about to burst with excitement. "Our families will finally be united!"
"A big day indeed," Lily replied flatly.
"I don't know why you still do not find yourself a match, dear, with beauty like yours," Mrs Dursley said airily to Lily, who managed a small smile in response.
"I'm just waiting for the right one, Mrs Dursley," she said politely.
"Well, you better get a move on before all the decent ones are gone!" Mrs Dursley laughed, "I've been telling Marjorie for years, she should go and find one, she isn't getting any younger!"
Marge turned an unpleasant shade of red at her mother's remark. "I don't need to get married, Mother, I'm content with doing what I love."
"Oh, suit yourself," Mrs Dursley said, winking at Lily. "And Lily dear, if you need any help finding one, I will be more than happy to introduce you. I have excellent contacts!"
"Thank you so much for the offer, Mrs Dursley," Lily smiled. She liked Mrs Dursley, she and her husband were both very different from their snobby children. She was a sweet old woman who liked pairing off young women because her own daughter refused to marry, even though sometimes Lily felt that she was too intrusive.
"I absolutely adore these floral arrangements," Mrs Dursley gestured towards the flowers surrounding them. "These must have taken days to complete!"
"Mother coordinated the flowers," Lily informed her. "Petunia picked which ones she wanted to have and Mother did the arrangements by herself."
"Well, she did an excellent job!" Mrs Dursley said appreciatively. "These are exquisite… Simply exquisite."
"I apologize, but I'm afraid I have to cut our conversation short, Mrs Dursley, but we really must get settled. The ceremony will be starting soon. Let me escort you to your seat."
She led Mrs Dursley to the right side of the room, where her husband and daughter were already seated. "Here you are, Mrs Dursley. If you need anything, please ask the help," Lily said before leaving to take her place at the entourage. Vernon was already at the front, talking to the minister. The flower girls were at the front of the line, comparing their flower baskets. Lily noticed her Cousin Louise's daughter Sophie among them, picking at the rose and hyacinth petals on her basket. Petunia was at the back of the line, flushing with pride, clutching her father's arm. Yvonne Lancaster, the maid of honour, was standing beside Joseph Frost, Vernon's best man. The groomsman was waiting for her. She noticed him looking at her from head to toe as she drew closer.
"Hello," he said, extending a hand to greet her. "Andrew Knight. I was a friend of Vernon's from University."
"Lily Evans," Lily responded, taking his hand. "Petunia's sister."
"You're Petunia's sister?" Andrew said, looking surprised. "You don't look anything like Petunia."
"I get that a lot," Lily smirked. "I suppose we have different features."
"All the same, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Pleasure's all mine."
Lily gave him a fleeting smile as she turned her attention back to the front. The quartet began playing Mendelssohn's traditional wedding march and the wedding party began to move. Lily took Andrew's arm and glided forward. She nodded to him when they reached the front and they went their separate ways: Lily on the left, Andrew on the right.
Lily turned in time to see her sister, who seemed to be floating down the aisle, glowing with happiness and pride. Petunia was a vision in white- she wore a silk taffeta gown the colour of pure snow, with long sleeves, intricate beading and a long train. Lily found herself staring, for the first time contemplating marriage when she saw Petunia's broad smile when she reached her husband-to-be at the front.
The music stopped and the minister cleared his throat. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered today to join these two people in Holy matrimony…"
Petunia turned to look at Vernon and by the look on her face, Lily knew she was wrong. That despite what she originally thought, Vernon and Petunia did love each other. She looked back when she heard sniffing noises- her mother was already crying, being patted on the shoulder by her father.
"Do you, Vernon, take Petunia Victoria as your legally wedded wife, to love and to cherish and to care for, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, until death do you part?"
"I do."
The minister turned to Petunia. "And do you, Petunia Victoria, take Vernon as your legally wedded husband, to love and to cherish and to care for, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, until death do you part?"
"I do," Petunia responded, tears streaming down her eyes.
Lily heard her mother's sniffles once more and gazed at her parents, who were married for twenty- five years and still as in love –even more- than they were then. Lily shifted her gaze to her sister again, wondering if Petunia would be lucky enough to have what their parents have. She wondered if she herself would find what their parents have.
Vernon and Petunia shared their first kiss as a married couple at the minister's words. Applause erupted from the guests as they rushed forward to congratulate the newlyweds. A photographer rushed forward to take photos of the couple and their families. Lily stood in the extreme left, beside her parents. Petunia was radiating with so much joy it was almost contagious.
Maybe getting married is not so bad after all.
Everyone proceeded to the reception area, where food and drinks were being served to the guests. There were round tables draped in light blue linens, set with fine china and silverware. Lily settled herself on one of the tables on the farthest side of the garden, watching the couple dancing their first dance. Vernon spun Petunia around, her skirt flowing gracefully as she twirled. She had already taken her veil off, her blonde hair still kept neatly in its bun.
"Thinking, Lily?"
Remus smiled down at his friend. Lily smiled back. "Hello again, Remus."
"Do you mind?" he gestured towards the empty seat next to her.
"No, I'd love company," Lily said, sincerely, happy for someone to talk to.
"So, what are you thinking about, Lils?"
"Marriage," Lily answered without hesitation. "Maybe they're right. I should get a move on."
"What made you think that?" Remus asked, absently swirling his champagne.
"Besides the fact that we are at a wedding?" Lily chuckled. "I just thought that Tuney looked so happy… It makes me want my own."
"You'll get there," Remus promised.
"Yes, well, I just hope that if I do it would be for someone I love."
Remus looked at her oddly, almost guiltily. Lily noticed it and she peered at his face. "Remus, are you alright?"
"Hm?" Remus snapped out of his reverie and smiled reluctantly at Lily. "Yes, I'm fine, I'm sorry about that, I was just…"
"Staring blankly into space?" Lily supplied, laughing. "That's absolutely odd; you don't usually get distracted like that."
"Yeah, well…"
"You didn't bring Sirius, I noticed. Or that other small fellow, what was his name?"
"Peter? No, he's with his parents," Remus informed her. Then his tone became lighter and there was a slight humour evident in it. "Sirius, on the other hand, spends plenty of time nowadays with a Hogwarts classmate of ours. A young lady named Marlene McKinnon. It seems quite serious. No pun intended," he added quickly.
"Who'd have guessed?" Lily said, smirking. "Sirius Black, in a serious relationship?"
"It sounds far-fetched doesn't it? No one really knows if they're serious, I just know that he cares a great deal about her."
"Well that makes her better than ninety-eight per cent of his exes," said Lily jokingly. "So how have you been, Remus?"
"You know me, I'll survive," replied Remus giving her a half-smile. "I've been through worse."
"I really hope I could do more for you," Lily said quietly, her eyes still fixed on her hands resting on her lap.
"You do more than enough just by being my friend, Lily. You were my first and I would never forget that," Remus said.
"Well, I can't help it. I always hoped that I would do something revolutionary like invent or discover something to cure lycanthropy," she shrugged. A passing waiter offered them a tray of hors d'oeuvres and she accepted one with a word of thanks while Remus just shook his head with a polite smile.
"You know, Lily," Remus began, "whenever people describe you, the first word they say is beautiful. But if you ask me, your crowning glory really is your kindness."
"I'm afraid kindness is something people underestimate in value nowadays," Lily remarked placidly. "But thank you for saying so."
"Lucky is the man who will have your heart."
"Lucky is the woman who shall have yours," Lily countered with a teasing smile.
Her stare returned to her sister, who was now cutting her wedding cake. "Petunia sure looks happy, doesn't she?"
"She sure does," Remus agreed. "One day, you will have that too."
"You really think so?"
"Of course. You'll have someone as brave as you are, someone who will stay faithful to you, who will love you and care for you and adore you. Someone who will respect you, whose world would revolve around you. You'd have all of that, Lily." He sounded like he was convincing himself as much as he was convincing her.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Lily asked worriedly. "Is there anything bothering you?"
"Lily, promise me that you'll never hate me," he begged. Lily's eyes widened for a split-second and she touched his forehead. "Remus, really, what's the matter? And why would I ever hate you?" she said, trying to look him in the eyes.
"No, I'm fine, just promise."
"I promise. Now will you stop being ridiculous?"
Remus looked relatively calmer by her reassurance. "Thank you."
"Now will you tell me what's bothering you?"
"No, I don't think so."
"I didn't think you will," Lily rolled her eyes. "It's very like you to keep this from me."
"Well, you know I tend to," Remus grinned, looking a little ashamed of himself. "I believe you'll find out soon enough."
Lily gave him a quizzical look, but she knew she would not get a decent answer even if she tried asking again.
"Don't worry, Remus, whatever it is you did, I'm sure I'll forgive you eventually," she told him cheekily. "Though I can't promise that I won't hex or punch you. It really depends on the severity of what you did."
"I can accept that," Remus said seriously, but then he cracked a smile, making Lily snicker. But she was still curious about what it was that could have possibly made Remus so nervous. She, however, did not have the time to dwell on it further as her mother arrived at their table, accompanied by an elegantly dressed older woman. Even though her face already showed signs of aging, Lily could see the distinct beauty in her features. She wore a jacket and skirt like most of the female guests, in a pleasant plum colour, matched with a wide-brimmed hat, clutch and high heels in the same colour. Her hands were covered with soft white gloves and her dark brown hair was flecked with streaks of grey. She had a kind smile that illuminated her face, up to her bright hazel eyes.
Those eyes are so familiar. Where have I seen them before?
"Lily, dear, this is Lady Eleanor Potter," Mrs Evans told her daughter. The eagerness in her voice was unmistakeable- Lily assumed that Lady Eleanor must be someone of great importance- a potential client, maybe?
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Eleanor," Lily said amiably, stretching out her hand.
"And Lady Eleanor, this is my younger daughter, Lily," continued Mrs Evans as Lady Eleanor shook Lily's hand.
"The pleasure's all mine, Lily. I'm delighted to meet you at last," Lady Eleanor said, beaming. "Oh, hello, Remus, dear," she said fondly to Remus, "How are you?"
"Absolutely splendid," Remus answered. "It's nice to see you, Lady Eleanor. James didn't accompany you?"
"Oh, you know him," Lady Eleanor laughed gently. "He is not exactly fond of going to events like this," she turned back to Lily. "Do you mind talking to me for a while, dear? I would like to know more about you."
"Of course," said Lily, a little stunned that she was asked. "It would be a pleasure."
She nodded to Remus and her mother, who looked enthusiastic, before following Lady Eleanor to another table further back.
"You may be wondering why I asked you," Lady Eleanor said once Lily had sat down. "I have heard so much about you from your mother and from the Lupin family. I couldn't help but be more than a little curious about you."
"You're acquainted with the Lupins too?"
"Remus and my son James are best friends at Hogwarts," Lady Eleanor smiled.
Lily nodded in understanding. "You really do have beautiful eyes," the older woman commented, looking at Lily. "That was one of the things they mentioned the most about you."
"Thank you," Lily said, half-flattered, half-embarrassed.
"Lily, what career do you plan on entering?" Lady Eleanor asked. "Do you plan on joining your parents' business?"
"I wanted to become an Auror," Lily replied without hesitation, a little relieved that the question was not very personal. "But women are not allowed to enter the service, so I suppose I should go look for other options," she caught Lady Eleanor's eye and felt her cheeks burning, realizing how absurd she must have sounded. "I know it's an unusual answer-"
"An Auror? That's interesting," mused Lady Eleanor. "I don't think that's unusual at all, dear, in fact, I think you're right. It's high time the Ministry began thinking of women as equals to men."
Lily looked up, completely taken by surprise. "You do?" she said disbelievingly. "Mother thinks it's completely inappropriate," Lily said before she could stop herself.
"Let me tell you a little secret," Lady Eleanor said in hushed tones, a glint of mischief in her eyes. Lily leaned closer. "I never set much by the rules either."
"You don't?" Lily said in surprise. Looking over at Lady Eleanor, who looked nothing less than proper, it was a little difficult to imagine.
"I had my fair share of mischief," Lady Eleanor winked at her. "A talent, I'm afraid, I had passed on to my son."
"Your son?" Lily repeated. She has heard Remus mention a name when he talked to Lady Eleanor, although she was not paying close enough attention to remember it.
"Yes, my son James," Lady Eleanor said, and from the sudden tenderness her voice held, Lily could tell that she adored her son. "He was in Remus's year in Hogwarts and he was-is- a troublemaker. I suppose I have to blame my genetics for that too."
Lily laughed a little, forgetting that she was feeling a little awkward around the noblewoman. She felt more at ease as they continued talking. She found that Lady Eleanor was warm and compassionate; quite unlike most of the noblewomen she had met (of course she had met mostly members of the House of Black, which held a reputation of being pure-blood supremacists).
Before she knew it the wedding was over and the newlyweds were being ushered to their car. Lily didn't know where they were spending their honeymoon, but as she watched her sister drive away, she silently wished that Petunia could finally find her happiness.
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Please review! Oh, and anyone got into Pottermore yet? I have- and I was sorted into Gryffindor (as always)! I was really thrilled to get it… I procrastinated typing this up. So, uh, sorry about that. Can I get at least 10 reviews for this chapter? Please, with the cherry on top? It really motivates me and makes my day! me what you think of my story, I love to hear questions and feedback!
I'm making a site for this story, and I need some suggestions for real life people (actors or whatever) to base the characters from. I already have people for Lily and Petunia, but I'm still looking for a James, Sirius, etc. Help me?