Chapter 24: Talkative Night Owls

The usually busy hospital wing was all but silent tonight. It was the safe zone for the evening after the night's events. Madame Pomfrey had retired to bed and told them all to stay in the wing and not venture out into the school whatsoever. They had not heard anything from James' parents or Dumbledore after arriving and Lily could tell James was worried about it. She was resting on one of the beds watching his face and he talked with Sirius across the room. Natalie and Alice were bundled up and sleeping soundly on a cot while Peter snored and Remus paced by the far window. The candles flickered softly in the room and only James and Sirius made noise by their hushed whispers

Even though her friends were sleeping, Lily was having trouble. It was late and she was so worried yet also completely exhausted. Without making too much noise, she slowly sat up.

"What do you think is going to happen? I mean Lily's parents and now tonight…" Sirius trailed off noticing their new guest. James turned around and caught her eye.

"Hi," she rasped her neck a now deep shade of black and blue.

"Hey-lo there evil fighter," Sirius laughed and pulled up a chair for her in between the two, "how are ya feeling?"

"A little better," she managed a small smile and looked to see James' reaction. He was solemn and she could tell he was worried, "I'm just nervous about what's going on out there."

"We all are," Sirius scoffed looking back at Remus who was still pacing. Lily and the two boys sat in silence for a second. Her thoughts began to surround her, Severus' bloody face, those red slit eyes, and thinking for a moment that she might not live to see tomorrow.

"What is going on out there?" she whispered, breaking the silence.

"We have no idea," James sighed in return, "no word from anyone about anything."

"How do you think Riddle got to your house?" Sirius piped up.

"I would like that answer as well," James looked up at him, "Dumbledore had said the house was completely secure and safe for the rest of Christmas holiday for us. Apparently, something happened to change that."

Lily looked up as he said this and saw the disappointment in his face and she immediately felt horrible.

"Sirius?" A barely awake Natalie sat up and looked over at them.

"Ooh, sleeping beauty is calling my name," he winked and got up and left.

"I'm sorry," Lily whispered after he left, tears brimming.

James looked up at the hurt redhead that he loved. They had been through so much and now she was attempting to apologize for something that she had no control over.

"Lily, it's not your fault," he scooted closer to her, "this world…well its going bad."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, but cringed as her neck moved.

"Why don't you just lie down in your bed? It is pretty late," he chuckled as she straightened back up.

"That would probably be the smart thing to do," she agreed. The last thing she saw before falling asleep was James' watching her intently from is protective chair.

"How is she?"

Lily awoke slowly to hear voices talking in hushed tones.

"Much better, from what I can tell. She hasn't woken up yet today for me to check up on her," Madame Pomfrey spoke up.

"She was sore when she went to sleep last night," James answered, with a tired voice.

James. Lily thought. And then last night came back to her; the fun evening with the Potter's and her friends, that dark voice luring her in, Tom Riddle falling apart and almost killing her.

"Heather! And Daniel! What happened! Oh…..ouch," Lily screamed and shot up out of bed but immediately regretted her decision by the throbbing pain in her neck.

"I'm glad you are awake, Miss Evans, but please lay back down," Madame Pomfrey scolded her. Dumbledore and James were both staring at her after that silly outburst. The rest of her friends seem to be missing from this morning gathering.

Lily then looked at James. He gave her a weak smile and turned back to Dumbledore. She could tell he hadn't slept much last night.

"Where is everyone?"

"They are at breakfast, Lily," Dumbledore answered, a surprising grin on his face. She was relieved to see that he was ok.

"What about…"

"James!" A ruffled up Heather Potter ran in and embraced her only son. Her face was tear streaked and still cut up from the night before, "I'm so glad you are ok."

"Where's Dad?" he retuned, looking concerned. She went completely silent and put her hands on his face, tears streaming down hers. The room was deathly silent as James searched his mother's face for answers.

"He's at Mungo's darling," she choked out, wiping a tear, "he is better this morning but was pretty beaten up."

Lily watched James' face drop as he heard the news of his father. This truly was all her fault and she needed to fix it. She should have never gone after that voice…after Riddle. But, why didn't anyone else hear it? Why was she the only one? And what is going to happen now?

"Lily, Madame Pomfrey is going to bring you and James some breakfast. You will be dining in here with us today, we don't want to aggravate your injuries," Dumbledore said, his twinkling eyes peeked at her over his half moon spectacles. Lily nodded in return completely silent.

"Last night, Heather, Daniel, and I fended off Tom Riddle from the Potter's property. We did not kill him, but he was wounded and left angry. For the time being you all are safe here and that will remain that way. No one will be returning to the Potter's household or to your house Miss Evans. Also, all of your friends and fellow students will remain here with you over the rest of the Christmas holiday and their parents have been relocated for the time being." Dumbledore enforced, "I know all of you have already had a troubled vacation from school, but I am hoping that the rest of your break here will be better. Heather, I would like you to stay here as well unless you are visiting Daniel."

"Thank you Albus," she put her hand on his shoulder, "we will make the best of it."

"Please do not leave the grounds or contact anyone outside unless I give you permission," he spoke lastly before walking out of the hospital wing.

"I'm so glad you are alright," Heather turned to James, "but I'm going to check on that breakfast." She walked out after Dumbledore.

The silence between Lily and James was unbearable.

He walked over to her bed and sat down putting his hand on top of hers.

"Promise me Lily Evans that you will never ever do anything like that again," he looked her directly into her striking green eyes. His other hand traced the outline of her large bruise on her neck.

But before she could answer, his lips were suddenly covering hers. His kiss was passionate like the playboy that James Potter was but Lily could also sense worry his new caring side that had come out recently.

"I promise," she whispered, her heart beating fast when he pulled away.

A/N: Thank you for all the comments, it really helps! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!