Chapter Forty Two: Time Heals a Broken Heart

I don't know how I got back to the castle; all I remember is feeling asif someone had ripped out my heart and stomped on it infront of me. My cheeks felt tight because of my tears and I couldn't stand properly. I must have been supported by someone.

Cue James Potter.

He must have taken my back to the common room and handed my over to Bella and Cassie. All I know for sure is I ended up in my warm bed the next morning and my mother isn't coming back.

Cassie came up later, with the letter in her fist. Wordlessly, she placed it on my nightstand and hugged me tightly.

Tears spilled down both our cheeks, merging as one rivulet onto my duvet.

"Why her?" I whispered through my sobs.

Cassie pulled back just enough for me to see her face. "Voldemort doesn't need a reason sweetie. He's a malicious bastard who needs a good kick up the backside and more besides." Her voice was full of hatred for the man. No, he isn't a man. He cannot be a man, for he performs such terrible things, tearing families and friends apart and slaughtering innocent people.

What was the last thing I said to her? 'Yes Mum. I love you.'

I'm glad she knew I loved her. I still do. I always will.

"Do you want anything to eat?" Cass shook me out of my reverie softly.

I nodded and moved to get up. "Is lunch on now?" I asked, wandering into the bathroom and climbing into the shower.

"Yeah. Do you want me to pick something out?" She called back.

I stuck my head out of the shower to make myself better heard. "Please."

I let the water wash away some of my pain, yet its comforting warmth couldn't reach the inner recesses of my broken heart.

After realizing I'd been standing there motionless for five minutes, I washed my hair quickly and climbed out, wrapping a fluffy white towel around me.

"I thought you might want to dress conservatively today." Cassie grinned as I emerged in clouds of steam.

I surveyed the clothes on my bed and smiled at one of my best friends.

"Where's Belle?" I asked suddenly.

Cassie smirked. "She's entertaining Sirius. She did ask if I wanted her to come with, but I left her and lover boy together. That okay?"

I nodded and picked up the pale pink sweatpants with 'Kiss this!' written on the back in silver glittery cursive. The t-shirt she'd picked out was powder blue and had a large peace lily on the front. I got dressed and grabbed my white and pink Nikes out of the wardrobe.

"I'm ready to face the world!" I cried, running a brush through my tangled locks, calming them somewhat.

Cass linked my arm and we skipped down the staircase.

"Hey guys!" I yelled loudly.

"Lily!" Bella called back, disentangling herself from a certain Mr. Black and galloping over. "Are you okay?" She whispered as she caught me in a bone-crushing hug.

"Time heals a broken heart." I whispered back, tears shining in my eyes.

I decided to enjoy life, as Mum would have wanted me to, not mope and moan. I love my mum, but I know this is what she would have wanted me to do. It's what she did after Dad died.

"Can we go eat now?" Sirius asked, giving me the puppy-dog face.

I laughed and hugged him tightly. "Yeah, I'm starved."

He hugged me back and then I got a hug off Remus. James stood to the side and waited till our friends had passed and only we were there.

"Listen, James, I'm sorry I shouted at you. It's not your fault. And thanks for being there." I stammered out, before turning to leave for lunch.

"Lily?" His voice stopped me in my tracks.

I turned. "Hmm?"

He walked forward and held me close, his grip reassuring, but not possessive.

"I'm always here." He said softly into my hair.

"I'll hold you to that." I joked feebly.

"By all means, do." He laughed as he released me and pulled me gently down to the Great Hall.

I smiled and knew Mum was watching over me, knew she was happy for me and I knew that we would always hold a love for each other, as long as time itself.

Bit short I know, but what do you expect at 06:38?

Bit weepy, but still good.

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