Title: Glass Hearts

Rating: PG-13

Summary (of chapter): Lily continues to work at St. Mungo's. James and Sirius get their letters from Hogwarts - with a surprise badge inside.

--

Lily sat on the top floor in an office with the WWN playing. She was sorting out files, and though it was a mundane job, Lily didn't mind. She needed a break off of her feet. Three days had passed since the Liverpool attack, and Lily had worked three seven hour days in a row. Louise asked her to go back to her original hours, only four in the afternoon, and Lily certainly didn't mind. It was her summer, after all.

In the midst of a Celestina Warbeck song, a rock on the edge of her desk lit up and a voice came from it. "Lily, we need you on the fourth floor!" Louise said urgently.

Lily stood up, grabbing her wand, and jogged down the steps to the floor just below her. She entered the corridor, and heard commotion from the ward which Lily had not been allowed to enter as of yet. It was the ward Aurors and Hit-Wizards came to immediately after attacks, and it was usually staffed by medi-wizards and medi-witches. Finding the door open, Lily saw two injured men, Louise, and a medi-wizard.

"Lily, help Adam!" Louise exclaimed, motioning with her head.

Lily ran over to Adam. The Auror on the bed in front of Adam was bleeding from the stomach. "I need you to draw blood from his arm," he said.

She Summoned a small flask from the stand next to the door as Adam lifted the Auror's shirt up. The wound on his stomach looked pretty deep. His shirt was stained dark red, and blood covered most of his stomach.

After putting her wand to the inside of the man's arm, Lily drew blood out, filling a small flask. Adam performed a spell on the flask. After a few moments, while Adam worked on the wound, the blood turned a silver color. Adam's face fell. He looked at the Auror, frowning. Lily wanted to ask what the silver meant, but didn't.

It was silent for a moment, the other Auror now sleeping. Louise walked over to them, her sleeves rolled up. She saw the flask of silver blood and sighed. She patted the Auror on the knee. "What does silver mean?" Lily asked.

"Poisoned," Louise replied. She walked around Lily. "Sir, I'm afraid you've been poisoned."

The Auror's face contorted in pain. "Is it fatal?"

Louise nodded sadly. Tears started falling out of his eyes, dropping towards his ears. "How long do I have?" he asked.

"Less than an hour," Louise said softly.

He sighed, closing his eyes. "Could you get my fiance here?" he asked.

"Who's your fiance?" Louise asked.

"Wendy Casterbridge," the Auror said. "She works for the Ministry - she's on the third floor, she's an Obliviator."

Louise paused, taking the Auror's hand. She looked at Adam sadly. "I'm afraid we can't leave you alone," she said.

"I'll go," Lily said, surprising herself.

Louise and Adam looked at her, their eyes wide. Lily bit her lip, nodding. "I'll go to the Ministry," she said. "Louise, can I?"

"You must hurry," Louise said.

Lily nodded. "What's your name?" she asked the Auror.

"Kevin," the Auror replied.

Lily left the room and jogged down to the ground floor. She felt like she had never run so fast in her life. She ran to the Floo fireplace and waited behind two other wizards. She forced herself not to cry; she wouldn't, not in front of all of these people. She Flooed to the ministry, entering the Atrium. Her heart hammered against her chest as she jogged to the lift. She went down to the fourth floor, and to the Obliviator Headquarters.

"Wendy Casterbridge," Lily told the receptionist breathlessly. "I'm looking for Wendy Casterbridge."

"All right, just sit down and I'll be with you in just a moment," she said in a bubbly voice.

"Ma'am, I'm coming from St. Mungo's Hospital," Lily said, "and Wendy's fiance is . . . he's requesting his fiance and -"

"Just sit down," the receptionist repeated.

"Her fiance is an Auror," Lily said.

"Yes, I know," the receptionist said, sounding peeved. "Have a seat."

Lily looked at her for a moment, then began to walk towards the cubicles. The receptionist let out a scandalized sound as Lily looked into the cubicles, asking for Wendy Casterbridge. "Miss," the receptionist came after her. "Miss, excuse me -"

"Do you know where Wendy Casterbridge is?" Lily asked, putting her head into another cubicle.

A picture on her desk answered the question for Lily; the Auror Lily had just seen in the ward on the fourth floor was kissing the blonde on the cheek. "Hi," Wendy said, looking confused. "Can I help you?"

"I'm here from St. Mungo's," Lily said. Her voice broke as a look of worry came unto Wendy's face. "I think your fiance - Kevin - he's there."

"What?" Wendy asked. She stood up quickly, grabbing her cloak and wand. "Is he all right?"

"Um, you should come with me," Lily said.

They pushed past the receptionist, and as the two of them stood in the lift, Lily began crying. Wendy noticed, and tears began to stream down her cheeks, as well. "Is he going to be all right?" she asked.

"I don't know," Lily lied. "I'm sorry - I've just been working a lot and . . . I just . . ."

"Oh, don't worry," Wendy said. She took Lily's hand. "You don't mind, do you?"

Lily shook her head, holding back more tears.

They rushed through the Atrium to an open fireplace, and then the two girls ran up the stairs of St. Mungo's to the fourth floor. Wendy's hand slipped out of Lily's as she ran to her fiance's side. He was looking a little blue now, his eyes closing and opening again.

"Hey, beautiful," Kevin said softly.

Wendy put her hand on his forehead. "Are you okay?" she asked.

Kevin shook his head. "I . . . I was poisoned," he said. "I won't be here for much longer."

Wendy let out a sob. Adam slipped out of the room, and Louise moved to the other Auror. Louise walked over to the other bed, standing opposite Louise. The words of the lovers still met their ears, though, and it was like a real-life movie.

"Oh, gods, are you sure?" Wendy asked.

"The Healer tested my blood," Kevin said. "They do this every time we come in, and. . .this time, my blood turned silver."

"Are you sure?" Wendy asked, her voice becoming frantic.

"They did it twice," Kevin said.

Lily glanced over at them, frowning. Wendy was leaning on the bed, crying into Kevin's shoulder. Kevin's hand lay on the back of her head and he was calming her. "It's going to be fine," Kevin said. "It's all right, Wendy. I'll still be here."

Wendy grabbed at his clothes, her cries louder. "Don't go," she said. "Oh, please, Kevin. . ."

"I love you," Kevin said. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too," Wendy said. She got unto the bed next to him, laying close to his side. Louise turned when she heard the bed moving, but didn't do anything as the two of them lay there.

A few moments passed, and then Lily saw Kevin's chest stop moving. She looked at his eyes, and they stared into space, seeing no more. Wendy seemed to notice this as well. She looked up at Kevin, looking horrified. "Oh, no," she said. "No, no, no." She started shaking him, crying. "No, Kevin, no."

Louise walked over to the other bed, and put her hand on Wendy's shoulder. Lily looked away from the horrible scene, but she was grounded where she stood. She felt like the room was spinning around her. As Wendy began to yell, Lily realized she needed to get out of there. She began walking for the door, her legs like jello. She pushed her way past two people who had come to help and went to the bathroom.

Lily bent over a toilet, staring into the water and the white bowl. She couldn't really see it, though, and all she could hear was Wendy. Her stomach clenched, and she threw up. She couldn't hold it back even if she had tried. She wiped her mouth, tears streaming down her cheeks, though she couldn't imagine the sorrow going on in the other room.

--

"Shut up, you idiot," Sirius said. "It's not that funny."

"Not . . . that . . . funny?" James gasped. Hs clutched his stomach, bending over where he stood on the sidewalk. "Your girlfriend's parents just caught us swimming in our starkers!"

"And you had to bring the firewhiskey, too," Sirius said, shaking his head. He paused. "Well, we're legal to drink, but still."

"You're lucky Jewel wasn't there with them," James replied. "She wouldn't have been able to restrain herself." He burst into fresh laughter. Sirius got sick of him and Apparated home.

James Apprated into the kitchen a minute later after Sirius. "You prat," he said, throwing his clothes into the hall.

"James, how many times have I told you to put on some clothes while you two are eating?" Martha asked, throwing the clothes back at him. "You missed lunch two hours ago. There's some soup leftover, it's in the fridge. And your Hogwarts letters are on the table."

"Thanks, mum," James said, bringing a pot of soup out of the refrigerator. He left his clothes on the ground where they had fallen. Sirius picked up his letter and threw James's at him.

James poured the two of them bowls of soup and warmed them up with his wand. He seized every opportunity he could to use magic. Sirius looked over his books list, then tossed it aside to eat the chicken soup. James laughed more about Jewel's parents finding the two of them, so Sirius started hexing him and it was at least thirty minutes later when James found his Hogwarts letter on the ground, part of it ripped from the two of them wrestling and part of it with chicken soup on it.

Laughing breathlessly, the two boys sat back down, only half of their soups gone. James opened his Hogwarts letter. He pulled out two pieces of parchment and there was a small ding sound as something fell to the table.

There was a moment of silence as Sirius and James stared at the badge that had been in the envelope. James realized there was a third piece of parchment. He started reading it and, sure enough, Professor Dumbledore had made him Head Boy.

Sirius grabbed the badge and surveyed it very closely. "This can't be real," he said, shaking her head. He tapped the badge, smelled it, licked it.

"Hey!" James exclaimed. He reached forward, taking the badge back. He gazed at the badge, swallowing. "This can't be real."

Sirius took the letter and read it out loud. "You've caused way too much trouble," he said.

"I'm not that bad," James said defensively. Sirius gave him a look. "I thought it'd be Remus."

"Nah, Remus misses too much school," Sirius said. "He wouldn't want to be Head Boy, anyway . . . Prongs, do you realize what this means?"

James stared at the badge in his hands. "What?" he said.

"Evans is Head Girl," Sirius said, a smirk slowly coming unto his face.

"Oh, shut up," James said. He threw the badge at Sirius, which hit his forehead and bounced off.

"Evans is Head Girl," Sirius repeated. He grinned. "And you're Head Boy. That means you have to follow the rules and be all prefect-y and go to meetings."

"It means I can take points away," James said, grinning.

"This can't be real," Sirius said again. He looked back down at the letter.

Martha came in, humming. "Boys, why is there soup everywhere?" she asked. She put her hands on her hips and looked at James and Sirius. Her eyes fell upon the badge in James's hand and her mouth fell open. "James . . . is that . . .?"

"Head Boy, mum," James said weakly, holding the badge out.

"Head Boy!" Martha squealed. She let out a scream and threw her arms around James. "Oh, my goodness! Are you sure?" She took the letter from Sirius. "Oh, my! Head Boy! James! Oh, I'm so proud of you! I – there had been rumors, Minerva said something about it to me, but I didn't – really – think . . . James, I'm so happy! We've got to have a party tonight!" She left, talking about everyone she would invite.

James and Sirius looked at each other. "Maybe it's just a prank," Sirius suggested meekly.

"I'm Head Boy, Sirius," James said. He looked at the badge, his mouth hanging open. "This is . . . this can't be real."

--

Martha and Herbert did throw a party. They invited everyone over and sat around, having a good Potter party. All of James's parents friends showed up last minute and James invited some of his friends for the heck of it. Peter Flooed over, but Remus wasn't getting back from Greece until the following day.

"That stupid prat," Sirius said, shaking his head. He was sitting on the couch in the living room as people walked by and congratulated James. "Like he couldn't Apparate over."

"No offense, mate, but I really wasn't expecting it," Peter said to James. He shrugged a bit. "You're a bit of a troublemaker, in case you haven't noticed."

Elphias Doge came into the living room. "James!" he said in a wheezy voice. "James, my boy – I knew you were a shoe-in! Even though you do stir things up a bit, you're perfect for Head Boy. Congratulations, son." He patted him on the back and walked away, laughing.

Jewel and Juniper walked into the room. They greeted Martha, hanging up their coats. The girls walked over to James, Remus and Sirius. "Congratulations on Head Boy, James," Jewel said. "Didn't think you had it in you."

"Of course I do," James said. He gave Juniper a small smile. At Peter's birthday party, the two of them, under the influence of firewhiskey and gillyweed, had connected. As only James could connect with girls that weren't named Lily Evans. "Nice to see you, Juniper."

"Nice job," Juniper replied. She glanced around. "You guys have drinks or what?"

"There's punch and water in the kitchen," James told them.

"We'll be right back," Jewel said. The two of them walked into the kitchen.

"Smooth," Sirius said, smirking.

"Shut up," James said. "What am I supposed to say to her?"

"She knows you're not interested," Sirius replied, waving his cup of punch around.

James raised his eyebrows. "That's not exactly the impression I gave her in the shed," he said. "And at the lake."

"And any girl in her right mind wouldn't be interested in you," his friend responded, smiling. "Don't worry about it, mate. Jewel told me she's dealt with lots of jerks who play with her emotions and –"

"Shut up," James snapped, kicking him in the shin. "Make me feel even worse, you git."

"I'll work on that," Sirius said.

"I'd like to make a toast," Herbert said loudly. James groaned, his face heating up. "Hey, everyone, quiet down, I'd like to make a toast for my son."

The room quieted down. Martha turned the music down and beckoned people in from other rooms. "James," Herbert said, raising his cup up. "You're an amazing boy, even if I do get a letter from McGonagall once a month." A chuckle ran through the room. "He has grown up to be an honest, noble, honorable young man who has a good, big heart. I'm very honored to have you as a son, whether you're Head Boy or not. To James." He raised his glass, smiling at James. Everyone in the room drank, chorusing, "To James."

"Remus should be here," Sirius said to no one in particular.

"Congratulations, James," Peter said again, patting James on the back.

"Why don't you read Dumbledore's letter, James?" Martha asked.

"Oh, right," James said. He pulled the letter from his back pocket and unfolded it. "From Dumbledore himself."

"Come up here, darling," Martha said. James rolled his eyes at Sirius and Peter, but walked towards the front of the room to his parents. His mom touched his elbow lightly. "Read it nice and loud."

"'Dear James Potter, I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, and all of the staff at Hogwarts, have decided to make you Head Boy your seventh year. This decision came about after much debate and discussion, after taking into consideration your colorful history and also your top grades. After your display of courage, kindness, and eagerness to help people during the response to the Liverpool attack, it was evident you were the best choice for the position to lead the student body through another year at Hogwarts. You will he working with Lily Evans, our new Head Girl and one of your own Housemates.'"

"Go Gryffindor!" someone cheered. People cheered and laughed in response.

Smiling, James continued, "'The two of you will have many responsibilities and both Professor McGonagall and I recommend that the two of you meet before September 1st. Professor McGonagall will send you letters about any new school rules or schedules. In the meantime, enjoy your late few weeks of freedom. We'll see you at Hogwarts September 1st and congratulations. Sincerely, Albus Dumbledore.'"

The roomed cheered and applauded. It eventually returned to it normal party – laughing, dancing, drinking and lots of talking. The party went pretty late, but eventually Jewel and Juniper had to go home, Martha and Herbert ran out their crazy drunk friends and it was just the sual inhabitants of the house, plus Peter.

"Mum, that was crazier than parties at Hogwarts!" James exclaimed. "I've never seen Gerta Catchlove drink so much butterbeer."

"I think Grugwyn slipped in a bit more than just butterbeer," Martha said. James could tell even his mum was a little tipsy. "James, your father and I are so very tired. . .don't stay up too late, will you?"

Sirius was on the couch laughing as Martha swayed upstairs with Herbert behind her. "Potter, your parents are drunk!" he said breathlessly. He buried his face into one of the couch pillows as Peter joined with him. James made a face.

"I don't want to know what they're going to be doing tonight," he said, sticking out his tongue.

"Prongs, shut up!" Sirius said, his laughter stopping for a few moments. "You're disgusting."

--

A/N: Poor, Lily, her innocence gone. But hey, at least she gets to spend the next year with James, right? Well, next chapter you'll see she's not too happy about that. And there will be Lily/James very soon. . .

Review, please!