Wow, i finally got another chapter up. i didn't kno it was going to happen either. i want to thank all the readers for being so patient with me. but ive basically written this in two days. so it might not be wonderful, but hey! its another chapter. so nooooooooo complaining! enjoy the art...

Chapter 10: Meeting the Potters

True to Ari's word, the next to days were hell for all of my friends. It was James this, James that, did you know that James… It was never ending. Ari wished now that she hadn't made me sign up for the show. She said if I knew it was going to end up being like this I wouldn't have done it for you!

"Rox, you're on my foot," I said, rubbing my hands against my tired eyes.

The sleeping form of Roxi grunted and rolled over, letting me have access to my feet. I got up too fast causing me to see temporary stars. The kitchen looked terrible. We hadn't done any cleaning since I got home two days ago. There were plates and silverware piled to the sky, leftover food scattered along the island, and my personal favorite, a large pile of trash that was falling over the trash can.

"My friends are pigs," I muttered, grabbing the cleanest plate to use.

I wanted to look at the clock, but my eyes were still getting adjusted to the morning light. I squinted hard to see the digital numbers. But something was blocking the clock. A large something. Then I noticed… it was a person.

"AH!" I screamed.

"Lily, shut up," it was Sirius.

"What the hell are you doing here at this time?" I asked him. "It's… I would say the time but you are blocking the clock."

The tall boy moved away from the clock… 9:24. "So, what are you doing here at 9:24?"

"I was getting bored of James, so I came over here to see Ari."

"Lily, why did you scream?" Zoë asked, her tired body slumping into the kitchen.

"Merlin, Zoë Carlyle. I haven't seen you in years," Sirius breathed, hugging her.

"I don't remember you being this nice at school," she said awkwardly.

"Well, we aren't at school anymore are we?"

"Whatever," mumbled Zoë, grabbing a glass and pouring herself some orange juice.

"Sirius," came Ari's tired voice, "what the hell are you doing here?"

"I came to visit," he said. "I got bored." He said after seeing Ari's face of disbelief.

Sirius crossed the room and hugged Ari. I had to keep back a laugh. Never would I have guessed that I would have fallen for James Potter, and Ari falling for Sirius Black.

"This is too weird," voiced Roxi, exiting the bedroom.

"Tell me about it," added Paige. "Sirius Black is in the house and no one has attempted to kill him yet."

Sirius smirked at her. "Did I interrupt something here?"

"You wish," said Zoë.

"So, Lily, you excited for tomorrow?" Sirius asked sitting down at the island.

Ari moved to the counter. She placed a pot of coffee on the island, and poured one for herself and Sirius.

"Excited, she's about killed all of us with relieving every little teensy moment with James," moaned Ari.

"Hey, don't even start that. You are the one that signed me up for the show. And, you both knew that it was James!" exclaimed Lily.

The couple shared a smile. "It was all in the plan."

"Yeah, whatever."

Molly Meets the Potters

"Hey you," I said, embracing Molly in a tight hug.

I found her lips. "Hey," she murmured. "I've missed you."

"Me too." It wasn't an outright lie. I had missed Molly, but honestly, I missed Lily more. And I feel terrible for feeling this way. "You excited to meet my parents?"

"I hope they like me," she said without a trace of nervousness.

"I think they will love you."

The ride to my parent's house was filled with mostly kissing. Over the course of these last two months I had figured out that whenever I was with Molly, all she really wanted to do was snog. Which I couldn't complain with, seeing as she was an excellent snogger. But really, that's all I really liked about her. Sure she was a great person, and she was rather interesting. Molly just wasn't the one for me.

The limo stopped in front of the extremely large Potter Manor. Molly's eyes lit up as she climbed out of the limo.

"I absolutely love your house," she gushed. "It's almost as big as mine."

I narrowed my eyes at the girl. "Come on, I know they are waiting to meet you."

Molly wrapped her arm through mine. We made our way to the front door of the house. I opened it up to a raucous of noise.

"Julie, will you please act like a lady. James will be here any minute," Mrs. Potter scolded, her back facing the door.

Julie giggled and slapped a hand to her mouth. My mom must have taken the hint because she spun around.

"James!" she exclaimed, throwing herself at him.

"Hullo Mum," I tried, seeing as how my intake of oxygen was becoming scarce.

"Dora, let him go," said my father, entering the room. "You are going to kill him."

Reluctantly, Dora let go of me. My father pulled me into a many hug. "Good to see you once and awhile there son."

I rolled my eyes, something I had picked up from Lily.

"Hey big brother!" Julie exclaimed jumping on me.

"Yeah, I've missed you to Jules," I told her, setting her back on the ground.

"How much longer till Prongs here?" shouted Sirius, wandered out of the kitchen with a handful of rolls in hand.

"Shut up," hissed Remus Lupin, my other best friend who had appeared from behind him.

"Prongs!" screamed Sirius like a little girl. He in turn jumped on me.

"Yeah, this isn't awkward at all," I muttered, holding Sirius. "Hey Moony."

Remus waved and smiled. He had the decency not to throw himself on top of me. With all the commotion of my old friends and family being here I had almost forgotten completely about Molly. She stood at the door, looking slightly bored.

"I'm so sorry, everyone this is Molly," I said putting an arm around her shoulders. "Molly, this is my mum, dad, Julie, Sirius, and Remus."

"Welcome Molly, you can call me Dora," Dora said smiling, hugging Molly. Molly patted her back awkwardly.

"Nice to finally meet you, I'm Henry," my father said, extending his hand to Molly.

Molly smiled.

"You should remember Julie and Sirius," I told her.

She nodded.

"Well," began Dora, "if you want, we can start dinner now."

Everyone settled themselves into a chair in the large dining room, that no one every actually ate in. Unless you were here for a business dinner with my dad.

The whole dinner went pretty nicely. My parents asked Molly various questions which she answered. Sirius was goofing off. Remus looked like he wanted to throw some mashed potatoes at him.

"So, Sirius," I said addressing my best friend, "how's Ari doing?"

Sirius got the hint. He said loudly, "Ari is doing wonderful, a little sad though."

"Arabella's sad, why?" asked Dora.

I saw the wheels turning in Sirius' head. "Because… her pet goldfish just died. She really loved that Goldie."

I sighed. He couldn't have thought of anything better.

"Molly would you like some dessert?" asked Dora, presenting her with a very tasty looking chocolate cake, my favorite.

"No thank you," she said politely.

"Are you sure, it's my specialty. And it's James' favorite."

Molly said no again. "I'm trying to watch my figure."

Sirius snorted into his pile of pudding. Molly shot him a glare. Julie took the chance to get Sirius out of the room. "Sirius, Remus, will you help me with something in the kitchen?"

Remus obliged. It took a couple more minutes of begging from Julie to convince Sirius to come with them.

"I'll go help them," I offered. I kissed Molly on the cheek and whispered, "I'll be right back."

I entered the vast kitchen to find Sirius flicking pieces of food at Julie. Remus, amused, stood off next to the sink. Julie yelled at Sirius.

"Merlin, I swear sometimes you are more annoying than James himself," she complained.

"I'm not that annoying, am I?" I asked.

Julie twirled around. "You know you are."

"Mate, that girl," started Sirius.

"Yeah Padfoot," I said, "what about her?"

"She's not for you," finished Remus.

I looked over the faces of my two best friends and my little sister. Remus, though quiet, normally speaks the truth. Sirius nodded along with him. Sadly, Julie hung her head.

"What are you saying?"

"She's not…" trailed Julie.

"Lily," ended Sirius.

My hazel eyes jumped over them again. They weren't lying. Of course Molly isn't anything like Lily, that's why there are two totally different girls in the end of this show.

"You didn't even give her a chance," I muttered.

"No, the real answer is James," said Julie evenly, "you didn't give her a chance."

I gave my sister a quizzical look. "You've had the biggest crush on Lily Evans for years. Me, being you sister, has had to live with you talking about her nonstop for all those years at Hogwarts. I finally thought you would get over her when you left school. You didn't bloody date once you left school! You are supposed to be my big brother, someone I can look up to in my times of need and when I need advice on stuff. But I can't ask you for advice on dating when your dating history begins and ends with Lily Evans. You've never really have even dated anyone. You just hook up."

My eyes darted to her. "Oh, don't try and deny it. The two of them can't keep quiet about your days at Hogwarts."

"Prongs mate," argued Sirius, "you try and spend two months of her constant badgering and tell me if you don't cave in."

"Padfoot, she's my sister, I'm used to it."

"Prongs," said Remus, "she's right. For you, it has always been Lily. And it will always be her."

I listened to my friends. Everything Julie had just said was extremely true. Down to every last word and detail. I guess it just took them to yell at me for it to make me realize it.

"I know," I whispered. "But I can't just go and tell her that I'm not going to marry her."

Sirius laughed. "Isn't that what this show is all about? You end up with two gorgeous girls, torn between which one you are going to ask to marry you. And then you lead both of them on, thinking they both are going to marry you. Well now I guess you just do that."

Sometimes Sirius says something intelligent without actually meaning it. "Yeah."

As we finished our conversation, Dora walked into the room. "You boys can go talk to her now. I don't think I can do it anymore."

"That bad?" asked Remus as he passed her.

She nodded frailly, her head in her hands while her elbows graced the counter. "Mum?"

"James, I always knew you had lousy taste," she said abruptly, "but Molly, honestly."

I faked a smile. "I know you never liked who I dated, or rather hung out with. But that's besides the point Mum."

"Do you love her?" she asked point blank.

I have never seen my mum act like this before. Normally she loves when I bring girls home. She goes all Suzie Home Maker on all of us.

"Mum…"

"You don't, thank god," she sighed. "I don't think I would have lived if you married her."

"How do you know I don't?" I questioned.

Dora crossed the kitchen until she was right in front of me. She took my face in her hands and looked at me sharply. "I can tell. You have that faraway look in your eyes like you don't want to be here."

I glanced down, ashamed that my own mother could spot that in my eyes.

"You shouldn't feel guilty," she said softly. "Just because we didn't see the girl you are going to marry tonight, doesn't mean you won't bring her around tomorrow."

I smiled. My mum always had a way with words. "Thanks Mum. I think it's about time to leave."

"Let's go rescue your father," Dora said painstakingly.

Ari//Lily's Flat

"Lily, quit pacing, you're making me nervous," Roxi laughed nervously.

"I can't help it. I'm freaking out here!" I exclaimed.

Ari pushed me into the couch. "Relax, James' parents are wonderful people. Believe me, if they can take Sirius in as a son, then they have some serious guts."

Although I knew my friends were trying to help me, in truth, none of this was making me feel any less nervous or anxious than I was already filling. Molly met James' parents last night. And if she knows anything about Molly she tried to make the best impression that she could. She has that kind of affect on people. The Potters' probably loved her, and that's what scared me the most. I would have to live up to the night before. And I would probably have to be ten times better than that.

"Lily," Paige said, breaking my trance, "the limos here."

My palms were clammy, I couldn't breath right, and I felt lightheaded. Where these the first signs of a heart attack?

"Come on Lil," said Ari, pulling me from the couch and onto my feet.

"Now, we just want you to know that we love you," Zoë said, carrying my bags out the front door.

"And that we know you will be amazing," added Roxi, handing me my purse.

"Call us right after the dinner, if you can," Paige said, embracing me.

"And Lily," said Ari, "I know the Potters', and if I know anything, you will have them around your finger the minute you walk through that door." She leaned in to my ear, "Plus, Sirius and Remus will be there. You will be fine."

Our group of five hugged me tightly. "We love you!" were the last words I heard before the chauffeur shut the door in my face.

The quietness of the limo made my nervous mood even more nervous. If that was even wizardly possible. In a couple hours I would be facing my maybe future in-laws. Just the thought of it made me queasy.

I opened the window, thinking it would calm some of my nerves. And surprisingly enough it did calm me for a bit. The cool air on my hot face felt delightful.

The limo came to a slowing halt about a half hour later. We had arrived at my hotel for the night. I wouldn't be meeting James for another two hours.

Time seemed to have slowed down drastically. For an hour I debated on what I should wear to the dinner. Would it be my long red dress, or the black one? Or maybe that skirt I like so much. It was so damn difficult and frustrating.

With a little less than an hour until James would pick me up, I took a shower finally decided on wearing the cute black dress. The next problem was my hair. Curly, dead straight, or maybe half and half? What would James like? I kept asking myself that question as I readied myself for the night.

Finally, at half past seven, I took in my appearance for the final time that night in the full length mirror. My dress ended an inch above the knee, ruffling out. The dress was a form fitting dress, meaning it clung to all my curves. I hoped I didn't look too much like a slut. The V-neck plunged far, but not too far to reveal enough. Two black ribbons tied at the nape of my neck. And I finally zipped up the back of my dress.

I sighed and tugged on an auburn curl. I had decided to go with the wavy look, since that's how my hair naturally looks. Altogether, I thought I looked presentable. I slipped on my black stilettos and carefully made my way to the lobby.

I saw him first. He had his back to me, but I couldn't have missed him if I wanted to. He was dressed in a pair of casual black pants and a light blue dress shirt that obviously buttoned down in the front. The shirt, thankfully, wasn't tucked in. Something about shirts being tucked in was a big pet peeve of mine. Though the shirt hung loosely on him, it managed to hug his shoulders just right. Even from far away he made me melt.

He turned around and his mouth instantly opened.

"That bad, huh?" I asked giving him a twirl.

"Bad, you look bloody ravishing," breathed James, capturing me in a hug.

"I'm crushing something," I muttered.

"Oh yeah," said James, brandishing a bouquet of Lilies, orange Lilies at that. They were my favorite, and I vaguely remember telling him this. "Your flowers."

"Orange, how did you know?" I asked anyway.

"I remember the time you told me that these were your favorite flowers," he said simply smiling that smile I've fallen for.

"Thank you," I said earnestly, "they are beautiful."

"You're beautiful," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I blushed. James took hold of my hand. "To the limo, mi lady."

Potter Manor

"We're here already," I complained, extricating myself from James. The car ride had been so comforting to my jittery nerves.

"More of this later," James said kissing me one more time before we exited the car. His touch, scent, taste still lingered on my lips. It made me feel rather dizzy.

Now fully aware of what was going on, I became nervous again. "A-A-Are you sure they are g-g-going to like me?"

"Did I ever tell you how adorable you are when you stutter," smirked James. Seeing the look on my face he hastily said, "Lily, just be yourself. I know my parents, and they are going to absolutely love you."

Even those encouraging words couldn't settle the fight the butterflies were putting up in my stomach.

James laced his fingers with mine and led us to the enormous oak front doors. He first rapped lightly on the bronze plate which bore the name Potter and their family crest. Without anyone answering the door, he stepped in.

"We're here!" He shouted to the cavernous ceilings.

Almost instantly, as if they were waiting, a stampede of people charged out of another room to the left. As James' family members hugged him in greeting, I took my time to glance around the manor. Enormous wasn't even beginning to describe how big it was. The entrance hall mirrored that of Hogwarts. Hell it could have been Hogwarts. The stones gave off a feeling of the past, I love it. The whole house gave off a very homey vibe.

My gazing was interrupting by a bone crushing hug from who could only be Sirius.

"Hey Sirius," I said, smiling.

"How you doing my little flower?" he asked.

"Good."

A woman, who was unmistakably James' mother, approached me next. Her long light red hair matched her daughters, although I could tell where James got his eyes. Her hazel eyes shone off her face like the sun.

"Lily, it's so nice to finally meet you," gushed the woman. "I'm Dora by the way."

"Who knew my son could find such a catch," said the spitting image of James himself. "I'm Henry."

"Pleasure," I said, shaking his hand.

James wrapped a protective arm around my waist. "You remember Julie, and that's Remus."

I already knew Remus, and James knew that too, but for the sake of television he introduced us anyways. I hugged Remus and gave him a small smile. Julie embraced me warmly.

"Enough with introductions, Lily dear, are you hungry?" asked Dora, flouncing away to what must be the kitchen.

"I'm starved!" shouted Sirius.

"No one asked your opinion Padfoot," laughed James.

I laughed along too. Knowing Sirius, this was normal. James led us into another high ceiling room. This room gave off more of an Italian feel with the table and mural on the wall.

"Lily, you obviously grew up around here," Dora stated, placing two bowls of steaming pasta on the table. "Where exactly did you live?"

"Oh, I lived in Surrey for most of my childhood. Then I moved to London with a friend after I finished school," I said not sure if I should start dishing myself.

"Take whatever you want," said Dora, guessing my sudden worry. "Sirius has already managed to help himself."

True enough, Sirius had already dumped a large pile of pasta onto his plate along with a pond of sauce. "I told you I was hungry," he said through a mouthful of food.

The whole table laughed. Dinner was fantastic. James' parents were outstanding. They didn't push too many questions. And asked a lot of ones that I had fun answering. Towards the end of dinner, Dora asked me if I would help her in the kitchen. I said no problem.

"Dinner was amazing," I told her as I washed off the dirty dishes.

"Thank you, it's a little hobby of mine."

We cleaned in silence for a while, before Julie broke the silence. "Lily, I'm glad my brother finally found someone as decent as you."

I smiled kindly at Julie. "Thanks, I guess."

"It's just that, James doesn't have the greatest taste in woman," stated Julie point blank. "I blame it on Sirius. But he constantly tells me that it's James' own fault that he can't pick out the good ones."

I laughed, that sounds like something Sirius would say. "I'm glad I could finally meet him too."

James sauntered into the kitchen a minute later. "Could I steal you for a moment?" he asked me.

Dora nodded. "I'm done with the interrogation."

"Thank you, once again Dora."

"Not a problem," sighed Dora, watching us leave the kitchen, "not a problem at all."

"Where are you taking me?" I asked James as he dragged me up another flight of stairs.

"Just follow me," he said. No later after he said that were we stopping in front of a door.

James turned it and pushed it open gently. Light illuminated the room.

"Is this your room?" I asked, stepping into his haven.

Posters of Quidditch teams adorned nearly all wall space. Thankfully the cameras hadn't followed us up here, or they would have seen all these moving pictures. That would be a hard one to explain. The king sized bed dominated most of the room. It was draped with sheets and blankets of scarlet and gold. The colors of Gryffindor House.

Suddenly he swooped over to me and had seized my mouth. Somewhere in the region of my stomach, fireworks shot in every direction. Along with those fireworks, an emotion so unused by me erupted. I didn't know what came over me, but I knew what I wanted to do and I wanted it this second.

We fell onto his bed, which was actually really comfortable. Our intense kissing turned into something more extremely quickly.

James stopped before anything got too serious. "You don't know how much I want to do this right now," he whispered in my ear. "I've had many fantasies, of you… in my bed. Now is not the best time."

"I know," I said sadly. "Another time."

"Another time," he agreed.

I reached up to meet his lips again. Passion dripped from our lips. I had to put a hand over my mouth to stop me from continuing, knowing what would fully happen if we let it carry on.

"Let's go say goodbye," he said, pulling me up.

I straightened myself up as much as I could. We laced hands once again and set off to the lobby. Everyone was already waiting there for us.

"There you two are," Sirius said with a knowing wink.

"Well Lily darling, it's been a pleasure having you," Dora cooed, hugging me very tightly.

"Thank you so much for everything Dora, Henry," I said facing James' dad.

He looked down at me with a warm smile. "Anytime Lily."

"We hope to be seeing you again," Julie added as we stepped out the door.

"Me too," I sighed.

"So, I would say that tonight went extremely well," James said holding me in his arms.

"I would have to say so too."

"And you didn't even pass out," joked James.

I slapped his arm.

"Only kidding," he said kissing me.

One more fiery kiss and we broke apart. "See you soon."

"Definitely," said James reluctantly letting me go.

"Bye," I whispered.