Hi everyone!
First off I'm really sorry this has taken me so long to update but my life has been 100 miles an hour at the moment! I have dodgy internet connection for starters so I never seem to be able to get on when I want to! Plus I'm moving out in just under 3 weeks so I've been sorting out flats, rent, changing bank accounts etc – very stressful!
For the above reasons I'm not sure when the next chapter will actually come but I am still writing this and it will definitely be finished so don't give up on me!
Thanks to the following who reviewed the last chapter too – you lot rock ;
LandUnderWave – yes they are rather cute
Animals are my life – Thanks for reviewing – hope I didn't keep you waiting too long!
Delilah Evans – Oh they're definitely not in love! My story would be over far too quickly!
EboniteEvans – Thanks for reviewing, don't worry about the wait… I seem to be in a similar position!
I hope you like this chapter; I've made it longer so feedback about the length please – too long, too short? Tell me so I can plan future chapters!
Mel xx
5: Shrieking Sisters
James stretched out his legs gingerly so as not to disturb the red head leaning on him. Finding a more comfortable position he let out a barely audible sigh and looked down at Lily. She had her eyes tightly shut, her breathing was slow and even; she was fast asleep. James allowed himself a small smile at the sight, she looked so sweet, and so innocent, but more importantly she looked as if she hadn't a care in the world. He stifled a yawn and screwed up his face at the injustices of the world, Lily's parents were Muggles, they hadn't done a thing and yet they had been ruthlessly attacked and left for dead. He subconsciously tightened the arm he had draped across Lily protectively and leant his head back against the wall. Just as he had relaxed, however, the sound of footsteps made him snap his head back up and he watched as a Healer approached them purposely.
"Lily," He whispered, "Lily, wake up."
She stirred against him and lifted her head up, "What?" She mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
In response James lifted his arm and gestured at the Healer who had just reached them, Lily sat up straight right away, all drowsiness evaporated.
"Miss Evans?"
"Yes. What's happened, are they okay?" She rushed out, standing up as she spoke.
"For the moment they are but you must be aware that things can change rapidly. They are also still unconscious."
"Can I see them now?"
"You may, but only for five minutes – and then I suggest that you go home and get some sleep, you can come back in the morning and spend more time with them."
"Okay."
"Follow me then." The Healer asked.
"Lily," Said James, standing up quickly, "I'll wait here for you."
"You don't…"
"I'm not arguing with you about this anymore, Lily," Interrupted James with a grim smile.
"Okay." She whispered meekly before following the Healer through a door to the ward her parents were in.
Lily rubbed her eyes again as she encountered brighter lighting than in the corridor and nodded her thanks to the Healer as he left her by two beds that were alongside each other in a private room.
Lily slowly lowered herself into a chair between the two beds, gazing at both her parents in turn, they looked so peaceful they could merely be sleeping and Lily had to remind herself that this wasn't the same as a Muggle hospital with wires and machines bleeping constantly.
Before she knew it the Healer had returned, telling her gently that it was time for her to leave. She rose, giving both her parents a kiss on the head and whispered, "I'll be back soon," as she left the room.
As she closed the door to the ward behind her with a gently snap, she saw James walk towards her.
"You okay?" He asked her gently, looking at her with worried eyes.
It was only then that she realised she had been crying silent tears, coursing their way down her cheeks in a constant stream. She sniffed slightly and wiped her face vigorously, embarrassed about keep breaking down in front of him. She looked up, her face still streaked with tears, to see him holding out a tissue to her. It was this simple, silent act that got to her, she found herself smiling and actually let out a choked laugh as she accepted the tissue and wiped her face properly.
James smiled back at her and reached out to put a hand in the small of her back and began steering her towards the exit. She didn't say a word but instead let him take her out of the hospital as she wiped her face a few more times, but this time she felt she was crying more because of the kindness he was showing her when she felt so lost.
A blast of air hit her and she realised that they had just left the hospital and also that James was looking at her.
"I'm going to take you home, okay?" He asked quietly.
Lily nodded her affirmative and let him wrap his arms around her, holding her in a protective embrace as he apparated them both to Lily's house.
An ear splitting scream hit them and Lily focussed her eyes to see the source of the noise; her sister, standing in front of her in the front hall.
"Petunia, shut up." Grumbled Lily as loudly and as forcefully as she could manage while covering her ears with her hands.
Petunia ceased screaming and set her mouth in a thin line, glaring at her younger sister in a way that clearly said she was in for it. She looked around Lily and seemed to notice James for the first time; he had taken a step backwards and was looking slightly shell shocked. For this reason the first words out of her mouth were not, as she intended, directed at Lily.
"Who the hell are you?" She demanded as soon as she found her voice.
James closed his slightly open mouth and straightened up unconsciously, "James Potter." He replied helpfully.
"But, wha- argh!" Petunia screamed frustrated and looked back at Lily who had shut her eyes, "Lily! Where have you been? Where are mum and dad?"
Lily opened her eyes," Petunia…" She began and then stopped, unsure of how to continue.
"What!" Shrieked Petunia, her eyes nearly popping.
James looked slightly alarmed and took a step closer to Lily, resting his hand on her arm in what he hoped she'd interpret as a supporting gesture. She turned her head towards him and he smiled slightly encouragingly. Lily took a deep breath and turned back to her sister.
"They're in hospital, that's where I've been."
"What!" Shrieked Petunia again, "What happened? Which hospital? When? Why didn't you tell me?"
Lily took a shaky breath before whispering, "A wizarding hospital."
Petunia turned, if possible, even paler and her mouth pursed so thin that her lips almost disappeared.
"Why would you send them somewhere like that?" She spat out vehemently.
Lily swallowed and James felt her shaking slightly, he gave her arm a squeeze as she tried to find her voice again.
"Because they were attacked by wizards." She whispered so quietly that Petunia almost didn't catch it.
"They were attacked – attacked by people like you!"
Lily shook her head, "No, by dark wizards."
Petunias eyes flashed, "That's still people like you. Do you even know if they're going to be okay?"
"I don't know." Mumbled Lily, her voice cracking slightly.
"So thanks to you, they might die."
At this point James cracked, he removed his arm from Lily's and stepped in front of her, "I think you've said enough." He said firmly, struggling to keep his anger contained.
"Oh you do, do you? Just who the hell do you think you are, marching in here uninvited!"
"Petunia…" Muttered Lily, but her sister paid her no heed.
"Someone who cares about Lily," Replied James, anger now shaking his voice slightly, "and who offered to bring her home when she was so distraught about what had happened!"
"James…" Tried Lily, "James, it doesn't matter."
"Yes, it does, Lily, I'm not letting her speak to you like that when you've done nothing wrong." James replied, not taking his eyes off Petunia.
"I think you've overstayed your welcome," Snarled Petunia, "Get out."
"I'm going anywhere unless Lily wants me to."
Instantly eyes were back on Lily, who rubbed her hand across her face wearily.
"Petunia, you don't even live here anymore."
"What does that matter? Someone competent will have to stay here to take care of the house while mum and dad are in hospital."
"Lily." Said James abruptly, causing her to look at him in surprise, "Can I talk to you for a second?"
Lily nodded her assent and before she had a chance to move Petunia had swept from the hall, slamming the door behind her. Lily jumped slightly at the sudden noise.
"I'll get straight to the point," Said James and Lily forced her eyes back to him away from the door, "I don't think you should stay here while your parents are in St Mungos."
Lily stared at him for a second before replying, "I'm a big girl James, and ignoring tactics have been employed against Petunia before."
"She's going to give you hell over this, Lily; it's not fair on you."
Lily shrugged, trying to fake indifference but struggling, "And just what to you suggest?"
"Stay with me." Came the prompt answer.
"What!"
"It makes sense," He replied hurriedly, "You'd be away from Petunia, you'd have plenty of space I can promise you, and my place is literally within walking distance of the hospital…"
"I can't just stay with you – it's ridiculous!"
"Why?"
"Because – because … what would your parents say!"
"They'd be fine, they're pretty decent people and mum would love to have some female company."
"But – but…"
"Okay I'm not taking any more buts from you Miss Evans," He put his hands on her waist and turned her around to face the door before letting go of her. "Go and pack a bag, I'll wait here."
Surprising both herself and James, although he wasn't about to admit it, Lily went upstairs to her room and began to quickly throw a few things into a holdall. As she was zipping it up the door to her room banged open and Petunia barged her way in.
"Where are you going!" She asked incredulously.
"Away from you." Was Lily's short answer. She was pleased to hear her voice had stopped shaking.
"You can't just go!"
"Watch me." Lily replied as she went back down the stairs and into the hall, Petunia hot on her heels.
"Wait! How am I supposed to see how mum or dad are?"
"You don't." Lily reached James who took her bag off her with one hand and took her arm with the other, "I might get in contact with you if you're lucky."
With that note of finality James disapparated with Lily by his side, leaving the shrieks of Petunia far behind.
