An Invitation

"Maybe I just don't believe
Maybe you're the same as me
We see things they'll never see"

Oasis - Live Forever

Author's note: Wow… I just realized it's been like five months or something since I updated. Charming... Anyway, I'm not dead and now I've finally finished chapter 28 so here it is.

Oh, and for those of you who've commented on this: I do know that Bellatrix was called "Black" and not "Lestrange" at the time. It just slipped my mind. I actually thought, for some reason, that Regulus was older than Sirius. My mistake. And that Sirius moved in with the Potters… Well, that's just a detail I chose to ignore in this story. Hope you can live with that :)

I hope you guys enjoy the chapter!

James was four years old the first time he rode a broomstick. Even though he was that young, and even though that was 14 years ago now, he still remembered the feeling like it was yesterday. The wind in his hair and the inner happiness when he realized that he could actually fly. Naturally, his dad had been standing right behind him to make sure he didn't fall off or fly too high, but still… It had been the most incredible and memorable event in James' life.

Until he was kissed by Lily Evans.

It took James a second to understand what was happening, that he was not dreaming or imagining things because that surely wouldn't be the first time. For how long had he wanted this to happen? The answer to his own question made him realize that he could not let this opportunity go to waste, and so he gently put his hand in her soft, red hair to bring her face even closer. Lily deepened the kiss and he did not mind, not one bit…

It all ended far too quickly. They broke apart, both breathing heavily and staring at each other - James in surprise and Lily in pure horror.

"I'm… Oh my god… I'm so sorry" she stuttered. "That was… I shouldn't have…"

"Don't apologize"

Whatever you do, don't ruin this, James thought to himself. Let me keep the memory.

Lily swallowed again and again, opened her mouth to say something and then closed it. Her words came out as a mere whisper, and they were the last words James ever wanted to hear her say.

"I have to go"

And then, before he'd even realized what was happening, she took off and hurried out of sight. He stared after her, his mind spinning with all sorts of questions that he might never get the answer to. When James finally returned to the castle, there were no other students in sight. He looked at his watch and it said almost 11 PM. Running into Filch was the last thing he wanted, but then again he knew that he would never be able to fall asleep now...

"Potter!"

He jumped at the sound of professor McGonagall's voice. Turning around to face her, he could see that she narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"What are you doing, wandering around all alone at this hour?"

"I'm Head Boy, professor" James reminded her. "I'm allowed to…"

"That was not the answer to my question"

"I was… I was just…"

Out there transforming into a stag? Kissing Lily Evans?

"I took a short walk, that's all"

McGonagall eyed him for a long while without saying anything.

"That's a funny coincidence"

"Is it?"

James smiled nervously. His Transfiguration teacher did not seem amused.

"Yes. Because that happens to be exactly what ms Evans told me when she ran past my office over an hour ago, looking so frightened one might think a dragon had tried to hunt her down"

"Really? That's weird"

Not that he wanted to boast about it, but James had once been such a great liar even his parents sometimes fell for it when he made up excuses for all his mischiefs. Now, he could swear that McGonagall saw right through him. And she didn't like it one bit.

"Even if you, against all odds, are telling me the truth I ask you to be more carful in the future" she said. "Hogwarts is known to be the safest place of all but… Things change. You of all people should know that"

James didn't say anything. She was right, of course. The devils could be inside the walls any day now and Severus Snape had recently told him that he, James, was one of their targets… But should that mean that he ought to live in fear?

"You should head back to your dormitory" McGonagall continued quietly. "It's late"

For a second, their gazes locked. James nodded slightly and then left the scene without another word. Lily was not in the Heads' common room when he got there and the door leading into her bedroom was closed. He wondered so badly what would happen the next time he saw her.

Lily

"So… How was it?"

The Alice Lily knew so well was definitely back and the serious discussion they'd had seemed to be over. Now, of course, her friend wanted the details and the grin that had spread across her face told Lily that she would not give up easily.

"How was what?" Lily asked, even though she knew perfectly well what Alice was referring to.

She rolled her eyes demonstratively.

"Charms class yesterday. What do you think?! THE KISS, OF COURSE!"

"Don't yell, please"

"Why? There's nobody else in here"

Lily looked around worriedly and when Alice saw her face expression she couldn't help giggling.

"Someone call the Daily Prophet, 'cause the Ice Queen is melting and she doesn't want anyone to find out"

"I just… Not yet, okay?" Lily bit her lip. "I still don't know what any of this means! Maybe he doesn't even want me like that anymore…"

Alice snorted loudly.

"Yeah, and Mulciber and Rowle are both trying out for the Gryffindor quidditch team… Come on Lily, he's been interested in no one but you since third year! Of course he still wants you!"

That's just it, Lily wanted to say but she kept her mouth shut anyway. He tried for so many years and I kept seeing right through him. I always thought it was the other way around but now I see it: I don't deserve him. And he should have moved on ages ago.

Alice's excited sounding voice interrupted her thoughts.

"I still want the details!" she exclaimed.

Lily laughed, suddenly feeling embarrassed.

"What details? I already told you, we kissed and that's about it!"

"Was it hot? Was he any good? For how long did you…"

"Alice!"

"What?!" Alice was laughing now, too. "You're my best friend, it says on page one in the rulebook that you have to share this sort of information with me! I've told you all about Frank…"

"What rulebook?"

But Alice ignored her.

"You've got to give me something to work on here, Lily. So I'm going to ask you one more time and now I want a serious answer: How was it?"

Lily was silent for a long while before she spoke up.

"It was… It was good" she said quietly. "Like… Really good. But who wouldn't expect that, I mean… He's James Potter and he's obviously had years of practice. It's not like I'm the first girl he's ever snogged"

"You're probably the first one who means something, though"

Their discussion came to an abrupt halt when Lily shrieked. Without warning, a large grey owl flew in through the open window and landed on the bedside table. It had a letter tied to its leg and Lily immediately recognized the handwriting.

"It's from my mum" she said and started to untie the letter.

Alice furrowed.

"But that's not your owl, is it?"

Lily shook her head slowly.

"I've never seen it before. My owl's at the owlery here at Hogwarts"

With Alice looking over her shoulder, she unfolded the letter and started to read:

Dear Lily!

I hope you are doing well. Your father and I really miss you here at home, because now with all the wedding preparations every day is quite stressful…

"WEDDING PREPARATIONS?!"

Lily and Alice shouted the words at the same time and Lily looked at her friend, feeling completely horrorstruck, before she continued reading:

Naturally, we asked her to tell you herself but you know how stubborn Petunia can be once she sets her mind on something. Therefore, I am going to have to be the one to invite you to her and Vernon's wedding that will take place on May 8. Honey, your father and I know that you and your sister have not always been on the greatest terms. But this is her big day and I know that she, somewhere deep inside, desperately wants you there. She's just too proud to admit it. Please send your owl back as soon as possible (it was not easy for me to find a way to borrow this one from the Ministry of Magic, I assure you) with your answer. You are allowed to bring a friend if you want.

Take care and we'll see you soon!

Love,

Mum

Slowly, hands shaking, Lily folded the letter again.

"I don't know what to say…" she began and Alice squeezed her hand.

"Oh, Lily…"

She of all people knew how much Lily despised Vernon Dursley.

"SHE'S MARRYING THAT WALRUS?!" Now, she was the one yelling but she didn't care. "How can she do that? When did he propose? I can't stand the thought of… Oh my god, a wedding. This is completely mental…"

For the next half an hour Lily went on and on about how upset she was that this wedding was actually happening. It all seemed like a nightmare she just wouldn't wake up from and even though it might seem selfish, Lily couldn't help thinking that she did not need this on top of everything else in her life. Wasn't James Potter enough to worry about at the moment? Eventually, Alice seemed to have had enough.

"Are you mad because Petunia is getting married?" she said. "… Or are you mad because your mother is the one who sent the invitation?"

Lily knew that her friend was right and she hated to admit it. Apparently, her silence was enough and Alice said:

"I think your mother is right, Lily. She does want you there but…"

"No she doesn't. She doesn't want me or my 'sort' anywhere near her life…"

"That's probably not true! She just doesn't know how to make up for everything that's happened between you two! She's put herself in a really tricky position and that's why you should be the better person and show her that no matter what, she'll always be your sister"

Lily swallowed and her voice trembled slightly as she replied:

"I don't know if I can. There's too much history between the two of us. And what happened last time I saw her… At Christmas… It was just crazy"

"But she's still your sister" Alice reminded her for the millionth time since they got to know each other seven years ago. "And there is absolutely nothing you can do to change that"

Lily could feel the tears welling up in her eyes and since Alice was the only person there, she didn't bother trying to force them back down.

"I guess I just can't believe she didn't send the invitation herself" she whispered. "That's what sisters do, right? I mean, if my relationship with her was slightly more normal I'd probably be a bridesmaid…"

"I know" Alice hugged her friend tightly. "I know"

A couple of hours later, Lily was standing in the owlery and watched as her owl took off with the short letter to her sister regarding the wedding. Before she'd sent it, she'd re-read it so many times she knew it by heart.

Congratulations, Petunia! I can't believe you are actually getting married. Of course I will be at your wedding and I might bring a friend with me. Just let me know if there's anything I can do from here to help. I'll see you all soon!

Love,

Lily

Be the better person… That was what this was all about. At least she had over a month to mentally prepare herself.

Alice and Amelia waited for her downstairs and together they made their way to the Great Hall to have dinner.

"Are you okay?" Amelia asked softly.

Lily nodded, feeling like she tried to convince herself rather than her friends.

"I'll be fine"

But she was bound to regret that sentence by the time they reached the Gryffindor table and noticed where the only unoccupied seats were: next to the Marauders. Lily froze and Alice, who understood, just said:

"Oh"

She hadn't talked to him since last night, when she'd taken off like an idiot without giving him the explanation she knew he deserved. She'd just left him there, probably wondering what the hell was going on. Lily had never felt so embarrassed in her entire life and she could literally feel her cheeks reddening.

"What's the matter?" Amelia asked confusedly. "Let's sit down"

They didn't have a choice. Right as they took their seats, Lily could see how Sirius helped himself to some more chicken. They wouldn't be leaving any time soon… She wondered if James had told the others. Determined not to look at him, Lily helped herself to some pumpkin juice and started discussing this week's Herbology homework with Remus. She was a coward, and she hated it. But she just didn't know what to say to him.

James

Now that Lily, Alice and Amelia had joined them at the Gryffindor table James found it impossible to concentrate on his food. He tried to look at her to see if he could tell anything from her face expression, but she would not meet his gaze no matter how hard he tried.

Maybe she just doesn't care enough, a little voice inside his head whispered.

But then why did she make the move on him last night? James had spent the whole day thinking about that, without reaching any conclusion.

"What's the matter mate?" Sirius asked, his mouth full of food. "You not hungry?"

James had not told him or anyone else what had happened the previous night. Parts of him wanted to, and yet he knew they'd only attack him with questions he didn't have the answer to. No, it was better to wait until he'd had the chance to talk to Lily. But maybe that chance would never come…

"It's nothing" he muttered, having completely lost his appetite.

Would there ever come a day when she would not be there to confuse him and mess with his mind?

Dinner seemed to last forever, and everyone but James himself seemed to have a great time. At least that's what he thought, until Alice started talking to him:

"Not hungry?" she asked, smiling slightly as she nodded towards his plate filled with food.

James tore his gaze away from Lily.

"What?"

"Nothing"

She knows. James was sure of it. He desperately wanted to ask Alice something, anything, but it was impossible now that they were surrounded by the rest of their friends.

"Lily's a bit upset…" Alice started, almost as if she could read James' mind.

He froze. Did she regret it so badly? Hell, he wouldn't be the slightest upset if it weren't for the fact that she'd run off without any sort of explanation...

"She got a letter from her mother earlier today" Alice continued. "Her sister is getting married"

This was not what James had expected.

"What?" he asked. "Isn't she like… Just a couple of years older than us, or something?"

"I guess" Alice said, nodding. "Though her boyfriend, Vernon, is slightly older. Lily hates him"

"Yeah, I know"

After all, there was a time when he used to make it his personal mission to know everything about Lily's life when she was not at Hogwarts. And now her sister was getting married? James could imagine how angry, sad and confused Lily must be about it. He had to talk to her, show him that he was there for her just like she had been there for him… He had to fix this. He had to make her speak to him. But how?

Suddenly, James had an idea.

Later that night, he found her in the library. He knew that she preferred studying in there, even though they had lots of space in their own common room. She looked up when she heard steps approaching, and when she laid eyes upon him Lily looked almost… frightened. James gave her a small smile, silently hoping she wouldn't just run off again… As he got closer she cleared her throat uncomfortably. Her green eyes met his and once again he realized how much he loved them.

"Hi" she said.

"Hi" James replied, hoping that he sounded calmer than he felt. "Can I sit down?"

"Sure"

It took him a while to summon up the courage he needed.

"Have you been avoiding me?"

"What?" Lily laughed nervously. "Of course not"

James couldn't help smiling.

"You're a terrible liar, you know that right?"

"Oh, I can be rather good at lying" she defended herself. "Just not to you"

Realizing what she'd just said, she started blushing and went back to her book. James decided to change the subject.

"I heard about your sister"

Slowly, Lily dropped her quill and looked up at him.

"Yeah…" she said slowly. "Did Alice tell you?"

James nodded.

"I guess you're not too happy about it?"

"No, I'm not"

Soon, they started talking like they had done before last night and before things had changed, for obvious reasons. Lily was relaxed again. She laughed and smiled and shared her thoughts and parts of her life, just like he wanted her to. James enjoyed himself so much he almost forgot why he'd come here in the first place.

"What happened last night…" he finally said, and the smile disappeared from Lily's face so fast one might think it had never been there.

She waited in silence for what he had to say. The problem was just that James himself had no idea what he should tell her. He knew what he wanted. Hell, he'd wanted that since third year. But all of a sudden he was scared. What if they actually got together and then something would go wrong? He'd lose her, all of it… Could he live with that? Could he live without her? And yet, he loved her too much to think that "just friends" would ever be enough.

"Look, having you as a friend is one of the best things that has ever happened to me" he said quietly.

Without warning, something changed. Something in her eyes and the whole look on her face. It was impossible to tell what she was thinking.

"Right" she said. "I understand"

"I mean…"

"No, James, I really enjoy being friends with you too" But there was something weird with the smile she gave him. "What happened was a mistake, I wasn't thinking clearly. I'm sorry"

He felt like she'd just kicked him in the stomach, hard. So this was what she wanted? Of course, you idiot. Had you really expected something else? How could he be naive enough to think that she would forget everything he'd done in the past? How could he actually believe that the two of them might stand a chance? James couldn't for his life understand how he managed to return her smile.

"Uhm… Great" he said, not recognizing his own voice. "Just friends then?"

Lily nodded.

"Just friends" she agreed, that odd smile still plastered on her face like a frightening mask.

It was good, really. At least it was more than he ever could have hoped for two years ago. So why did "just friends" feel worse than "eternal enemies"?

Author's note: If any of you want me to, I'll really try my best to update as soon as possible. I still work a lot, but I could always squeeze in some writing every here and there. Let me know by leaving a review :) And thanks for reading!