Chapter 39: Plots

He paced up and down the hall. That boy and girl were doing fine fighting him until Dumbledore had shown up. They were excellent duelers, there was no doubt about that. He had to get them on his side. Maybe if he got them here and convinced them that it was the better side. Yes, that was it. He could get them to come over to his side.

"Bellatrix!" the Dark Lord shouted.

"Yes, my Lord?" Bellatrix asked hurrying into the room.

"What are the names of the girl and the boy who dueled me in Diagon Alley?" he asked.

"James Potter and Lily Evans, why?" Bellatrix looked confused.

"Don't question me!" he snapped. "I'm not in the mood. I want them brought here as soon as you can arrange it. Don't torture them either, is that understood?"

"Yes, my lord," Bellatrix mumbled before exiting the room. She had a job to do.

The summer months passed quickly. James had quit his job as an Auror to commit full time to the Order. He had told Lily, that it didn't matter if he didn't have a job because he had enough money to live on for the rest of his life. Lily was still in Healer training, and she loved every minute of it. She had learned so much since she started. Plus she got lots of information for the Order. Some of the Healers were very chatty and she was able to find out most of the families that were part of the Death Eaters. Although part of her wanted to work full time for the Order, another part wanted to stay in the Healer program. She hadn't talked to James about quitting her job because he was on a mission, but as soon as he got back she would.

Their new house was absolutely wonderful. They had moved all their things in by July. They had everything unpacked by September. Now their house was their home. It felt amazing to actually own something with James. They were both very pleased with their progress in making the house their own.

It was November now. Almost the end of November actually and James had left two weeks ago. Lily was starting to get worried, but Sirius kept telling her that everything would be fine. Karen had kept her company for the last two weeks, coming over almost every day. Dorcas and Remus would have been over, but Dorcas was out a mission and Remus was with James. Lily felt very alone in the house.

There was a knock at the door, which startled Lily. She reached for wand before realizing that a Death Eater wouldn't knock on the door. Still it never hurt to be safe so she took it with her when she answered the door. On the other side, stood a girl with long brown hair that was pulled up in a ponytail. She smiled at Lily before enveloping her in a hug.

"Dorcas!" Lily exclaimed. She held tightly to her friend. Dorcas wouldn't tell her what kind of mission she was going on, so Lily knew it must be dangerous. She was glad to have her friend back. It was a relief that she was ok.

"How are you?!" Dorcas asked pulling away. "I've missed you so much! You have to tell me everything that happened while I was away."

"Dorcas, slow down," Lily laughed. "I missed you, too. Not much happened while you were away, actually. I got to sit in this house all cooped up and bored. Karen and Sirius came over every now and again, but their schedules have be really hectic so they haven't been over as much."

"That's too bad," Dorcas sighed. "Guess you'll just have to settle for me."

"So can you tell me about your mission now?" Lily inquired.

"Sorry, Lils, no can do," Dorcas replied. "That's top secret information. I can tell you that I was tired and I worked myself to death. Any word from Remus or James?"

"Nope," Lily told her. "I was hoping that they would be able to send owls, but nothing has come since they left. I'm starting to worry."

"I wouldn't," Dorcas smiled. "You know boys, they can never be on time for anything."

Lily and Dorcas had stayed up talking through the night. Lily went into every detail of every little thing that had happened while Dorcas was away. Dorcas told Lily everything she could about her mission. They both ended up asleep on the couch. Lily was curled up in the right corner while Dorcas was lying on her belly with her head on the arm rest. Her toes just touched Lily's leg.

The door creaked open and a tall figure slipped in. He moved swiftly through the house then saw the sleeping girls on the couch. They looked so peaceful lying there. Slowly he made his way over to the redhead. She there curled in a ball, looking as beautiful as ever. Slowly her eyes opened.

"James?" she whispered. "Am I dreaming?"

"No," James smiled bending down so he was in front of her. "I'm here. I'm back."

Lily threw her arms around James neck and pulled him close to her. He was here. He was safe; there was nothing to worry about. Lily could smell his cologne and took a deep breath. She had missed him so much. He rubbed her back and buried his face in her neck.

"I missed you so much," Lily mumbled into his neck.

"I missed you, too," James replied, pulling her closer to him.

"Where's Remus?" she inquired. "Didn't he come with you?"

"I offered to let him, but he wanted to go back to Doe's flat," James explained. "He's really worn out. We came across some Death Eaters a few hours ago. It took us a while, but we got away."

"Don't ever do that again," Lily scolded him. "I was so worried about you. I didn't know when you were coming back or anything."

"I'm sorry, Lils."

Lily pulled away and looked into his eyes for a moment before kissing him. She had missed him so much. She nearly forgot what it was like to kiss him. Unfortunately their reunion was interrupted by their door being blasted open.

Bellatrix smiled as she got what she wanted. She always did. The Dark Lord was going to be very pleased with her. She would be right up there in his inner circle this time. Oh, finally she would get the praise she deserved. And all she had to was bring him Lily Evans and James Potter.

A/N: I know this chapter is kind of short guys, but I really like it seeing as it's going to lead to some really amazing chapters. I had to do something for the big 4-0 right? Anyways, review!