SUMMER'S HERE AND AT FIRST JAMES AND LILY SEEM MORE IN LOVE THAN EVER...AND THEN SOMETHING THROWS THEM OFF BALANCE...! As always please please review! Much love- Bee 3

The greatest thing about being 17 and of age in the wizarding world meant that he could do magic outside of school. James began to whip his wand out for everything, making his Mum frown but he loved it, loved that his talent could finally be seen by his parents. And he also loved that it meant that he'd finally get to teach Lily how to form a patronus charm.

She had arrived that morning, after having been apart for a whole month, and now she was perched on his bed, watching as he attempted to explain how the patronus charm worked.
"You see," He paused and looked at her, smiling, her beauty distracting him for a moment. "Sorry," He shook his head and focused again, she watched him earnestly. "You just have to think of your most powerful happy memory. Then say the spell." He shrugged and half smiled at her.
"Can you show me again?" She asked she had her wand out on the bed; she reached for it and touched it gently with her finger tips, as though stroking a defenceless animal. "One more example please?" She batted her eye lids at him. James blushed under her gaze and came over to the bed, wand still in hand. He kissed her roughly, feeling that tingling feeling run down his spine- a feeling he'd come to associate with being in love.
He pulled away and walked back to the centre of the room. He glanced at Lily then as his wall of photos. "Ready. Expecto patronum." A silver stag burst from the tip of James's wand, it was so bright, glowing almost, it cantered around the room for a moment- Lily watched in awe- and then James flicked his wand and it was gone.

He took her hand as he sat down beside her. "Your go?" He asked. She looked nervous. "Do you want me to explain again?" He wondered.
She shook her head. "No its okay, I understand, I'm just trying to pick a memory."
James was quite. He didn't say a word. He pressed his lips together he would not interfere with her choice of memory, if she didn't pick one with him in it well then that was her business. The fact that from the day they'd got together his happiest memory had changed from he and the other Marauders, to he and Lily was something she didn't need to know, it would only biased her choice of memory.

Lily attempted the spell many times over the days that followed. She was only staying for a long weekend, so she was worried that she'd run out of time. On the third day, she gripped her wand, her hand sliding on the wood, sweaty from her constant practice. "Expecto Patronum." She said taking a deep breath, her mind whirling with her happiest memory. To her surprise the tiniest whisper of silver appeared from the end of her wand. She looked at James delighted! "I did it." She threw her arms around him and kissed him.
Taken aback by the sudden kiss, he replied eagerly. "Lily." He murmured her name and his hands pulled her closer to his chest. "I love you." He told her, something he'd never get tired of saying.
She kissed him once more then pushed him back onto his bed; he flopped back onto it with an easy grace. "Watch me." She declared.
James laughed and propped himself up on his elbows and said. "With pleasure,"

Lily wiggled her hips were she stood in the middle of his room and banished her wand at him grinning then said "Expecto Patronum." Her mind filled with thoughts of James. A silver shape flicked from the end of her wand. James beamed. She looked at him briefly, he ran his hand through his hair, in that handsome, sexy way and she knew she could to it this time. She repeated the spell, with an extra flourish of her wand and suddenly a silver doe erupted from the end of her wand and hovered gracefully in the air, it moved with such grace and majesty that both teenagers were captivated by it.

It vanished after a moment, and when Lily tore her eyes away from the spot it had vanished from she saw James right beside her, tears in his eyes. "Do it again" He whispered.
Lily did as he asked and the doe's peaceful present filled the room once more. But this time, the silver figure of the doe was no longer alone, James had raised his own wand and completed the spell too so now, stood beside the doe was a large silver stag.
Lily gasped; a stag and a doe, they complimented each other. She looked up into James's eyes and knew he was her future; she reached for him just as he reached for her. Their lips meant. The fire- the passion burnt within him as he brought her closer to him and whispered just one word. "Soulmate,"

*
James was lying in his bed, holding up a letter into the sunlight so that he could read Lily's words.

"James,
It feels like so long since I've seen you! The holiday in Cornwall was great! The beach was fun...the water a little chilly! Anyway, my family are all excited about meeting/seeing you- well except Petunia-but you know..! Urgh merlin! You know that boyfriend she had...? He was over last week! And it made me realise how horrible he really is, you are not going to like him- I just know it!

You're arriving on Friday right?! I'm so excited! The BBQ is Saturday remember? Then Sunday we have dinner with my grandparents! You're going to be shaking a lot of hands this weekend, and flashing a lot of that charming smile to win over my family. You must be on your best MUGGLE behaviour this weekend! Ah! I can't wait to see you!- I have a little gift for you from my holiday!
What time do you think you'll be arriving on Friday?! Ah how I miss you my handsome Jamie!
So much love,
I miss you soulmate,
Love your Dear Lily."

He sighed and dropped the letter onto his chest, letting his hand fall onto the bed. Then he ran his fingers through his hair. He couldn't wait to see her again! The weekend when he'd taught her to produce a patronus charm and then everything that had followed after he had whispered "Soulmate," in her ear, was constantly on his mind. He couldn't think of anything but her...his mind whirled with images of the two of them, he wanted nothing more than to be with her, it was all he could think of.

He dozed off, daydreaming of Lily. He was rudely awoken from his luxurious daydreams of the two of them, by a loud knocking at the front door two floors down. He sighed and closed his eyes, hoping to ignore whoever was at the door, but the persistent knocking continued. James groaned and sat up; he could hear a voice shouting too, between the knocks. His parents weren't home; he had to go deal with whoever it was. James rolled off his bed, snatched his wand off of the bed side table, and sticking it in the waist band of his jeans, he headed down stairs.

He made his way down the stairs, but it wasn't until he recognised the voice that was yelling from outside that he began to hurry. He ran the last flight of stairs, gripping the hand rail with his free hand as he reached the bottom step, just catching himself from slipping, the bottoms of his socks failing to keep a hold on the wooden flooring. He rushed along the hallway and unlocked the front door with a flick of his wand, the knocking stopped as the door swung open and his best friend- his brother- toppled into his arms.

James caught Sirius as he staggered forward once more, James hauled him inside and propped him up against the wall. Neither boy spoke. James didn't know what to say, he was simply staring at his best friend in horror.

Sirius looked haggard. His face seemed thinner, haunted, deep shadows fell under his eyes and around his jaw. There was a deep blood red cut on his left cheek, his skin was pasty and pale. His usually slick and shinny hair was ragged, a mess. James noticed his robes looked tattered too.

"Sirius-!" He said finally. James's voice broke as he looked upon the young man who was his best friend. Sirius, leaning on the wall for support, looked up at him, through his messy hair, his expression dazed and disorientated. "What happened to you?" James asked, his head hurt, his mind swirled, but he already knew the answer.
"I left." Sirius's voice broke as he spoke, a sob escaped from his lips. He looked up at James.
James looked at Sirius. Words failed him. He gripped Sirius, wrapping his arms around his best friend.
"Oh Sirius." He whispered tears springing to his eyes. Sirius responded to the hug his arms tightening his best friend.
"James." He croaked.

When they broke apart James glanced at the open door. Sirius's collection of belongings were grouped at the bottom of the front stairs that led up to the door: his school trunk, two rucksacks and a guitar case. James didn't think twice as he went to retrieve Sirius's things. He dragged his trunk up the stairs then grabbed the rucksacks and slung them both over his shoulder. He picked up the guitar case. Sirius stood in the doorway watching him, as James came back up the stairs he moved further into the house to allow him room to manoeuvre the luggage. James dropped the rucksacks onto the floor and lent the guitar case against the wall then wrapped an arm around Sirius's waist. "Come on Padfoot." He said.

*
In the kitchen, James poured them a glass each from his father's stash of Firewhiskey and they sat quietly. James watched Sirius as he drank, his hands shook. Finally James broke the silence "What happened?"
Sirius drank once more draining his glass; he reached for the bottle to refill it, James didn't stop him. "They were being arsey as usual, my father," His voice twisted saying it. "Told me I was a good for nothing-," He hesitated looking at the contents of his glass. He drank again, it burnt his throat. He gasped a little then shrugged. "He hates me." He started again. "I couldn't stand it! He's acting as though I'm the troublesome son because I won't run off with the Death Eaters!" Anger flashed across his face.
James grimaced. "So Reg's actually joined them now?" He asked.
Sirius nodded and drank another gulp of Firewhiskey. "Yep has the mark and everything." James could see the pain on Sirius's face as he spoke. "I couldn't stand it. So I left." Sirius shrugged, he looked empty as though he may never smile again.
James nodded understanding. "Yeah," He sighed. "So what spells did he use then?" He asked gently, jerking his head at Sirius, who looked ashamed at the mention of the bruises and cuts that lined his face. "Sorry I didn't mean-!" He said quickly.
"No, no." Sirius said cutting in. He took a deep breath as though steadying his thoughts; he raised the glass to his lips again. "The Cruciatus Curse mostly." He said his tone emotionless. "Then-!" He shook his head, and James noticed a look of pain come across his features. "He tried to get Reg to join in," He shuddered. "And when he wouldn't, he used the Imperius Cruse to make him. Poor Reg."

They didn't discuss it much after that, they emptied Mr Potter's bottle of Firewhiskey- Sirius consuming most of it- and then James helped Sirius take his things upstairs to the spare room beside his. There were still remnants of Lily's stay, in the room. Although she hadn't actually slept in there she'd still used the room. In a vase on the small window sill was something that was obviously from Lily: a single Lily flower in the vase that usually sat empty.

Sirius looked from the flower to James and rolled his eyes. "I'll um-," James coughed leaning over the bed and picking up the vase. "I'll take that."
Sirius smiled crookedly at him, such a contrast to his previous state; he even gave a low laugh as he said. "I guessed it was for you. I didn't think you'd anticipated my arrival and decided to make the room more homely."
James laughed. "Whatever." He said holding the vase with the lily flower close. He moved towards the door, "I'll let you get settled. Mum and Dad will be home soon."
Sirius nodded "Thanks Jamie." He said taking a deep breath as he picked up one of his rucksacks and placed it on the bed. "This means a lot." He continued, without looking up from the bag as he searched inside it.
Something caught in James's throat; he didn't know what to say. He gulped and nodded. "Any time Padfoot." He finally muttered and stepped outside the room closing the door behind him.

He looked now at the Lily flower touched by Lily's small gift to him; he smiled to himself as he unlocked his door and placed it gently on his own window sill. He stood for a moment looking at it, thinking of Lily, and then turned just as Sirius opened the door and walked in.
"I see you added more photos." He remarked nodding to James's wall of photos as he flopped onto the four-poster bed.
"Yeah," James said, dragging his eyes from the flower, he moved over to the wall. "Some really good ones," He turned and grinned at Sirius who was watching him from the bed. "You know," James said on impulse. "Everything is going to be ok!" He spoke softly his eyes levelled on his best friend.
Sirius met his gaze. He nodded, gulped and said. "I know. I'm with you." He sighed and fluffed up his hair, which James noticed he'd tamed and cleaned rather hastily with a spell. He smiled his trade mark smile, but it seemed forced. He sighed. "I just wish I could help Reg." The look of pain on his face made James's stomach twist.
James struggled to understand how Sirius could still remain so loyal to his brother- a brother who had turned against him and despised everything he stood for. "Sirius-," He hesitated not wanting another argument, like the one they'd had before- "I think he needs to find his own way, his own path, maybe-hopefully- he'll realise the right way..."
Sirius cut in, shaking his head. "Even if that did ever happen he'd never get out of there alive," He shuddered. "It's the Death Eaters," He said gritting his teeth. "I hate them all. How can I save him from them?"
James looked down at his palms then back up at Sirius. "You want to know the real answer to that question?" James asked and then avoiding Sirius's eyes he answered. "You can't."

*
He inspected a chequered blue shirt, frowned as he considered it. "That'll do." He muttered stuffing it into his rucksack along with clean trousers and another shirt, "PJ's," He tutted; reminding himself that he had to wear suitable clothes to bed while staying at his girlfriend's house. He grabbed a pair of grey jogging bottoms that Lily had brought him when they'd gone out muggle shopping once. They were the most comfortable things he'd ever worn, he stuffed them in the bag along with a 'Quidditch chaser' t-shirt he'd got at a Tornado's match last summer. He threw a few more items of clothing into the bag just to make sure he had enough with him. He was nervous, he'd discussed his departure for the following day with Sirius who had shrugged and asked "Why would I care?" with a laugh. But James was still worried, worried about leaving him alone.

Sirius had a sad, dampened look in his eyes, he attempted to look like he was doing fine, but James couldn't ignore the slump in his shoulders, the way the spark had left his eyes or the way his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

James travelled to Lily's via train and was picked up at the station that Friday evening, by her father who shook his hand warmly. "James." He said.
"Mr Evans." He smiled nervously biting his lip.
"It's good to see you. Lily wanted to come but she's at home with some of the family who have already arrived." He explained as they headed to the car park. "You'll realise," Mr Evans grinned taking James's bag and putting it in the boot of his car. "That some of my wife's side of the family are a little over friendly," He laughed. "And they're all very," He emphasised the word "-very- keen to meet you!"

Mr Evans drove them from the station; they made small talk, discussing random things, James's palms were sweaty, nervous, at the very thought of meeting Lily's extended family, he was also nervous about seeing Lily- which was stupid- but he was worried he wouldn't be able to control his emotions...

He got out the car and collected his bag from the boot and was waiting for Mr Evans to lock the car before he proceeded to walk up to the house, but just as he reached the gate leading to the front garden of The Evans house the front door opened and Lily appeared running down the pathway with no shoes on, calling "JAMES!" in delight. She threw her arms around him when she reached him and buried her face into his shoulder, his arms instantly closed around her. "James." She repeated and he felt her press her lips to the hollow of his neck, his blood burned and he pulled her closer, kissing her - just as Mr Evans walked up the path, he coughed and said "Excuse me."
Lily pulled away blushing. "Sorry Dad."
"Don't mind me." He chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief at the power of young love, as he continued up into the house.
Lily turned back to James, her hands on his face, tangling in his hair. "Hey you." Her face broke into that beautiful smile.
"Hey yourself Evans." James murmured jutting his chin up as he locked eyes with her and kissed her once more.

He would honestly kiss her forever if he had the choice: he didn't want to break away from her, from this moment, on the moonlit path where they stood embracing; however that was not an option. There came a cough from the doorway and a high-pitched woman's voice said. "Lily Evans! Quit the tongue tangling and come and introduce him to your aunt."
They broke apart. "Auntie Julie." Lily giggled, pressing her lips to his for a slight second then taking his hand; she led him up into the house...

Downstairs he could still hear the hubbub of conversation from the adults who had continued to socialize into the night. Lily, however, as it was getting late started to lean into his shoulder, yawning and eventually Mrs Evans ordered them off to bed. He'd stayed at Lily's just once before so he knew the spare room which he'd be sleeping in, nevertheless Lily showed him inside the room. "So this is where you'll be sleeping..." She said as she walked into the room and only turned to face him once James had closed the bedroom door carefully behind them.
"Thanks," She whispered, smiling.
"For what?" James laughed, shrugging slightly.
"For being you," She took his hands, linking her fingers through his. "For charming my family, for flashing that smile, for being such a good pretend muggle." She laughed.
James laughed too, his hands tightening around hers. He shrugged. "So I did ok?" He asked sheepishly.
She beamed. "You did wonderfully."
"So, erm," James hesitated. "Where's Petunia?"
Lily's brow creased. "She's at her boyfriends." She frowned some more. James untwined his fingers from hers and gently rubbed the thumb of his right hand on her forehead, attempting to rub the frown away.
"You don't like him." It was a statement not a question. Lily nodded.
"He's so indifferent, a snob, critical, over confident- lacking intelligence- rude, disrespectful. I don't know what she sees in him." She reeled off her list of dislikes.
James grimaced and nodded. "And I get to meet him tomorrow?" He checked. "Great."

He yawned, half blind with sleep, dragging his fingers through his hair as he stumbled downstairs into Lily's kitchen. "Morning," He yawned as he spoke.
The Evan's family looked up from around the room.
"Oh, Good morning James."
"Good morning."
"Don't you look awake!" Said one of Lily's relatives laughing.
James nodded unable to speak again, half comatose by lack of sleep.
Lily bounced up to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Morning Prongs."
"Dear," He just managed to say before a yawn escaped his lips once more. Lily knew how sleepy he was so carefully led him to a free seat at the kitchen table between one of her uncles and her young cousin.
"J get a drink." She told him, pouring him a glass of orange juice; she pushed the glass into his hands. He drank.
"Sorry." He muttered. "Sleepy."
"Really?" She giggled getting herself a drink too and settling herself on his knee.
"Fry up?" Mrs Evans asked James, from the stove where she was frying sausages.
James smiled, blinking, "Yes please. I'm starving." He grinned.

As the day progressed James woke up more and helped out readying the house for more of Lily's relatives who were all coming in the afternoon for a BBQ. James was carrying garden chairs across the garden when Lily ran out of the kitchen and tapped his shoulder. Surprised, James almost dropped the chairs he was carrying. "Lily." He said shocked, securing his grip on the chairs.
"Petunia just turned up." She said crossing her arms, frowning.
"One sec." James said crossing over to the table and quickly unfolding the chairs he'd been carrying. He walked back over to Lily and touched her shoulder gently. "You spoke to her yet?" He said in a low voice, as Lily's uncle walked past them with coals for the BBQ.
Lily shook her head. "No and I wish I didn't have to. She's just mean to me. And, well she doesn't like you-!" She looked pained.
James shrugged and put his arms around her to comfort her. He kissed the top of her head. "I'm a big boy. Don't worry about me. I'm just worried about you." He whispered in her ear.
Lily was about to reply when a voice came from inside over the general chatter. "Lily! James! Come in here please!" Lily's mother called.
Lily groaned. "Mum wants us to pretend Tunney doesn't hate me." She sighed.

They went inside, holding hands. In the kitchen, Mrs Evans was talking to Petunia and a tall, beefy man, who could only be her boyfriend, Vernon Dursley. James self consciously puffed out his chest and straightened his shoulders as they approached the other couple; he took in the image of Vernon. He was the very essence of a stereotypical young muggle man- but James didn't exactly consider that a good thing; not because he was a muggle but because of the type of man he was- James could tell this from not only his looks and dress sense but the way he held himself, his manner, he could tell that he was pompous and self righteous.

Vernon was large, he had thick brown hair, gelled flat to his head; his eyes were small and sharp and cold- lacking any sense of liveliness. His face was blotchy, he had hardly any neck, his face was youthful but his expression made him look older than his years but not in a way that portrayed wisdom but that showed cockiness. The wisps of hair above his upper lip that was attempting to be a moustache just looked humorous and added to his attempts to look older. He wore grey trousers and a light blue shirt; he looked like he had just walked out of muggle office not heading to a family gathering.
"Petunia. Hi." Lily said as warmly as possible; James's hand tightened around hers knowing her sisters' coldness hurt her deeply.
"Lily." She said plainly.
"And James," Mrs Evans said walking round to him and warmly patting James's shoulder, trying to defuse the tension between her daughters.
"Nice to see you again Petunia," James said politely, he offered her his free hand. Petunia looked at his hand and frowned, but sensing her mother's eyes took his hand briefly before letting going.
"And you must be Vernon." James said keeping polite, offering his hand now to Vernon. "I'm James Potter, Lily's boyfriend."
"So I've heard." Vernon said his eyes flicking to Lily's worried face. "Yes Vernon Dursley. Nice to meet you," They shook hands, James felt the older guys hand tighten around his, squeezing as though attempting to crush his fingers.

Now the pleasantries were over James and Lily escaped into the empty hallway, where Lily instantly folded into his arms, her cries muffled only because her face was pressed into his shoulder. James soothed her and stroked her hair.
"Hey Lils," He whispered. "It's ok."
"Why does she hate me?" She whispered the sound of pain in her voice tore at his heart he sighed and hugged her closer.
"She doesn't hate you." He promised pushing her long hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ears so as to see her face more clearly. "Don't you see...? She's jealous; she wants to be part of our world."
Lily shook her head. "She thinks we're freaks."
"That's her cover. Don't you see?" James shrugged. "From what you told me about when you got your letter...well she's jealous. Didn't you and Snape find a letter from Dumbledore explaining why she couldn't go to Hogwarts too...?"
Lily nodded. "Yes but that was years ago."
James gritted his teeth. "But Dear," He tried to explain. "She still feels that way, but she hides it by being hostile. She'll realise what she has done, by alienating you from her life, soon enough and she'll want to fix it. I'm sure."
"I hope." Lily whispered her green eyes on his. She kissed him. "Love you Prongs."
"Love you too." He said, feeling heaviness on his chest, he'd just spent the last few days seeing Sirius upset and depressed and he hated it. Seeing Lily had been his escape from that, but now here she was upset and emotional too and he couldn't stand seeing the people he loved hurting when he knew there was nothing he could do to help them. He ran a hand through his hair then wiped her tears away. "We better get back out there." He nodded towards the door. They joined hands and headed back out into the garden.

The BBQ was successful; James licked the tomato ketchup from his fingers as he ate another hot dog. "These are wonderful." He grinned.
Lily laughed at his expression and sipped a drink she called Coca-cola. He'd tasted it for the first time today and loved it. He snatched the beaker from her and drank from it. "Muggle food is tasty." He said a little too loudly.
"Muggle?" Said Lily's young cousin as he walked past stuffing his face with food.
"Erm," James looked over at Lily for help.
She shrugged and knelt down at his level and ruffled his hair. "Just a silly word, don't worry Arty. Go and find Mummy and check you're actually allowed any more of those sweeties," She flashed a smile at him, and grabbed a boiled sweet from the bowl he was carrying and popped it into her mouth. He gave an indignant noise and whined. "Lily!"
Lily laughed, kissed his head and stood up again. "Go on cheeky monkey." She grinned, tapping his shoulder gently.

James watched this exchange, loving the easy way Lily interacted with kids, his mind wandered: imagining her guiding a little boy with jet black hair by the hand while he pushed a pram that held a tiny ginger newborn baby girl. He smiled and as she looked at him came back to himself, dragging himself away from his thoughts of their own family. "What?" She asked as he continued to smile at her.
"Nothing," He said quietly, not quite able to banish the image of their own family from his mind.

The day wore on, James relaxed and enjoyed himself, finding Lily's family sociable and accepting; although he was careful to avoid both Petunia and Vernon. He thought the whole day had been a success until a flustered looking Mr Evans came over to him with news. "There's someone here to see you." He frowned. "A tall, long haired boy," For some reason James first thoughts were of Snape because he knew that he lived nearby, however thinking rationally he realised the Evans would know Snape by name, so the only conclusion could be that Sirius had somehow turned up.
He stood up excusing himself from Lily's aunt whom he'd been chatting to. "I'm sorry." He said in a low voice to Mr Evans. "I didn't invite him here or anything-!"
"He looks like trouble," Mr Evans frowned. "Dangerous- especially with that motorcycle,"
'Definitely Sirius,' James thought. 'Infamous for that large black motorbike,'
He crossed the lawn and entered the kitchen, closely followed by Mr Evans, as he reached the hallway he paused before opening the front door.
"Sorry, sir," He hesitated. "Is it ok if I speak to him alone?" James asked politely.
Mr Evans hesitated, obviously weighing up his options. "Ok," He said finally. "But I'll stay in the kitchen."

Once Mr Evans had gone back down the hall and into the kitchen, James opened the front door and found Sirius pacing on the path.
"Sirius?" James asked.
Sirius looked up from his pacing, ran his fingers through his ragged hair. "I've just come to tell you I'm leaving." He said blandly, not meeting his best friend's eye.
"Leaving?" James repeated, glancing behind him back into the house before stepping outside, and shutting the door.
Sirius shrugged. "I've got to protect him." He said simply and he didn't need to say anymore, James understood everything: Sirius had given up, he was going to join them, going to become one of them, all to protect his younger brother.
"No." James said shaking his head.
"Yes," He gritted his teeth and flashed a glare at James. "I'm sorry but he's my brother, I have to go."
James shook his head and looked down. "If you go, I go." He said sincerely, meeting his gaze as he finished the sentence.
"What? NO!" Sirius looked up at him, fear flooding his face, fear that quickly changed to anger. "No, you won't."
James puffed out his chest and said, his throat catching with emotion, "I won't be the Aurour who turns his wand on his best friend. I'm with you all the way."
Sirius stared at him. "I can't let you do that,"
"And I can't let you go alone."

They were stuck at a stalemate, each boy determine to hold their own ground. Voices were heard from behind the door, and then it opened. James dragged his gaze from Sirius's stone set face to see Lily standing in the doorway and suddenly he realised he could never go with Sirius.
"James? Sirius? What's going on?" Lily asked anxiously.
James glanced at Lily. "I hadn't had time to tell you, but Sirius moved in with me; he left his parents house finally."
Lily looked worried. "Oh Sirius," She looked at him with a sad half smile. "I hope you're okay. I mean, I know you didn't get on with your family but, it's still got to be hard,"
Sirius shrugged and said nothing; Lily looked at James for help.
James continued. "And Regulus has gone to join the Death Eaters,"
"Oh, Sirius," She whispered, her tone filled with sympathy, she was someone who knew how it felt to lose someone to the Dark Side.
Sirius ignored her and said looking at James. "I'm going." He headed down the path.
"No-!"
"Going where?" Lily asked.
"He's going to join them." James said angrily.
"Don't say it like that," Sirius argued stopping and turning to look at the two of them. He looked at Lily. "And he said he'd come with me." He said accusingly, pointing his finger at him.
Lily looked horrified. "No, James." She whispered her face etched with pain. She stumbled towards him and took his hands. "You can't." She breathed.
James steadied her. "Lily-," He said desperately. "You don't understand." He began.
"You can't do that," She said, her voice unsteady-filled with hurt, she looked as though she were in physical pain.
"It's all words." Sirius shrugged. "He won't actually do it."
James was torn he stared desperately between the two people he cared about most in the world. "Lily I can't be the Aurour who fights his best friend!" He glared. "I didn't want to let him go alone."
"So you'd be willing to leave me?" She said distraught.
James floundered. "No," He began. "No, It's- I-," He looked at Sirius pleadingly. "Don't go Padfoot."
Sirius saw the pain in James's face, suddenly he was torn. "But, my brother-," He whispered.

James didn't know what to say, he looked at Lily pleading for her help. Lily advanced slowly on Sirius and looked him the eye. "I understand your pain Sirius." She said sincerely. "I lost my best friend to the Death Eaters, It still hurts, but going to join them is not the right thing to do. We have to fight for the right side, the side that protects the people against You-Know- Who."
Sirius didn't say anything for a long moment and then he pulled Lily close to him and hugged her tight- a strange sight for James as these two hardly shared more than witty remarks and the odd joke. "I just want to protect him Lily." He whispered.
"I know, I know." Lily said hugging him back.

Once Lily had calmed Sirius down, he came inside for a drink, Lily lead him inside ignoring James completely. James followed behind them unsure of why Lily was so stand offish. Lily and Sirius drank tea and talked for awhile then Sirius stood up to leave. He thanked Lily promising he'd call her from the phone box near the Potters house as soon as he got back there. Then he hugged her and turned to James. "Thanks," He said looking down at his feet. "Sorry." He held out his hand. James shook it but pulled him into a hug straight after.

Once Sirius had left James turned to Lily. "Thanks Dear. You were amazing."
"Don't," She said angrily, crossing her arms and stepping back as he tried to put his arm around her.
"What?" He asked.
"I don't want to talk about it." She said crossly turning and walking back out into the garden.
James stood there, in her kitchen, confused not knowing what to do.