The next day was Saturday plus Hogsmeade weekend, so everyone was quite excited to go there, and since it was not windy so people were more open to enjoying it. But the students in the castle were unaware of the grave news that will make its way toward them tomorrow morning. Though few people knew about that even before it reached the headmaster.
Regulus Black was shut in his dorm, his dormmates after asking him about his well-being a few times left for the village along with others. When it was 1 in the noon, and he was sure most of the castle people have left, he finally got up from his bed, wrote a message and put it in the fireplace of the common room and then made his way to the library.
"Hey!" said Julia happily as he reached her sitting place, the corner spot in the library.
Regulus' grim face broke into a smile on seeing her. He took the sit beside her and then remembered the things he heard in the morning his expression saddened. Julia looked at him confusedly.
"What happened?" asked Julia.
Regulus looked at her and then said, "Well Dumbledore is not here and something wrong is going to happen."
"What?" asked Julia.
"I am not clear, something out of the school, so that's a relief," said Reg sadly. "I have warned Dumbledore about the attack."
Julia saw the sadness, she took his hand and pressed it, "You have done your part, Reg."
Reg shrugged, looking down and Julia pulled him into a tight hug, "Don't be sad, I am proud of you and we can hope everything will be alright," she said rubbing his back.
Reg buried his head in the crooked of her neck, "Thanks, Juls."
"So, it's Juls now?" asked Juls.
"Don't you like it?" asked Reg.
"I like it, Reggy," chuckled Julia.
Reg pulled back his head and kissed her and then smiled into the kiss, "Were you eating Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans?"
"Ahh, sorry about that, was just eating it secretly before you came in," replied Julia.
"At least it's soap flavour this time rather than farm dirt like last time," grinned Reg.
"It's your mistake that everytime I eat some bad flavour you snog me," said Juls hitting his hand playfully.
"Then you should eat more bad flavour because I can put with some bad flavours until I get to snog this beautiful girl," said Reg.
"I will rather prefer good flavour with the snog," said Julia laughing and resting her head on his chest. "Wish we could remain like this forever."
"Soon, once all this stupid war gets over then we will run away somewhere peaceful, and live happily forever," said Reg.
"I like that," said Julia.
"Tell my brother and James to meet me at the same spot," said Reg.
"So, where to first?" asked James.
"Honeydukes," said Lily.
Both of them entered the shop, checking new flavour sweets and buying the one they liked. Despite her protest of Lily, James paid for both of them. The pair was now going from shop to shop admiring and buying things, they were leaving Zonko's when Amy caught up with them.
"Hey James and Lily," she said.
"Hello Amy, how are you?" asked Lily.
"I am fine, actually I needed a favour," she said turning red.
"With?" asked James.
"Well I need to make someone jealous," she said turning red and looking at her feet.
"Who?" asked Lily grinning.
"I. . .. " she started fidgeting her fingers.
"It's okay if you don't want to tell," said Lily and then signalling James to speak.
"I am ready to help you," said James.
Amy looked up at him, "Actually it was Lily's help I need," said Amy.
"I don't understand," said James.
"Well it's Fiona, we were together for a while but she is too stubborn to admit it and is shyer," said Amy.
"It means, but you. . we. . . ." James begins.
"I was just returning Remus a favour and also because I was searching myself," said Amy.
"Ohh," said James.
"So, what do I need to do?" asked Lily.
"Just we can grab drinks together, she is in three broomsticks," said Amy.
"Well, I know someone who is experienced in that field and will help you," said Lily grinning.
"Who?" asked Amy.
"Marlene," said Lily.
"What?" asked James.
"Shut up James," said Lily.
"She never told me," said James. "And what with Sirius?"
"Marls was just having fun, I and Mary were as shocked as you," said Lily.
"Ohh, well I get a new point to tease Marls and then probably Padfoot too," grinned James.
"You will not do such a thing," said Lily in her angry voice.
"Why?" asked James.
"Because that's wrong,"
"But it's funny,"
"No, it's not,"
"Lils please," said James in the most pleading voice making a cute face at her, Lily almost gave in but then shook her head.
"No James, that's the wrong thing to do," said Lily. "And I will take the easter offer off the table."
"Fine, I won't," said James throwing his hand in mock surrender.
"That's my boy," grinned Lily.
"Ahem, ahem, You guys are done yet?" asked Amy.
Both of them turned to her turning red.
"Yeah, sorry," Lily said.
"So, how long you both have been together?" asked Amy.
"No, we are not," said J and L together.
"Come on, it's so obvious, I promise I won't tell anyone," said Amy.
"Since before Christmas," said Lily.
"So, you are his secret GF," said Amy.
"Yeah, she is," said James grinning.
"Don't worry I will not tell anyone, you can go public whenever you are ready,"
"Thanks, Amy," smiled Lily.
"But when you announce it, I want a big Gryffindor party, as I have put 5 galleons on you two," winked Amy and James and Lily laughed.
"Let's go and make your girl jealous," said Lily.
As all three of them walked towards three broomsticks James and Lily entered into a banter regarding 'GOLLUM.'
"You know, you both look cute together, even when you are arguing," commented Amy, both J&L turned red and then began arguing again as they entered the Three Broomsticks, where their friends were all already there playing exploding snap.
"Hey Guys," said J&L, as all three of them sat. Lily whispered something to Marls and she grinned before getting up and dragging Amy with her.
"What's going on?" asked Sirius.
"Nothing, just sit quietly," said Lily as all six of them watched Amy and Marls, who after buying a drink sat at a table near Fiona's. As Amy and Marls began their act Lily saw Fiona turning red and shooting the pair jealous looks.
"HEY! What's she doing?" exclaimed Sirius standing up.
"Sit down Sirius or get ready to be hexed," said Lily angrily.
"But she. . . ." Sirius began.
"I said sit down Black, it's just an act," said Lily.
"What act? I am going to talk to her," said Sirius as he was about to move, Lily hexed him, and he was forced down on his chair, "Merlin's Pants, what's . . ."
"Keep quiet Sirius, and let Marls do her work," said Lily pointing her wand at Sirius, who went silent and muttered something under his breath, Remus snorted at this, and Sirius threw a look at him.
"That's my girl," grinned James, and Lily couldn't help the smile on her face, she had to bite her cheeks.
James and Mary got everyone butterbeers.
After 20 minutes Fiona approached, Amy and Marls and after talking for a few minutes all three of them smiled before breaking into laughter. Amy and Marls returned back as Fiona made her way back to her table and picked up her things.
"So?" asked Lily.
"We got a date!" exclaimed Amy happily and everyone except Sirius and Peter cheered.
"Congratulations," said Lily.
"It's thanks to you and James and Marls, thank you guys," said Amy as Fiona joined her and both of the girls left.
"Ohh," said Peter finally understanding the situation and then broke into a grin,
"I don't understand," said Sirius.
"Because you are the dumbest," said Remus shaking his head.
"You hurt me Moony, we were supposed to compliment each other," said Sirius mocking hurt.
"Dramaqueen," muttered Lily and all of them laughed.
"And it's not like you have not been with a boy, Sirius," said Mary and all of them spit out their drinks.
"Mary!" exclaimed Remus looking horrified at her.
"Yes?" she asked innocently.
"That was supposed to be a secret," said Remus.
"It slipped, sorry," said Mary turning pink.
"What?" asked James.
"What are you talking about?" asked Peter and Marls.
Sirius has turned red and was looking at his drink as though watching it for the first time.
"Can anyone explain what's going on?" asked Lily.
"Well, Remus told me a secret about him and Sirius dating for two months at the start of the Fourth year," said Mary.
"Remus," glares Sirius.
"Why I am not aware of it?" asked Marls.
"What?" asked Sirius slowly.
"We are dating, we are couples we are supposed to share such things," said Marls.
"Yeah, look at us, we share everything," said James before adding, "despite being best friends," when he received a kick from Lily. And then looked at Sirius to cover his slip, "and you both didn't tell me and Wormy, why?"
"We were just trying things," said Remus.
"And we have both cleared those things," said Sirius.
"Well, I forgive you, because I may have tried things too," said Marls drinking her butterbeer.
"That was clear from your experience today," said Sirius and they were all silent which was broken by Mary.
"Well, now Peter has news to tell you, go on Pete," said Mary and all of them turned at Peter.
"Today, I and Sarah, broke up, as she needed to focus more on O. ," said Peter
"Sorry, mate," said James patting his back.
"You will get another one, a better one," said Marls.
"Yeah, Peter, don't go all sad," said Lily.
"At least you got laid with that one mate, not like our Prongsie here," said Sirius. James took out and threw a crumpled paper at Sirius which midway turned into a toy bone and hit Sirius.
"Real mature, Sirius," said Marls shaking her head.
"What Moony here told us he got it too, that left only Prongs," said Sirius.
"Shut up, Padfoot, or next time it will be a real bone," said James.
"I might like it," grinned Sirius, and the boys along with Marls laughed, but Mary didn't understand as she was lost in her thought of that day over the moon with Moony and Lily was too busy in her thoughts to pay attention to them.
Lily felt her cheeks go red and looked down at her lap, she had sometimes thought about it but wasn't ready yet and James too had supported her. But now she kind of felt like being lagging behind and was feeling odd because she was dragging James with her too.
James saw the look on Lily's face and somehow understood what was going on in her head, he placed his hand over hers and she looked up at him biting her lower lip.
"It's okay, there's no rush," he whispered to her when he was sure that no one was noticing, as his friends were now involved in the discussion of Charms' essay.
Lily smiled and nodded, she listened to her friends and rested her head on James' shoulder, she took his arm and placed hers over his, comparing the size of their palms.
"What are you doing?" asked James slowly.
"Comparing our palms, yours is big and roughy, and strong, while mine is small and soft, but maybe strong," grinned Lily.
"So you liked mine?" asked James.
"Yeah, and what about mine?" said Lily.
"They are the best," said James.
"They are best together," said Lily.
"Aww, look at you two, I hear wedding bells," laughed Sirius and all five of them were now looking at J&L.
Lily didn't removed her head instead she flicked her wand and Sirius jumped as though bitten by an ant, he sat back and rubbed his hand where the spell had hit.
"Shut up, Sirius," muttered Lily now tracing her fingers along James' palm lines.
"Is there something going on between you two?" asked Peter when forced by Sirius to do so, who first asked Marls, then Remus, then Mary to do it who all refused.
"Maybe. But we are best friends and are moving things one step at a time, we are still to reach that phase, so you all better keep all this to yourself, we don't want to face any rumours yet," said James.
"We will tell you when we are at that stage," added Lily.
"So, Lily gave you the hickeys?" asked Sirius excitedly.
"Sirius," said Lily angrily and James glared at his friend, who understood the message, don't spoil the thing going on.
"Sorry," muttered Sirius.
"Look, we are not ready for anything yet, okay?" said James."You can understand how we both have a history and people will gossip and give their opinions about us, and we both don't want others to get involved when we are still in the beginning phase. You all are our family so we have told you this much."
The others nodded.
"So, how long . . .." SIirius began but was stopped when others gave him the look to stop talking now.
"Anyway, do you think Montrose Magpies will win the league this year? I have had a bet with Minnie, she is a strong supporter of Magpies but I think Puddlemere United has a better chance this year seeing Wadcock's seeking skills and the team he had put up," asked Remus.
"My money is on Bellycastle Bats," said Peter.
"Holyhead Harpies," said Mary.
"Montrose Magpies or Wimbourne Wasps," said Marls.
"Chudley Cannons," said Sirius.
"Appleby Arrows," said James and Lily together. "They have the best chasers in the league and Gregory Cotton is an excellent seeker, and Bagman and R.J.H. King, agrees on this," said James.
"Well let's see who wins then, 5 galleons each so total of 35 galleons will be put in the pool, okay?" asked Remus and the others nodded.
"Let's get a group photo, look Kevin Bell has a camera with him," said Mary pointing at Kevin who was clicking photos with Rosemarta. James called Kevin and requested him to click a photo of 7 of them.
"Aye aye captain," grinned Kevin and then took the photo, after 5 minutes the photo was developed, Lily tapped on the photo and 7 copies were created, so each can have it. They thanked Kevin and left for the castle.
On reaching the school grounds Sirius and James started a snowball fight and soon all seven of them could be seen playing and throwing snow at each other.
Snape was sitting in the common room, he has returned earlier than others when he saw James and Lily roaming together, he was feeling guilty to go in front of Lily, but he was determined to ask for forgiveness if he could show her that Potter hasn't changed than she will understand. 'No, leave that Potter out of it, he will talk to Lily directly and explain everything from his perspective and she will understand.'
"Severus, we have to talk, to your dorm, now," said Rosier. Snape got up and followed Rosier to his dorm. Rosier closed the door and placed the muffiliato on the room.
"What do you want to talk about?" asked Snape.
"Why did you leave earlier from Hogsmeade?"
"I wasn't feeling well, and was bored." Rosier nodded.
"Anyways, I have some good news for you," said Rosier, and Snape's head raised.
"What?"
"The Dark Lord has been impressed by your work on Dark arts and Potions," said Rosier, Snape's all worries of the past disappeared on hearing the news, he felt proud and a smile appeared on his face. "He has a task for you and if you succeed you will be awarded by The Dark Lord himself."
This is what Snape has always wanted without hesitation he said, "What task? I will do anything for him." Rosier took out a large parcel from his robes and handed Snape, he immediately opened it and began reading the letter attached and then the other parchments.
"It's a potion he wants you to make for him, Malfoy has put your name as a volunteer and Master has accepted you, now can you do it?"
Snape read the whole papers and then nodded with a triumphant look, "Of course, I can, but it will take 6 months to brew and after that further instructions are not given."
"You have to make the potion till that point only and then give it to The Dark Lord, he will take care of it from then," replied Rosier.
"Okay, it's a very powerful potion and a difficult one too, but I can do it," said Snape proudly.
"Very well then, I will send my response to Malfoy that you have accepted it, so you better start brewing it today. You can use our room to brew as only we all are allowed in there like Mulciber, Avery, Regulus, and the others who met him. You will be provided with all the ingredients and other things you will ask for."
Snape nodded and Rosier left, Snape reread about the potion, he knew that it can be used for torture, mental torture to be precise, whoever will drink this will suffer badly, all bad memories and will weaken the drinker. Snape immediately began setting up things in the so-called 'death eaters room.'
When all seven of them reached Fat Lady, they found a Hufflepuff 5th year standing there. Sirius was too involved in talking with Remus and Mary that he didn't notice her but James noticed at once and ran up to her. Lily watched as he moved closer to Julia and they both were talking in whispers, James looked back at Sirius and then at Julia before nodding.
"Padfoot," James called and Sirius noticed them he asked others to go while he himself began to talk to Julia and James.
After five minutes James and Sirius entered the common room, and James ran up to his dorm and then returned.
"Let's go," said James to Sirius.
"Where you both are going?" asked Remus.
"We will tell you later," said James, and both the boys left.
"Her name is Julia, a classmate of Sarah wonder what she needed with Prongs and Pads," said Peter.
"They have talked to her many times before and each time both of them behave oddly," said Remus.
"Is she some relative?" asked Lily.
"No, she is a muggleborn," said Marls.
James and Sirius returned after 30 minutes both looking grim, they sat on the couches along with others.
"What happened?" asked Remus. James and Sirius exchanged looks.
"Let's go to our dorm, we will talk there," said James. "You three can come too if you want."
All seven of them entered the boys' dorm, after putting the silencing charm on the room, James explained everything to them from Regulus meeting Voldemort and being forced to join the attack which they have no idea, to about Snape beginning to prepare some potions for them in the Slytherin's one of the private rooms.
Lily looked the saddest on hearing this.
"So, is he a death eater now?" she asked slowly.
James shook his head, "No, not yet, they were to be marked during Christmas break but only a few were marked, and Snape wasn't but he had met Voldemort at least twice now and would be marked in Summer probably."
A tear fell from Lily's eyes, James moved to her and hugged her tightly and she buried her face in his shoulder, " I am sorry, I shouldn't have told you about Snape."
"Snivellus was always one of those gits, what's to hide it," said Sirius receiving angry looks from the others.
"Sirius quiet," said James as he stroked Lily's back.
"No, Sirius is right, it's just he was my friend, the first friend I ever had, it hurts to know that he has changed so much or maybe he was always like that and I was foolish enough to notice it," said Lily.
"You are not foolish Lily, I know it hurts but don't think about it too much," said James.
Lily nodded.
"I believe that this news will not leave this room," said James and others nodded. "Very well because I have some other things to tell you all too."
"What else is there?" asked Sirius seriously.
"Well Wormy and I were not at some party on new year's eve but we were. . . . . ." and James told them everything about the heist, the dreams, Tom Riddle, Chamber of Secrets, though he left the part regarding Horcruxes because he was still searching what they are and has failed so far in doing so, so he had focused on Slughorn's memory instead.
"There's a real Chamber of Secrets?" gasped Marls.
"And has a Basilisk in it," added James.
"So, why isn't Dumbledore killing it?" asked Sirius.
"Because only an heir of Slytherin can open the chambers," said James.
"Wait James, did Tom Riddle made a hissing sound to direct the Basilisk?" asked Remus.
"Yes," said James.
"Parsletoungue, he was using parseltongue," said Remus.
"So, as only those who are the heir of Slytherin could speak parseltongue so, that's how Tom Riddle opened the chamber," said Mary.
"So, you mean only a parseltongue can open it?" asked Peter.
"Yeah, that's why Dumbledore hasn't taken any actions yet," said Mary.
"Yeah because he isn't a parseltongue, if only we could speak it then we could open the chambers and kill it," said Sirius.
"That's the problem Padfoot," said James.
"But how are you getting those dreams?" asked Marls to James.
"That day there was a lot of protection around the diary by dark magic, and on my way back Dumbledore lost control for a moment and I was hit by some dark curses that protected the place so the memories from the diary were shared with me too, like a pensive," said James.
"How can Dumbledore lose control?" asked Sirius shaking his head.
"There was strong protection in there even after Dumbledore used all his powers to prevent those curses from touching me, still I could feel strong forces preventing me from going further, it was horrible, if Dumbledore wouldn't have been there then I would never have been able to enter the room and survive at all," said James. "And then they all started attacking Dumbledore when I got the diary, so he lost control for a moment."
"Why was that diary so much protected?" asked Remus.
"No idea yet," said James.
"Did you asked Dumbledore about it?" asked Peter.
James looked at Lily, they had after a lot of thinking came to the conclusion that the diary was a Horcrux, but didn't know what a Horcrux was, not even the restricted section had the information about Horcrux.
"Yeah but I think he himself doesn't know what it is, but it is important no one else apart from us knows that we know about that diary," said James and others nodded.
The next day all seven of them were sitting in the great hall ready for the lessons today, James was looking forward to the last class that was on potions so he could get the memory from Slughorn.
It was then that the posts came, and an owl brought the prophet for him he paid the owl the money and opened it, Lily leaned into him so she too could read it and the first page was enough to shook them.
ATTACKS AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC AND MANY MUGGLE PLACES
At least 67 people are reported dead of which 43 were Witches and Wizards and 24 were muggles, 41 people were badly injured and are currently admitted to St. Mungo's.
The attack happened at 8 in the night at several places at one. The places which were mostly attacked are: Outside The Ministry Of Magic, near Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall, Leeds and other places.
The Ministry has reported that Death Eaters, the followers of You-know-who, were behind the attacks. The motive behind the attack was unknown, the Aurors were alerted about an attack at only one place Old Trafford Ground so they prevented the attack there but weren't aware of other attacks.
If reports are to believe then You-know-who, himself was involved and was seen attacking and killing people, Rudulphus Lestrange and his newlywed wife Bellatrix Lestrange were spotted torturing muggles too.
The Dark Mark was seen in many wizarding and muggle houses, there's panic among the wizarding world and muggle world too.
The Minister of Magic, Cecelia Lufkin, was absent to give Daily Prophet any information, it is believed that she was moved into a more secure environment when the attack took place. Kingsley Shacklebolt has also kept silent on informing anything regarding the ministry due to security reasons.
Alastor Moody, the head Auror has reported the death of 24 Ministry workers of which 15 were Aurors.
The ministry is yet to release the name of the dead people. The wizarding world is requested to remain calm and to remain at home as much as possible, take all security measures, and report to the ministry if you sense any danger.
Horror filled James and Lily and other students who read the papers, their faces had turned pale. Few people around the Hall cried.
"What happened?" asked Marlene.
"At least 67 people are dead, wizards and muggles included, 41 are injured," said James in a shaky voice. Marls, Mary, Pete, Sirius and Remus gasped.
"They attacked outside the Ministry, 24 Ministry workers are dead of which 15 are Aurors," said James.
James, Marls' parents all worked at the ministry with James' parents being auror, and Remus' father too worked at Ministry.
"All the lessons are dismissed today, everyone is requested to return back to their common rooms," said Dumbledore and all of them returned to their respective common rooms.
James was horrorstruck, what if his parents were among those, he sat on a couch in the corner of the common hall, which although filled but was quiet, only a few people were talking and that too in low voices. All seven of them sat together with sad faces praying inside that no one they know was dead.
Lily sat beside James holding his hand tightly, and James rested his head on her shoulder, while Marlene and Sirius were huddled together, while Mary, Remus, and Peter were sitting together their heads in their hands.
An hour has passed since all of them had returned to the common room, Elisa Scott, the Gryffindor keeper has received a letter from her parents regarding his brother's death, few other Gryffindors had also received the sad news, and few were sent to McGonagall's office while others took comfort in their friends. A third-year, muggle-born who lived near Cokeworth received news about an attack at his house, and his father has died, he was carried to McGonagall's office by two seventh years as the third year collapsed on hearing the news.
The common room was now completely silent, except for comforting words and cries and sobs.
After hearing about the attack near Cokeworth, Lily was completely devasted and tears started falling on thinking of the worst. James pulled her into him and she buried her head in his chest while tears wet his shirt.
"James it's sage," Sirius said as the owl entered and sat in front of James.
"Please read it, I can't," said James in a muffled voice, his tears fell on Lily's shoulder and Lily clutched him tighter, her eyes still watery though she has stopped crying.
"Please wait Sage, you have to send a message," said Lily as Peter removed the letter.
"It's from your dad, he and Euphemia are all right. Marls your mother Eugenia is all right as well, your father Steven is all right as well but is admitted to St. Mungo's due to a leg injury but he will recover soon. Further, it is written he will inform about others as soon as he gets any news," said Peter, and Marls took the letter from him.
Lily summoned a paper and a quill to write to his parents to know about their well-being, in a manner that it doesn't alarm them. She tied the letter to Sage and send it, before returning back to James in her old position. James stroked her back now that he was a little relieved.
"I am afraid James, they attacked near my house in Cokeworth, what if..." she said into his chest.
"Listen to my heartbeat," he whispered into her ears and Lily obeyed, his heartbeat was normal, and it provided calm to her while she heard more people receiving news about their relatives injured or tortured or worst dead. She clutched onto James as tightly as possible whenever an owl used to arrive.
Hestia Jones received a letter about her father and cousin, admitted to St. Mungo's and were badly injured so she left for McGonagall's office and then has gone to St. Mungo's.
Peter received a letter from his mother telling him that they were safe, though their neighbour Bones were injured and admitted to St. Mungo's.
Sirius wasn't that worried about his family except for his Uncle and Andromeda and her family, he had written to them asking about their well-being,
Now only Lily, Mary, and Remus' families' news were to arrive, they had all written to their parents. All seven of them escaped lunch in the afternoon as they didn't feel hungry with all the sadness and fear surrounding them.
Mary's parents replied soon and Andromeda's and Uncle Alphard's replies came too. Now only Lily and Remus were left, Lily's face was buried in James so no one saw the look on her face but Remus' pale face was visible to everyone, his head was rested on Mary who was holding his hands tightly while Peter stroked his back from time to time, as they all sat and waited for the last two letters.
Finally, Remus' owl Hermes arrived and landed in front of him, he opened the letter with shaking hands, and the moment he opened the letter and read it the remaining colours vanished from his face as he gasped in horror, tears started falling from his eyes, no voice escaped his mouth. Mary who has read the letter too hugged Remus tightly.
Peter was shocked after reading the letter too.
"What happened?" asked Sirius in a tremulous voice.
"His mother. . . .Hope. . has died, Lyall is in St. Mungos," replied Peter in a wobbly voice.
Remus was always good at hiding his feelings and he showed it today too though he failing, Lily was too frightened now to even comfort Remus as she tightly clutched to James praying to god.
Marlene and Sirius started comforting Remus too, after an hour he stopped crying and was sitting silently as Mary continued holding him.
It was evening now, Sirius and Peter had brought back food for everyone, and Remus was force-fed by Mary and Marls. Lily hardly ate any food, and if it was not for James she wouldn't have eaten at all.
Sage hasn't returned yet, what if they were dead and that's why no replies have come yet?
Remus was taken up the dorm by Mary and Sirius, and he was asleep now after taking a sleeping potion.
Soon night has fallen and the common room has begun to empty, few seventh years after being asked by Dorcas Meadows, brought a sleeping potion and calming potion for whoever needs it, James has given Lily some calming potion. She sat beside James waiting for Sage, but so far has been disappointed. Peter has returned to the dorm as well and Mary hasn't returned and was still with Remus.
As the effect of the potion started to wear down Lily began panicking inside again, she didn't want to involve her friends in her sorrowful state. Sirius and Marls sat for another one and a half hours before returning to their dorms.
"Feel free to wake us up if you need any help," said Marls pressing Lily's shoulder before leaving.
Now, it was only James and Lily left in the common room.
"You should go and sleep too," said Lily.
"I am not leaving you," replied James.
"But merlin knows when the letter will return, or. . . . sage will return with an undelivered letter," said Lily, tears falling from her eyes.
"Don't say that, and I will be there with you until the very end."
After half an hour and persuasion from James, they both lay on the crouch, horror rising with each passing minute, Lily felt like she could no longer bear the pressure but James' presence by her side made it easier.
"Why aren't they replying?" asked Lily.
"They will, don't worry, if my parents would have been at home I would have flooed them to check on your parents but they are at St. Mungo's," said James.
"I just hope they are safe, I don't know what I will do without them," said Lily.
"I am here for you Lily, I will be with you," said James.
"Until the very end?" asked Lily.
"Until the very end," confirmed James.
"Most people say 'always'. So, Why not always?" asked Lily.
James smiled at her, "Because, we are not most people and saying 'always' is not the honest thing to say. And being honest is the most important thing in any relationship."
"I don't understand," Lily replied.
"I will be there with you Lily, I will try the hardest, harder than anyone else that whatever comes in the way, however hard or dangerous it may be, however unpleasant the path may be, I will be there with you, no one and no power can stop me to be with you, to love you," said James, "And when the very end will arrive, then maybe I will not be with you, at times maybe I won't be by your side, I can't promise that, but I promise that you will remain strong, because I will make sure of that and because I will be waiting for you on the other side of the very end, and then we will not be two, we will be one."
"Living beyond death," said Lily slowly.
"Yes, they say there comes that moment, a moment after we die, where one finds themself at a place which holds a strong place in your heart, and at that place, the person you love the most will be waiting for you, and then together you both enter the world of the afterlife, some call it 'heaven', some 'nirvana' and some 'paradise', where peace and happiness are achieved."
"I never knew about it," said Lily.
"It's what is believed to be after death, few have gone to that place and found a guardian they seek for advice, but they were given a choice there, it is said when there's only one way, you see the one you love," said James.
"How do you know about it?" asked Lily.
"I read it, it was in an ancient book in our Library, it belonged to Uncle Ben," said James. "I think Aunt May would have been there waiting for Uncle Ben."
"They both were there with each other, Ben was with her till the very end, and.."
"And, May gave him the strength to keep on living and loving and being happy, she definitely would have waited for him," finished James.
They were silent for a moment then Lily spoke.
"Continue speaking, please, I like what you are saying, and it's helping," requested Lily.
"Suppose that Aunt May died and Uncle Ben was never able to move on from her, he continued living in sorrow, under the burden of her death, feeling guilty about why he didn't see the attacker before or continued blaming himself for that marriage which resulted in her death. Then do you think May would have liked it? No, she wouldn't have liked that, that wouldn't be called love then, it wouldn't be a healthy love, not the purest form of love.
The purest form of love is letting go when the time comes and not carrying on holding to them always. Here's another reason why not always. If you love someone, truly love someone then their happiness is your happiness, you would know they are at peace. You would carry on with life happily because you would know they are.
"A healthy Love is one where even if one is gone, you continue living your life normally, your world should not involve around that one person, that even when gone you are always weeping that they should be with you, then it's wrong, you should be happy that you got to live with them, you should move on. This part is called growing up and living life. Those who cant do that are immature or haven't loved that person truly. LIFE IS JUST A JOURNEY OF MEANING AND LOVE IS THAT MEAN."
"Those people who can't let go, those who tend to hold on to the one love they find comfortable, secure and feel loved, they are too cowardly the move out of this, they stop living fully and always are chained in that unhealthy and unreal feeling, they are never able to break free from it. They neglect other things. There is a world out there, a beautiful and real world, filled with people, love, experiences, and challenges that are not limited to one person," said James.
"The person you love should make the world better and happier for you, but they shouldn't become the world because when that person becomes your world then it becomes an unhealthy love," said Lily.
"Yes, that's correct," said James.
"True love is that where you have the strength to let the other go," said Lily
"And carry on having the strength to love," said James.
"James, can I ask you a question?" Lily asked raising her head to look at him.
"Yes, you can ask me as many questions as you want."
"How do you know so much about love and death?"
"My mum told me all this when Aunt May died and I was all devasted and would stay in my room for days, so mum came and explained everything to me and then I did some of my own research thanks to the library in our house," replied James, and Lily nodded and rested her head back on his chest.
They lay on the couch holding each other when Sage finally came, both of them sat up immediately, James put his arm around Lily, pressing her lightly as she removed and opened the letter her hand shaking.
========
Dear Lily,
We are all fine, we have just returned home and found the owl sitting here. Our car broke on the way and thus we arrived later than usual.
We were meeting Petunia's boyfriend Vernon at a restaurant, they are thinking of stepping up in their relationship. Your father didn't like Vernon very much, but Petunia says he makes her happy, so your father didn't object much.
Your dad misses you, he went to a football match last week and said that if Lily was there she would have enjoyed it. But he was a little jealous of you, he wants to watch a Quideech match.
Your father is thinking to give you his old car, he wanted to tell you on your birthday but was busy at work, so wasn't able to tell you so he told me to tell you, don't tell Tuney or she will not like it.
Be happy and safe dear, we heard there were many attacks last night, someone died nearby, they are still investigating that but have no idea what happened, some say that it was just some gang fight.
Lots of love,
Mum, Dad, and Tuney.
P.S.: How is James? You didn't write about him in this letter otherwise half of your letters were filled about James. He is a good guy so don't go breaking up with him or you will be given a lesson from us.
"Thank Merlin, they are okay," said Lily with a sigh of relief.
"So, you write a lot about me to your parents," said James.
"Don't let it get to your head," replied Lily, smiling for the first time.
"No, not the head, though it touched my heart," said James, and Lily laughed a little.
"So, should we call it a night?" asked James.
"I... Can't we sleep here only?" asked Lily looking down.
"You can come to my dorm," suggested James. "We can use the cloak." Lily nodded and they both entered the boys' dorm.
All three of them were asleep, Mary was in here too cuddled with Remus, and Marls was in there too with Sirius, both of their bed curtains were open, but only Pete's curtains were closed. James flicked his wand and all the curtains of their beds closed and then he joined Lily closing the curtains.
"I feel bad for Remus," said Lily.
"Yeah, me too, she doesn't deserve that, in fact, no one deserved what happened," said James.
"Hmm, hope the war gets over soon."
"One day it will end."
"It was a dark day."
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