Just a Child

Strawberry Shortcake

Rating: PG
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Lily & James
Book: Lily & James, Books 1 - 5
Published: 09/07/2004
Last Updated: 11/07/2004
Status: paused

Lily was just a child who never got a chance to grow up, James was just a man who never had a childhood.

Chapters

1. Prologue

2. Happily Ever After

1. Prologue

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter and this prologue is mainly based on the prologue of Pandora's Box

In another life, a previous life, she had been a prostitute. A cheap, low class hooker who smeared dark kohl around her eyes to hide the pain that she felt. Every night she tried to radiate a goodness that she didn't have inside her. Every night was another man, and every night was another night that living wasn't necessary or needed.

In another life, a better life, she had been a gypsy. Her hips had swayed and her eyes had shined like the coins thrown to her feet. She sang, and she sang well for the food that fed her family, and she was happy. Until she forgot happiness and forgot what it was like to be cold; burning on the stake could do that to a woman.

In another life, a bleary life, she had been blinded by an accident in birthing. She had never been able to see the stars that cluttered the late night sky, or the vibrant red that colored her hair. All her life was spent in a haze of asking for directions to a place no one could see, and sending out prayers that no one could answer.

In another life, a short life, she was a baby killed by abortion. There are no stories to tell about a life that never started.

In this life, she was just a girl. Here she sat, hands folded in the lap of her best mint green colored silken party dress, waiting for permission to blow out the candles of another year wasted. It wasn't that she was an unhappy child with feet that swung back and forth under her, it was just that she had no purpose that she could see. She was just there.

“Blow out your candles dear,” Rose Evans whispered in her daughter's ear and Lily drew in a deep breath to blow out the 11 sparks of flame that marked the end of her childhood, but the beginning of something much larger.

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2. Happily Ever After

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Harry Potter

In a room so dark you had to squint, a boy no older that thirteen sat in front of a grand piano as his fingers flew across its ivory haven. The melody was one you couldn't place, but was attracted to nonetheless. Scales and cords were preformed perfectly and the beat pulsated through out the house.

“That's enough James,” A wiry old man with silvery hair stepped out of the shadows and clapped his hands to attract the attention of the young boy.

“For next week I would like you to practice that piece, and look into some muggle musicians I have some books here,” The man absentmindedly scratched his head as he drew several thin books from what appeared to be a leather brief case. The boy reached forward with a nod of his head to grab the books before returning to the piano.

“How is he?” Elaine Potter asked from the doorway watching her son as his fingers began to play a new song.

“He played perfectly, too perfect for only receiving the music yesterday. Mrs. Potter, you may want to look into having your son do other things,” The man scratched his head again before tipping his hat.

“Good day Mrs. Potter,” With those words said he retreated down the stairs guided by a butler. Elaine stayed by the door watching her son as he picked up a book his teacher had just left him.

“James do you want to go out and play? I could call Sirius Black,” Elaine whispered to herself from the doorway, not nearly loud enough for her son to hear.

“No you don't want to? That's fine. Just keep practicing,” Elaine turned away from the doorway and began to walk the familiar path to her sewing room.

`I'm just making sure he's the best,' She though to herself as one of Mozart's many pieces filled the air.

`Potters are always the best.' Her mind turned blank as she sat in a golden upholstered chair and picked up her embroidery hoop from beside her.

Lily Evans sat on the floor of her room silently playing with her dolls as the voices of her parents leaked over the cracks of her bedroom door.

“Rose I think this is a big trick. We shouldn't get her hopes up,” The angry voices drifted into the room but were blocked from the little girl's mind.

“Would you like some more tea Mrs. Evans?” Lily asked in a high-pitched voice while making one doll pour tea for another. Her long purple dress was used as a picnic blanket for the tea party.

“Julian, we can at least go to this meeting place to find out if it is, I would never forgive myself if I didn't”

“Why thank you Mrs. Washington,” The doll made sipping noises as Lily held the cup to it's mouth. Picking up the brush from beside her, Lily began to comb the long blonde hair before putting a pink tiara with fake diamonds in.

“Mrs. Evans, you're a princess and your parents never fight, no the king and queen live happily every after,” Taking off the paisley print dress, Lily pulled a fluffy pink dress out from the chest beside her.

“And you live in a castle with prince charming and soon you two will become king and queen and you will live happily ever after.”

“Rose I think this is a bad idea. Just don't come crawling back to me when it doesn't work. Rose? Rose?!”

The door of Lily's room burst open as her mother stormed in red in the face.

“Come on Lily, it's time to go,” Her mother hoisted her up on to her feet, taking no notice of the porcelain doll on her daughters lap.

“Mrs. Evans!” Lily cried as the doll shattered upon impact.

“Lily, come on!” The young girl silently followed her mother out of the room, only casting one more glance over her shoulder at the broken princess doll.

Happily Ever After.

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