Chapter 46-Sweet Surprises
"So where is Sirius today?" Katy asked her friend. The three girls were walking around Hogsmeade as the Sweethearts Dance was the next day. Halle would usually be accompanied by Sirius that weekend, but he had mysteriously gone off. Remus was with James and Peter, keeping their lonely hearts company.
"I have no idea. He said he would show me later. I am kind of nervous. Think about it; Sirius and surprises. Not always the best combination," Halle said, looking at a pair of shimmering dress robes and making a face.
Lily was looking at the satin robes. They cost quite a bit of money, but she wanted to buy something for herself for a change. She was looking at the colors and trying to decide whether she should even go. The chances were that James had some bimbo for a date. How would it look if she went alone?
"He could be planning something romantic for Valentine's Day," Katy suggested.
"Yeah, he seems the type for that," Halle said. She looked at Lily, who was barely listening.
"What's wrong Lils?" Katy asked.
"Yeah, something's up. Did James do something?" Halle asked. "He's been known to get immature after rejection."
"No, James didn't do anything. I haven't even talked to him," Lily said quietly.
"You have to talk to someone Lils. You can't keep it a secret forever," Halle said, looking sympathetically at her friend.
"You haven't even talked to us about it," Katy said.
"Because it's no one's business," Lily snapped, raising her voice. She was letting her temper get the best of her.
"I think that if anyone has the right to know, it's James," Halle said, speaking indirectly to Lily. She couldn't look her friend in the eyes as she said it though.
"So you're siding with him?" Lily demanded, feeling her face grow hot.
"Lily, he did nothing wrong. The man loves you," Katy said. Lily grew silent and went off in Madam Malkin's near the dressing room. Katy and Halle kept browsing.
"Never thought I would say this but, poor James Potter," Katy said quietly.
"I know. The guy did nothing wrong. Lily barely came out of her room. Can you imagine how he must feel?" Halle asked.
"Pretty bad. We're lucky she even came to Hogsmeade with us," Katy said. She was looking at a pale pink pair of dress robes. They looked beautiful against her fair skin. Halle didn't even have to see Katy try them on to know they went well for her.
"Those are perfect," Halle said, smiling.
"You think?" Katy asked.
"Remus will love them," Halle said, giving her a smile.
"Now Halle, these are perfect for you," Katy said. She had a pair of silky white dress robes.
"Wow, are they my size?" she asked, putting her hand against the shimmering material.
"Yes," Katy said, checking the tag.
"But white isn't my color. It's Lily's," Halle said.
"Well guess what? I think these would look better on you. She should get a purple. I'll pick her up a pair," Katy said.
"I wonder why she really turned him down. It can't be that stupid ten year plan can it?" Halle asked, glancing at her friend.
"I have a feeling there is more than what she's telling us," Katy thought aloud.
Later in the Common Room, Lily entered through the House elf portrait and plopped herself down on the large scarlet and gold couch. Remus followed closely after.
"I am exhausted," she proclaimed.
"Me too. Man, that girl can shop," Remus said, commenting on Katy's remarkable knack for shopping.
"We were there for six hours!" Lily said.
Remus went and sat down in front of the fire on one of the arm chairs.
"So where were you when little miss Katy was shopping like a fanatic?" Lily asked, yawning and stretching out.
"I was with James and Peter," Remus said. He saw Lily's mouth form into a small but noticeable frown. He saw her green eyes express concern.
"So, how is he? I mean James?" she asked.
Remus paused for a moment. He knew that someone had to talk to her about it.
"He's doing pretty bad. He gave up his badge as you know. He's taken that pretty bad as well. Losing you kind of hit him harder though," Remus said.
"I never meant to hurt him," Lily said, her voice quavering.
"I know, Lily. He just doesn't understand," Remus said. "I don't think anyone understands."
"Why did he give up his badge?" Lily asked, avoiding what his implied question asked.
"The sole purpose of him trying to keep the badge was you. Without you, what reason does he have to do his job?" Remus asked.
"I thought it meant more to him," Lily muttered.
"You mean more to him," Remus said.
"You really want to know? Remus, you need to know why I said no?" she asked quietly.
He sat up and caught her eye. She was feeling the tears come on, recalling that night.
"I was scared. I am seventeen years old and he's asking for the rest of my life. I don't want to give that away just yet. The thought of marriage makes me think of kids," Lily confessed. "I'm not ready for kids. I'm not even ready for a relationship. All these years I said he was the immature one. Well, now he can blow that one in my face. I'm not ready."
"He told you he would give you as much time as you needed. Why directly say no?" Remus asked.
"I was overwhelmed. Surely you can understand that. There is so much more I want to fulfill in my life before I even think about marriage. I want to make sure that I'll be there for my husband. If I'm traveling the world, how fair would that be to James?" Lily asked.
"The thing is, James wouldn't let you go alone. He'd be right there with you," Remus said.
"Everything that has happened this year has been overwhelming. I know James doesn't ask for it, but he does put those around him in a lot of danger. I'm not ready for that yet. Venus Adams wouldn't have taken me and tortured me if I hadn't been James' girlfriend," Lily said, now feeling the hot tears stream down her face.
"I know Lils. That's what makes you strong though. You can deal with these things yet still come out on top," Remus said.
"I think you're wrong, Remus. I have never been the strong one; James has," Lily said quietly.
"Where are we going Sirius?" Halle asked.
It was cold outside and he had insisted that she bring her cloak and scarf. They had gone off Hogwarts grounds that night. He had flown them on a broom from Hogsmeade but near the end, her eyes had been closed. He had a big surprise for her. One that would improve their life together.
"If I told you, would it be a surprise?" he teased.
"No silly, but you know I hate surprises," Halle said, sticking her tongue out.
They flew in the midnight breeze, Halle with her eyes closed. Then without any warning, they came to a soft and gentle stop.
Sirius helped her off the broom and took her hand.
"Ok, open your eyes," he said softly.
She slowly opened her chocolate brown eyes and smiled at the sight she saw. There was a small cottage with a white picket fence. There was a sign that read "The Blacks" in the lawn. The shutters were painted blue and the house was a pale powdery blue. It was the house of her dreams.
"Is this-Is this ours?" she asked nervously, smiling from ear to ear. She looked at him and he nodded.
"Can we go inside?" she asked.
"It's all ours," he said.
"But before we do," he said. He led her up the porch stairs.
Then, he lifted her off her feet.
"To our new life together, Halle Black," he said, smiling. Before entering, she looked and him and smiled softly.
"I love you," she said. Lily had no idea what she was missing. Halle loved being married, especially to
Sirius Black, the most perfect man in the world.
A/N: Please review.