Catch My Fall

Secret Lily

Rating: PG13
Genres: Drama, Romance
Relationships: Lily & James
Book: Lily & James, Books 1 - 5
Published: 30/12/2005
Last Updated: 03/04/2006
Status: in_progress

The heartfelt sequel to Lily and James: Their Story of Love. Catch My Fall takes you from Lily and James' newfound adulthood to that tragic Halloween night in Godric's Hollow.

Chapters

1. Growing Up

2. Proposals

3. The Wedding That Topped Them All

4. The Last Battle

5. Finding Strength

6. Birthday Wishes

1. Growing Up

Catch My Fall

Chapter 1-Growing Up

The floorboards of the dark house creaked as footsteps traveled upon them. It was nearly impossible to see due to the lack of light and dust shards flying askew. The house had clearly been imposed by outsiders that had broken in.

Lily Evans brushed a piece of hair behind her ears and kept a sharp eye. Katy Jones, one of her best friends, was examining the doorway to which they had just entered. Nothing looked very suspicious yet to Lily, aside from the fact that the occupants had gone missing that very night.

Lily had gone on so many house calls it was hard to distinguish one from the other. She wished James was on her team, yet he had been placed on the other team that was led by Frank Longbottom. Lily had gotten the pleasure of being quipped with Mad Eye Moody, a senile man with grizzled features that included his large, magical eye.

Mad Eye was not on this call though. He had been home sick when this attack had occurred and Lily felt somewhat vulnerable without his close supervision. How was she supposed to do this for a living if she couldn’t even make it through training without becoming a jumble of nerves?

She had lots of worries on her mind at the moment, including the safety of her other friend, Halle Black. Halle was pregnant and home alone often. Sirius worked at Gringrotts and Halle enjoyed her maternity leave from becoming a Healer. She was going through training as well but was having her lessons sent in by owl. Lily hoped this stress of passing would not affect the baby.

Aside from that matter, Lily was constantly worried for James’ safety as he was wanted by Voldemort and not in her sight. It was a horrible feeling; the possibility of losing him.

“Do you see anything?” Katy asked, shining her wand over to Lily.

“Not a thing,” Lily replied. She spoke too soon.

Three Death Eaters had apparated with a crack before her and had their wands outstretched.

“Stupefy!” Lily shouted, sending red light towards the Death Eater. Katy had disarmed one and was now sending an Impedimenta Curse their way.

One down, two to go, Lily thought to herself.

She hadn’t encountered Death Eaters yet and this was far off of her to do list. Yet, this was the profession she had chose. It wasn’t as if she had never had any experience with Death Eaters. She did indeed.

A table came whizzing Lily’s way and she ducked and sent a spell at the next one flying at her. It burst into tiny wooden shards.

A green burst of light came flying Katy’s way and Lily sent a shield charm, protecting her friend. Katy stunned the Death Eater and it fell to the ground. Lily was in awe that her charm had worked against the infamous killing curse, Avada Kedavra. It had never happened before.

One stood, but it did not attack. Instead, it lifted the hood of it’s cloak, and removed the mask it wore. It was clapping and suddenly a familiar face came into focus. Mad Eye Moody was congratulating her. It had all been a test.

Lily sighed, as did Katy and they sat down on the floor to contain their composure.

“That was really not nice, Moody,” Lily growled at him.

“Have to stay on guard, Evans. I must say you handled yourself well,” Moody complimented her. “You too, Jones.”

“Can we be informed of when we’re going to be given a test?” Katy asked, wiping sweat from her forehead. Her blonde hair was coming out of her ponytail and her blue eyes looked relieved that it was over.

“Let’s just call this a pop quiz,” Moody chuckled.

“Did we pass?” the two of them asked.

“Yes, you did. Now let me collect Potter and Longbottom and we’ll be on our way,” Moody said.

“Ennervate,” he muttered.

The two remaining cloaked figures got up and revealed themselves to Lily and Katy. James and Frank were breathing heavily and smiling.

“You did great, Lily,” James said, congratulating her.

“That was you?” Lily asked. Katy was slapping Frank on the arm for fooling her.

“Yes,” James said. “The spells we sent wouldn’t have really hurt you. They were just imposter spells, made to make the situation seem all the more real. None would have done any harm.”

“Oh,” she sighed. She was looking forward to going home and relaxing on her bed. She and Katy shared an apartment with each other and it was located near Remus and James’ house. Usually, they all ate dinner with each other or went to Halle and Sirius’. Peter usually joined them. It was the only way they could all keep in touch.

“Let’s go home,” Katy pleaded, putting her arm around Lily’s shoulder. Lily kissed James goodbye and promised to see him later.

“I hate you, Moody,” Lily joked, as she passed by him on her way out.

“You’ll thank me one day,” Moody called back, his harsh voice somewhat gentler.

***

Halle was six months pregnant and enjoying married life with her husband. Their little house was the right size for both of them and they had decorated a nursery for the baby.

Sirius hadn’t wanted to know the gender of the baby, claiming it would spoil the surprise. Halle knew it was a girl. She was going to have a precious baby girl and would have a happier life. The thought of being pregnant was scary and unwelcome at first, while she was still in Hogwarts, but Halle felt a lot more comfortable about it after she had started living outside of school.

She was looking at a book listing baby names when she heard Sirius enter through the door.

He came in, smiling as always. He spotted Halle and walked over and immediately rubbed her belly. He kissed her softly on the lips and let her lean her head on his chest.

“So, what are the plans for tonight?” Sirius asked.

“We’re all going over to Lily and Katy’s. They’re making dinner, I guess. I don’t know how they do it. They always look so exhausted after Auror training. Then again, so does James,” Halle reflected. “I went to the Healer today. Remus’ mum took care of me today. She gave us more pictures of the baby.”

Halle reached inside of the book she had been reading and held out her sonogram.

Sirius looked at it with pride. He had started to grow used to the idea of being a dad. He loved to look at the picture of his baby, it was something so innocent that could not possibly have anything wrong with it.

“Come on,” he said, still smiling. “Let’s show the others.”

He grabbed Halle’s hand and they Apparated together over to their friends’ home.

***

“Oh, look at the little toes,” Lily said, looking at the sonogram.

“Have you thought of any names yet?” Katy asked.

Halle and Sirius looked at each other.

“Not really,” they answered. They had to start thinking now, before the baby came.

“It’s so odd,” James said, sitting at the kitchen table. “We’re adults now.”

“I know,” Remus answered. “I keep waking up and thinking I’m supposed to be going to class. It’s all so different.”

“Growing up is a hard thing to do,” Lily said. “Yet, for some people, it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

She looked over at Halle and Sirius, who were staring at each other with admiration. She knew that the adult world was going to be strangely more dangerous and miraculous than the life she had led before.

A/N: So? What'd you think? Good, bad? Send me a marvelous review and I'll love you forever. This is the sequel to Lily and James: Their Story of Love. There are many aspects of that story that are crucial to this one. I recommend reading that before further reading Catch My Fall. CMF will be 27 chapter total and pre-HBP. Let me know how you feel.

2. Proposals

Catch My Fall

Chapter 2-Proposals

James had no idea how he would have woken up each day if it had not been for her. Lily seemed to be constantly on his mind and he found himself longing to spend time with her every moment of every day. It was difficult training without her by his side. He wished to know she was safe.

Her enchanting emerald green eyes and shoulder length auburn hair filled his thoughts frequently. It was as though they had been made for one another. Their one year anniversary was approaching and James had the feeling that he should do something big.

He had gone shopping recently and had picked something out that made him quite nervous. Frank had proposed to Alice last year and they had gotten married that summer. James knew that Lily was scared about married life while still in school, but how did she feel now?

He had bought the ring and kept it hidden away in his drawers for the past two weeks. This weekend was their anniversary and it was time that they move on to the next step. He just wasn’t confidant that she’d accept.

What would happen if she rejected him again? Would they break up as they did previously? He didn’t want to risk losing her once more. Yet, where were they going if marriage wasn’t next?

He wanted to have the same thing Sirius and Halle had. They were blissfully happy being married. Halle was enjoying being pregnant and seemed to glow constantly. He knew Lily would do the same.

He hadn’t talked to his friends about it yet; he wasn’t sure if he was even considering actually doing it. It would be hard to get them away from the girls.

He knew he had to do it. It was a risk he was willing to take.

XXX

“Are James, Remus, and Peter staying for dinner?” Halle called from the kitchen.

“No, that’s quite alright, Halle,” James said. “I just needed to talk to the Marauders for a moment.”

“What’s this all about, Prongs?” Sirius asked, plopping casually down onto the couch.

“I want to ask Lily to marry me,” James stated.

“But you don’t know if she’ll say yes?” Remus guessed.

“Precisely,” James answered.

Halle came out of the kitchen, obviously having heard what James had said.

“Oh, James, you should ask her. I know she would say yes,” Halle said, smiling.

“We all thought that last time as well,” James reminisced.

“Last time she was unsure and you hadn’t dated that long. I think she’ll say yes this time,” Halle reassured him.

“Thanks, Halle. I hope you’re right,” James said.

“Do you even have to question it?” Halle teased. She sat down beside Sirius and he kissed her hand.

“Thanks, I think I’m going to ask her this weekend,” James said, excited and heading out the door.

“Good luck,” they all called.

XXX

“Happy anniversary, James,” Lily said, kissing him on the lips. He had knocked on her door, a dozen roses in hand.

“Happy anniversary to you too, Lily,” he said, handing her the flowers.

“Oh, they smell beautiful,” Lily said, bringing the lush red roses to her nose. The scent was soothing, bringing a genuinely large smile to her face.

“Let me put them in some water for you,” Katy offered. She smiled at Lily and winked at James. She had heard from Remus and Halle of what he was planning on doing.

“Thanks, Katy,” Lily thanked, grabbing her coat. James helped her put it on and the two of them made their way towards the exit.

“Don’t keep her out too late, James,” Katy yelled from the other room.

“I won’t, Dad!” James yelled back. Lily chuckled.

The two of them stepped out of the door and James took her hand.

“Where are we going?” Lily asked. She was getting ready to Apparate there.

“Godric's Hollow, Potter Manor,” James said.

The two of them Apparated and they landed on James’ doorstep. Instead of walking inside though, James led her to the backyard. He seemed to have set everything up beforehand. There was a blanket and a picnic basket lying on the grass. Lily grinned.

There was a single candle lit and one red rose was lying on the basket.

“This is beautiful, James,” Lily said. She looked up and saw the night sky overhead. The stars were shining beautifully. It was too perfect.

They sat down on the blanket and James opened the picnic basket. He pulled out a cupcake with one candle on it.

“It’s not lit,” Lily said, looking at the still candle.

“Let me fix that,” James said. He raised his wand and as Lily saw the flame flicker onto the candle, she felt a ring slide onto her finger. James was smiling and had gotten down on one knee before her.

“Lily Evans, I love you more than anything else on this planet. I love you more than the breath I take into my lungs. I love every aspect, every characteristic, everything about you. You’re my match. It feels like we were made for each other. I love you more than life itself. Would you make me the luckiest man in the world and marry me?” he asked.

She felt tears of joy slide down her face. It was a question that had shocked her, but pleased her all the same.

“Yes, James. Nothing would make me happier,” she said. She leapt into his arms and they hugged.

“When do you want to get married?” James asked.

“I want all our friends to be there. Soon, I want to get married soon,” Lily said.

“As soon as possible?” James questioned.

“As soon as possible,” Lily confirmed, wrapping him into a passionate kiss.

A/N: Please review.

3. The Wedding That Topped Them All

Catch My Fall

Chapter 3-The Wedding That Topped Them All

James and Lily decided to hold the wedding the next month. The reason for the rushed date was the simple reason that Voldemort was in his prime and more and more attacks were occurring daily. They wanted to make sure they could have everyone there before anything too subtle occurred.

Lily was up to her ears in wedding plans, Auror training, and helping Halle along with her pregnancy. Without Katy helping, Lily had no idea how she was supposed to manage.

The night before the wedding was to happen, Lily sat on her bed, holding a pillow like a little girl. Halle was getting ice cream out of the refrigerator and Katy was checking over all wedding plans. Lily had invited her sister, but she doubted that Petunia would attend.

“Ice cream for everyone,” Halle said merrily. She sat down upon the bed and rested the bowl on her stomach. She was due in about a month or so and was anticipating the arrival. Katy and Lily had already volunteered to baby-sit whenever needed.

“Thanks, Hal,” Lily said, smiling at her friend.

“Oh, Lily, tomorrow’s your big day,” Katy squealed. “Are you excited?”

“Yes,” Lily answered. “I’m more anxious. It’s an odd feeling giving away the rest of your life to someone. Although, I am quite happy that someone is James.”

“I am too,” Halle said. “James is an amazing guy. You two deserve each other.”

“Do you ever wish you and Sirius had held a big wedding?” Katy questioned her friend.

“Honestly?” Halle contemplated. “No. I am glad we did things the way we did. It was private and romantic. We’re both spontaneous people. It was just the most perfect moment of my life.”

“I hope my wedding’s like that,” Lily gushed.

“It will be, sweetie,” Katy assured her. “With me as your wedding planner, nothing is going to go wrong.”

“I hope not,” Lily said. “You guys have been so supportive of me. I don’t know what I’d be doing without you two.”

“Probably dating Snape,” Katy teased.

“Very funny,” Lily replied.

The laughter continued and the girls spent time together before Lily made the final and eternal devotion of love to James.

XXX

“Prongs, my boy, I am going to pass the torch onto you,” Sirius said, wisely. “If I was not a married man, we would be attending the most outrageous bachelor party in the history of mankind. Be that as it may, the wife gave me a few convincing and persuasive lectures and I am failing to see the reasoning behind them. You’re just going to have to settle for a shot of fire whiskey.”

“I think that Halle’s decision is for the best,” James assured him.

“Really? I thought she had lost her marbles for a moment,” Sirius confessed.

Remus, James, Sirius, and Peter were in the Three Broomsticks, celebrating James’ last night as a single man.

“What made you ask her, Prongs?” Peter asked.

“I love her,” James said. “I decided that why beat around the bush. If I want to get married, I may as well do it now while I still can.”

“To Prongs,” Remus toasted. The other three raised their glasses and grinned.

“How are you feeling right now, James?” Remus asked him.

“I’m nervous, and excited of course,” James answered. “It feels like Christmas Eve and trying to go to sleep. It’s nearly impossible not to feel anxious.”

“Congratulations,” Sirius said. “Lily is a lucky girl. You and her will be happy.”

“Thanks, Padfoot,” James said. He knew he had made the right choice in best man; Sirius had always been by his side. Remus and Peter were his best friends as well, but Sirius was like his brother. He had been there throughout the years as a friend and sibling. Remus was going to give Lily away and Peter was going to be an usher. Things just seemed right at that moment and James liked the feel of it.

XXX

Lily checked her reflection before turning to her friends. Her red hair was scooped up in a loose up do and her white dress looked gorgeous on her. Her emerald eyes held signs of happiness and fear. What was her life going to be like after this day? Where were they going to live? James had already answered the latter question. He asked her if she minded living in the Potter Manor. She knew it would be a great place to bring a child into the world.

“You look stunning, Lily,” Halle said, shedding a tear. She was dressed in a pale blue dress that was made especially for her, seeing as she was maid of honor. Katy was wearing a similar dress, although hers did not hold extra room for a pregnant belly as Halle’s did. The two of them looked magnificent.

“Oh my god, this is the day,” Katy said, crying as well.

“Oh you two, hold it together. Your makeup will smudge,” Lily joked, getting teary eyed as well. The three of them hugged each other and fixed one another’s make up.

Remus entered the room, dressed in a tux, and smiled at them. He kissed Katy on the lips, Halle and Lily on the cheek. He whispered in Lily’s ear, “You look great. Congratulations,” before taking her arm.

Halle and Katy gave her a good luck thumbs up before leaving the small room in the church. Lily grasped more tightly onto Remus’ arm.

“It’s ok,” he assured her. “Everything will be alright. James is out there and he loves you.”

She smiled at him.

“Are you ready?” he asked her.

“Yes,” she whispered. She heard the music play and she stepped through the doors. The only thing she could recall from that day at that precise moment was James. She saw him, looking handsome in his tux, watching for her with a smile. She couldn’t tell you who the priest was, who was in the audience, and what the church looked like. All she could remember was the admiring look on James’ face.

She knew he was who she wanted to spend her life with.

XXX

“That was the most amazing wedding I have ever been to,” Katy said, hugging Lily.

Lily smiled. So many people were approaching her, she barely had time to see James. He was there beside her, greeting people as well.

“James, Lily, congratulations. I must say, I did see this coming,” Professor Dumbledore said, a hint of amusement in his eye.

“You did, did you?” Lily asked.

“I have a knack for these kind of things,” he said, kissing her on the cheek.

“Ms. Evans, or should I say, Mrs. Potter,” Professor McGonagall said, shaking Lily’s hand.

“Call me Lily for once, Professor,” Lily insisted.

“I’ll be sure to do that in the future, Lily,” the teacher said, walking off smiling.

Lily turned to James. He was grinning.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you,” he answered.

The two of them kissed, ignoring any other people who wished to greet them. It was their night.

XXX

“Tonight is so perfect. I am so glad Lily got what she wanted,” Halle said, rubbing her belly.

“It’s so strange to see your best mate grow up and get married. To the girl who hated him, to say the least,” Sirius mused.

“I can’t say our story’s much different,” Halle said, kissing his lips delicately.

Sirius rubbed Halle’s belly affectionately.

“Have you thought of any names?” he asked her.

“One,” Halle answered.

“And that would be?” Sirius questioned.

“I don’t know if you’ll like it,” Halle stubbornly replied.

“Try me,” Sirius tempted.

“Cherish,” Halle whispered.

Sirius looked at his wife, smiling.

“I love it,” he assured her. “If we have a girl, we’ll name her Cherish.”

“Have you thought of any boys names?” Halle asked.

Before Sirius could answer, the door to the wedding reception burst open and a cold wind stumbled through. Sirius felt uneasy about this and he caught James’ eye. James looked around and saw that Dumbledore had raised his hand for the music to stop. Frank and Alice Longbottom slowly stopped dancing and looked to the door.

A black crow flew in, ramming into Dumbledore. The old man was lifted into the air and crashed through a window. Yet, he had raised his wand and sent a white shield around Lily and James.

Good thing he had as a jet of green light came bursting towards them from the end of a wand tip belonging to Lord Voldemort. He stepped in, laughing coldly at the looks of fear upon everyone’s faces.

The only words spoken were, “Sirius, the baby!”

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4. The Last Battle

Chapter 4-The Last Battle

Lily sent a worried look over to Halle, who seemed to be crouching down and clutching her stomach. A puddle of water had appeared at her feet. The baby was indeed coming. Sirius’ eyes panicked. There were Death Eaters streaming into the reception. Where was he to go?

James eyed Sirius and nodded; Sirius seemed to understand. James outstretched his wand, as did Lily, Remus, Katy, Frank, Alice, Professor McGonagall and the rest of the guests. Within a crack, Sirius had Apparated with Halle to the nearest hospital.

Lily sighed in relief. At least the baby and her friends would be safe. That was the only reassuring thought that heaved into her body. Voldemort seemed to be eyeing all the wands. He wasn’t outnumbered though. It seemed as though he had brought his entire pack of Death Eaters.

James wondered how Dumbledore was managing with Barty Crouch in his Animagus form. He knew the old man would persevere without a scratch; but would Barty get away before Dumbledore uncovered who he truly was?

Yet, he shouldn’t have felt much worry for the Headmaster. The situation in front of him was one that arose much fear and panic. He was going to be an Auror, he needed to be able to remain strong. It was his wedding day though.

“Avada Kedavra!” the pack of Death Eaters screamed. So much green light filled the hall. Lily and James ducked, hoping everyone else had as well. Unfortunately, they knew not everyone had.

“Stupefy!” Lily and James cried together, standing up once again, hands tied between them. A jet of enormous red light made it’s way towards Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

Lily took a quick glimpse over the Great Hall. She saw the Longbottoms still alive, Remus and Katy were getting up slowly. She saw that the Prewitt brothers were taking on Death Eaters, fighting vigorously.

The most perfect day of her life was crumbling before her eyes.

“Impedimenta!” James cried, as a jet of light was aiming towards Lily. She snapped back into reality and outstretched her wand.

She was with James, she had chosen a more difficult life at the price of living with the man she loved. She had to face that fact.

Halle was howling in pain as Healer Lupin rushed her down the hall on a stretcher. Sirius was running by her side, holding onto her hand and nervously trying to help her through it. The baby wasn’t supposed to be due for another month or so.

The white walls of the hospital blinded Sirius as he tried to concentrate on thoughts that were slightly more happy. He was going to be a father. Yet, his friends were in danger; on their wedding day.

Halle screamed as a contraction hit her even more hard.

“You need to calm down, Halle dear. Take slow breaths, relax,” Healer Lupin advised. Remus’ mum was on Halle’s other side, holding her hand while Remus’ dad was pulling the stretcher into a secluded room.

She screamed in pain once more. It was impossible for Sirius to keep calm at this point. The woman he loved was in pain and he could do nothing.

“Is she ok? What’s wrong with her?” Sirius asked.

Remus’ mum shook her head, unsure.

“It could be anything,” she replied. “She could just be having fierce contractions. There could quite possibly be something wrong with the baby. Was there something going on that could have sparked her to go into labor?”

“Yes,” Sirius whispered. “Death Eaters at Lily and James’ reception.”

“Dear Lord,” Healer Lupin answered. There was nothing they could do for the others until the baby was out though.

Lily ducked a spell, wiping blood from the side of her head where she had fell. James was beside her shooting off spells of purple coloring. He was sweating and panting from all the running. It seemed as if it would never end.

The Death Eaters weren’t only targeting him, but they were targeting Frank and Alice. Some of the most prominent Aurors or soon to be Aurors, Frank, Lily, and James, were undoubtedly the reason that Voldemort had struck he party.

James looked over at Remus. He was fighting and hiding Katy from harm’s way. She was blasting off spells as much as possible. She had disarmed a Death Eater and was now kicking him.

Lily wanted her friends to leave, safely. It was their fight, not her friends'.

James seemed to have thought the same thing.

“Remus, get out here. Take Katy with you,” he shouted.

“But, Lily,” Katy shouted.

“Just go,” Lily screamed, dodging another spell flying at her.

Katy and Remus stared uncertainly at one another. They did as their friends wished though, and Apparated.

It was only when Lily saw someone so out of place, that she dared to run away from the Death Eaters.

Petunia was hiding under a table, crying uncontrollably. She had shown up. Lily cursed herself for even thinking of inviting her. This wasn’t the environment her sister should be in. James seemed to have covered her, seeing Lily’s sister.

“Petunia,” Lily whispered. She took Petunia’s hand.

“Lily, why are all these people here?” Petunia asked. Her eyes were wide in fear. She had never looked so vulnerable in her life. Lily the shoe off her foot and whispered, “Portus.” An illegal Portkey was the least of her worries at that moment.

She levitated the shoe in the air.

“This will take you home,” Lily said. “You need to get out of here.”

Petunia touched the shoe and was out of sight within a minute.

Lily knew from that moment that Petunia would be too scared to ever consider a relationship with her sister ever again.

She turned and sent a spell off. Several people had Apparated, listening to James’ instructions.

It was down to Lily, James, Frank, and Alice. They were outnumbered now. If they could hold off in time to Apparate, they could make it out safely. Lily saw the dead bodies of Gideon and Fabian Prewitt on the ground. She held back the tears that would inevitably come.

“What do you want?” James screamed at Voldemort.

Voldemort flicked his wand and ropes bound Frank and Alice. They had made to bind James as well but James had stopped them with his own wand.

“Answer me,” he hissed.

“Anyone who steps in my way, is going to be brought down. You’ve gotten in my way for far too long,” Voldemort answered. The ropes bound Lily from behind. She turned her head to see a short, stubby Death Eater.

James was silenced as he saw the Death Eater Disapparate with his bride. Two others had done the same with Frank and Alice. It was down to James and Voldemort. James would rather be alive and protecting Lily than dead dueling with Voldemort.

He slowly walked forward and allowed Voldemort to bind him. The last thing he saw before he Disapparated was Dumbledore, entering bloody and tired. A look of failure was on his face as James disappeared from sight.

“What is wrong with my baby?” Halle demanded, as she lay in bed. The contractions had momentarily paused.

“It seems that in light of the stress, your baby has strangled itself around the umbilical cord. It’s still alive although we think that when it comes out, the force with cause the umbilical cord to fasten tighter around the baby’s neck thus killing it,” Healer Lupin said, sadly.

Sirius and Halle looked stunned. Their baby was in danger.

Halle burst into tears and leaned into Sirius’ chest. He put his arms around her and stared disbelieving into the eyes of Remus’ parents. He felt his eyes sting with tears but he didn’t allow them to fall. He patted Halle on the head, knowing that she was going through the same thing as he was.

With a sharp jerk, she backed away, screaming. The baby was ready to come out once again. The contractions had started at an alarming rate.

“Not again,” she screamed.

James landed, Voldemort gone. He was in a house, a familiar house. He had been here when he had grown up. It was the Prewitt household.

Now that all the Prewitts were gone, Voldemort and his Death Eaters had decided to keep their hostages in this abandoned house. He was in the attic. He looked over to see Lily and Alice crying and holding one another in fear.

Obviously, Frank was remembering just as James had. He too had been to his house before.

“Prewitts,” James muttered. Frank understood.

“What?” Lily asked. “You know where we are?”

“Yes,” James answered. He rushed over to Lily and kissed her on the lips, thankful she was alive.

“We don’t have much time,” he calculated. “They’re taking a break from the battle and then they’re coming up to kill us.”

“How do you know this?” Alice asked.

“Typical technique of a Death Eater,” Lily, James, and Frank answered.

Alice, who was a Healer, had no idea what they were on about.

“Can we Apparate?” Lily asked.

James strained himself to Apparate but only felt a shock as he tried to do so.

“No, Anti-Apparation jinx,” he answered.

“How are we going to get out of here?” Lily asked. “There are no windows, the door is sealed with Dark Magic.”

“One thing I learned as a Marauder is that there is always a way out,” James said. “I can guarantee that the Prewitt brothers built a tunnel from the attic to their room. I used to come over and they were busy in their room doing something. I never knew what.”

“I remember that too,” Frank reminisced. “Their room is directly two floors below this, am I right?”

“Yes,” James answered. He walked over to the darkest corner of the attic. He started prodding things with his wand. “Which means, that the passage should be somewhere around here.”

“The Prewitt brothers were geniuses if I ever saw any,” Frank said, prodding things with his wand as well.

“Why don’t we make a Portkey?” Lily suggested.

“It won’t work,” James said. “They’d have thought of it. You can try if you want, but I am sure they put a jinx on this attic restraining us from doing so. Now, if we can get into the Prewitt brothers room, we can make a Port Key there.”

Lily and Alice got up and started prodding things with their wands as well. Lily found a painting of a skinny woman in a pink dress. It looked remarkably like the Fat Lady at Hogwarts, although as mentioned, she was skinny and slightly younger.

It was out of the ordinary compared to the rest of the objects in the room. It wasn’t covered in dust or cobwebs. She was surprised she had not spotted it before. She touched it and saw that it slid, leaving space for someone to crawl through and slide down.

“I’ve found it,” she whispered, hoping the Death Eaters were not within listening distance.

“Can you crawl through?” James asked.

“Yes, it looks big enough for all of us,” Lily replied. She kissed James one last time and slid down.

“You better go next,” James advised Alice.

“Yes, honey, you better go before the Death Eaters come,” Frank said. Alice slid down, following Lily as well.

“Go,” James whispered. Frank nodded at James and did so.

James saw the handle of the door turning. He slid down fast, closing the portrait so the Death Eaters wouldn’t know where they escaped to.

He saw Lily levitating a toy broom, Alice and Frank were waiting for James.

“Grab on quickly,” James said. They all did so and were transferred to St. Mungos.

Meanwhile, Halle was experiencing the most painful event in her life. She knew child birth would be painful but she had not expected this. She felt the sharpest pain in her life and then, looking at Sirius for one last time, her eyes closed.

Lily, James, Frank, and Alice ran down the halls of St. Mungos towards the room in which they discovered Halle was in.

They were an odd sight indeed. Lily and James in their wedding apparel, Frank and Alice dressed nicely for the wedding. Blood and dirt covering them.

They made it to the end of the hall where they saw Sirius, crying.

“They’re gone,” he whispered. “Both of them.”

A/N: Well, there you go. The third time defying Voldemort as well as the birth of Sirius’ baby. If you’re confused, which I hope you won’t be, I’ll explain more in the next chapter. Yes, Halle and the baby are dead. That was a horrible chapter to write. Don’t kill me please, it had to happen. Sirius doesn’t have a wife or child in the books. Some of you may have thought it through and thought of possible ways of the baby and Halle living. All will be explained in the next chapter. Please review.

5. Finding Strength

Catch My Fall

Chapter 5-Finding Strength

You used to captivate me
By your resonating life
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts
My once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away
All the sanity in me

These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears
I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have

All of me

“Gone?” Lily whispered in pure disbelief. Her emerald eyes had grown wide in perception. She saw Sirius’ bloody hands that had held the stillborn baby.

Sirius nodded, wiping the tears from his eyes slowly. James bit his lip to stop his own tears from showing. His friend needed him to stay strong. He couldn’t break down into an emotional mess before him.

“How?” Lily asked. “Wasn’t there anything they could do?”

Not only was the baby gone, but Halle was gone. Halle; everyone’s friend, the girl who seemed to always carry a glow about her, the smile that never faded.

“The baby came at such an alarming rate that the healers couldn’t sustain her in time to research Muggle methods of child birth,” Sirius said quietly, taking a seat on the bench behind him.

Alice, who had been friends with Halle and passed along the notes from training to her, began to show tears and her husband rubbed her back.

It was too much for anyone to take in. Halle and the baby were gone. No warning, nothing to even give anyone a heads up on the events that had just taken place.

“How did she die?” James asked. “Many women have miscarriages and still live.”

“The baby,” Sirius struggled to say. “The baby had strangled itself and apparently it had died due to the amount of stress Halle was feeling. The baby felt the stress and strangled itself. She lost so much blood in the process that it was near impossible that she would live.”

Lily sat beside Sirius and put a comforting arm around him. If what the four had just escaped from was frightful, what they had returned to was shockingly terrifying.

“She’s gone, Lily,” Sirius cried. “She was so young. We’re nineteen! What nineteen year old dies during child birth?”

“A stressed one,” James replied quietly. “It’s all my fault, Padfoot. If those Death Eaters hadn’t shown up at the wedding, Halle would still be here. It’s my fault.”

He felt the tears fall from his own face now. He sat on Sirius’ other side and buried his head in his hands.

“You listen to me, Prongs,” Sirius said, his voice gaining some sort of control. “Never blame yourself for this. This was no one’s fault. No one’s. You too, Lily. This is nobody’s fault. If anything, it’s my fault for getting her pregnant.”

“Oh, Sirius,” Lily cried. “She was so happy when she was pregnant. I have never seen her smile so much. She was in love with her life and everything in it; especially you.”

“It was a girl,” Sirius muttered, brushing away the tears.

Lily held back more tears knowing Halle had always wanted a baby girl.

“Halle wanted to name her Cherish. So, on the gravestone it will read Cherish Halle Black,” Sirius said.

“Is she still here?” Lily asked.

“No,” Sirius whispered. “They took her from me. I got to hold her once. She was so tiny. It’s so difficult to think that something so new and innocent could just be taken away.”

“That is the injustice of life,” James said.

His friend didn’t deserve this. He deserved to have his wife and daughter. James couldn’t think of anyone who deserved a happy life more than Sirius. Sirius always made people so happy. He was always there for James; he didn’t deserve this at all.

“This is so horrible,” Lily cried. “Why did she have to go?”

“It wasn’t in the plans for me to have family,” Sirius cried. “It never has been. First, I have parents who think of me as an outcast. Then, the Potters, the only attempt I’ve made at having a family, are stolen from the world. Now, Halle. It’s just not in the cards for me to have someone. I’m supposed to be alone.”

“No one’s supposed to be alone,” James remarked. “That’s why we have each other. No matter what life brings us, we’ll always be friends. We’ll be there for each other to get through things like these.”

“He’s right,” Lily sniffed, wiping more tears from her already stained cheeks. “You have us. Don’t think you’re in on this alone. We all loved Halle, maybe not as much as you did. Still, we’re here for you, Sirius. We love you.”

“Thanks,” Sirius said. Lily, James, and him wrapped themselves into a group hug where more tears were shed.

Frank and Alice had Disapparated to go inform people of Halle. The three of them had nodded with appreciation as the couple did so.

“Lily, James, Sirius,” Katy’s voice wailed. She had just Apparated with a pop. “How is the baby?”

The three of them broke apart to see their friend, still in her wedding apparel, cluelessly look upon them with concern. They weren’t sure how to break it to her.

“What-” Katy stuttered. “What happened?”

She saw Lily’s cheeks, Sirius’ bloodshot eyes, and James’ lowered head.

“Someone,” Katy pleaded. “What happened?”

With a pop, Remus Apparated next to Katy. He too seemed to have no idea what had happened.

“Frank and Alice were crying. They said to come here. What exactly happened? Why were they so upset?” Remus asked. “They went on about going to fetch Halle’s parents.”

“No,” Katy whispered. “Don’t tell me.”

Her eyes turned red in suspicion.

Sirius separated himself from Lily and James and walked over to Katy. He took her hand, his eyes still on the ground spilling tears.

“Halle and the baby are dead,” he said.

Katy seemed to have collapsed, Remus and Sirius holding her up.

Lily started crying even more rapidly into James’ chest. It was unfair that such a beautiful person, inside and out, had to be taken. Seeing everyone’s reaction made it just as bad.

Remus stared into Sirius’ eyes disbelieving. The seriousness in his best mate’s stare said more than words could tell.

Katy regained some of her composure and sat on the bench that Sirius had just been sitting upon. Her blue eyes were shimmering in tears. Lily, knowing Sirius was far too emotional as it was, proceeded to tell Katy what exactly had happened. She found it hard and didn’t know exactly how Sirius had been able to tell she and James.

“Why couldn’t they magically get the baby out?” Katy questioned.

“It would have caused the baby to strangle itself even further and it would have died instantly,” Sirius mumbled.

“What about a C-Section?” Lily asked.

“A what?” Remus, Katy, Sirius, and James all ask.

She knew that C-Sections must not have existed in the wizarding world; nor stitches as she had discovered back in third year.

“Oh,” Lily whispered. “As Sirius said, the baby came too fast to research Muggle methods of child labor. I didn’t realize that they didn’t use C-Sections.”

“Maybe I can talk to my parents about training their Healers to know,” Remus suggested, his voice cracking as well. “After something like this, they should know to be prepared in case.”

He walked away into his parents’ office. They could hear him shouting about lack of responsibility. Lily agreed, they should have known every kind of method for a situation like this.

The four remaining looked up from their sorrows only when they heard several pops indicating more people Apparating.

They saw Alice, Frank, Professor Dumbledore, and a very posh looking older couple whom they didn’t recognize.

Sirius stood, as did the rest. Professor Dumbledore seemed very upset behind his calm, stable face. He was trying very hard not to let his emotions get in the way of this meeting.

“Sirius, I wish to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas,” Professor Dumbledore said, indicating the couple to his right.

“Sirius, is it? Your name sounds familiar,” Mrs. Douglas said. She didn’t look upset in the least and Sirius wondered if she had even heard the news yet.

“Halle wrote to you last year to tell you that me and her got married,” Sirius retorted.

What kind of parents didn’t even remember that their daughter had gotten married? Did they even know she had been pregnant?

“Oh, that’s right,” Mrs. Douglas said, her lips pursing in disapproval.

“You’re luck you caught us, Dumbledore. We were just about to leave for our vacation to Italy,” Mr. Douglas said.

Mr. Douglas was a fairly tall man with a neatly trimmed head of brown hair. His eyes were so unlike his daughters, clear blue. He was wearing a suit which Sirius observed as a sign of importance.

Mrs. Douglas had jet black hair sweeped up into a bun and barely visible under her exquisite purple hat. Her chocolate brown eyes were also unlike her daughters, not withholding the friendly, warm feeling Halle’s had. Mrs. Douglas’ seemed to give off a strict aura and Sirius wondered how Halle had come from such people. He had rarely heard mention of her parents.

“Well, I’m fairly certain you may wish to cancel that trip to Italy,” Professor Dumbledore said quietly.

“Why would that be?” Mrs. Douglas asked. “Has Halle gotten herself injured again? She has always been a clumsy girl.”

“How would you know?” Sirius retorted. Anger was replacing the aching pain in his heart. These people seemed to think they knew everything about a daughter they rarely saw.

“I would think I’d know my own daughter, Simeon-is that your name?” Mrs. Douglas asked.

“Sirius,” Sirius muttered. “Her husband. I knew your daughter better than you probably ever had. Do you even know why you’re here? One of the most important moments in your daughter’s life was about to happen when something prevented it. Do you even know why the hell you’re here?”

“I refuse to allow this young man to talk to me in such manner,” Mrs. Douglas said.

“Don’t speak to my wife like that, young man,” Mr. Douglas intervened.

Professor Dumbledore was looking on, clearly confused as to how he was supposed to handle the situation. Sirius seemed genuinely hurt by the Douglas’ lack of concern.

“Halle’s dead,” Sirius hissed. “She died during childbirth.”

“Childbirth? That would mean she was..” Mrs. Douglas said. She gasped and put a hand to her mouth.

“She’s dead?” Mr. Douglas asked. His eyes were wide and concerned. Sirius appreciated this opposed to Halle’s mum’s reaction.

“Yes,” Sirius whispered.

“Why didn’t she ask of us to be here?” Mrs. Douglas asked, tears leaving stains of mascara on her face.

“For the simple fear of time repeating itself,” Lily said, standing up beside Sirius.

“What exactly do you mean?” Mrs. Douglas asked.

“I’m Lily Evans, one of Halle’s best friends. I’ve been friends with her since the first train ride to Hogwarts. Through those seven years there, Halle sent you millions of letters. Letters telling you of her times at Hogwarts, how she was doing, who her friends were. Not once did you reply, not once.”

Lily felt tears stream down her eyes and she felt no shame. These people deserved to know the truth. Their daughter was amazing and they never took the time to notice.

“We meant to, but-” Mrs. Douglas said, turning to Dumbledore in explanation. He looked in no condition to judge anyone.

“But you never did,” Katy said, standing beside Lily. “Do you even know who I am? If that’s Lily, what’s my name?”

“Um,” Mrs. Douglas babbled.

“You don’t know, do you?” Katy challenged. “I’m Katy Jones, her other best friend. Let me tell you, you missed out on one amazing woman. Halle deserved better parents and she deserved more out of life. She loved life, don’t get me wrong, but she shouldn’t have died. She was one of the most pure people I knew.”

“Do you know what happened to Halle last year?” James asked, standing beside Katy.

“Um,” Mr. Douglas mumbled.

“She was classified as insane by the Healers here at St. Mungos. She got hit by the Cruciatus Curse during battle with a death eater. The Healers found a once-in-a-lifetime cure for her and she was revived. Then, she got married to my best mate and they graduated together. Soon, she was pregnant. Pregnant during her time at Hogwarts. Did she have any parents to console in? No. Poor Lily, Katy, and Sirius helped her along when really, she needed parents to talk to. Where were you? Probably on a cruise ship in Costa Rica,” James shouted.

“The funeral will be in a week,” Sirius muttered. “Do you think you’ll have the time to make it?”

The two parents looked clearly abashed. They had just been confronted by four teenagers and had definitely not expected the news they had just received.

“Yes,” Mrs. Douglas cried.

“Your daughter and granddaughter deserve nothing less than the utmost admiration and honor,” Sirius said. “I hope you realize that.”

With that, the two of them Disapparated in tears. Professor Dumbledore walked over and gave Sirius a hug; something that had never happened before. Somehow, Dumbledore seemed to know that Sirius needed an adult figure.

James knew one thing; Sirius would never love again.

The funeral was a small, private ordeal yet many people had shown up. Sirius saw Lily, James, Katy, Remus, Frank, Alice, and Peter of course. He had expected that. Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick had all show up, Professor McGonagall in tears.

Halle’s parents had shown up, true to their word. Many members of the Order had arrived, Remus’ parents had come. They had known Halle for some time considering the time she spent in St. Mungos last year. Several students that had graduated with them had shown up.

Sirius appreciated every single one of them. He wanted Halle to receive all that she deserved. She deserved everything, in his opinion.

After they had lowered the two caskets, both located directly next to each other, the crowd began to disperse. Only Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, and Katy remained.

Their tears hit the Earth in which their friend would be buried.

“We’ll leave you alone with her,” Lily whispered, saying goodbye to Sirius. She whispered her last words to Halle as did the rest.

They all Apparated, leaving Sirius with the only true family he’d ever known.

“Halle babe, how could you do this to me? I loved you so much and then you were taken. I don’t know how life will be after this. I know you’d want me to move on; but I can’t do that. You’re the only person I’ll ever love. It was so short, our time together, but I don’t regret a single moment. Not a single moment. I saw our little girl. She was beautiful. It’s a shame she won’t get to be brought up in this world with me and you. You would have been an amazing mother. I know it won’t mean much to you now, but I wanted to leave these for you.”

With those words, Sirius dropped eleven white roses onto her casket. He had kept one for his daughter; Cherish Halle Black.

He cried as he placed that one in the slightly smaller hole. He stared at his wife’s gravestone and broke down.

“I’ll always love you,” he whispered, before standing and walking away.

Halle Elizabeth Douglas Black

Loving friend, mother, and wife. Rest in peace.

A/N: Well, that’s a mighty long chapter if I do say so myself. Just so you know, I’ve had the idea of Halle’s parents for quite some time. They only just made their appearance as a way to stick true to their character. They’re mentioned in chapter 1 of Lily and James: Their Story of Love. Well, please review. I hope you liked it.

6. Birthday Wishes

Catch My Fall

Chapter 6-Birthday Wishes

“So now, the four of you have escaped the presence of Voldemort three times?” Professor Albus Dumbledore asked.

Sitting in his office at Hogwarts, James, Lily, Alice, and Frank had gone to inform Dumbledore of their narrow escape.

“Correct,” James muttered.

Everyone was still quite shaken up after Halle’s funeral, which had been a week before.

“It seems to me that you all have become targets,” Dumbledore mused. “For what reason, I am unsure. The only assumption I can make is that you are all strong and well connected. You all have a good relationship with me, you’re all in the Order, and you’re all of valuable service to the Ministry. Alice heals the injured wizards, including Aurors, Frank is a top Auror already, and Lily and James, you happen to be very promising advocates in training as Aurors.”

“You think that is the reason we’re all targeted?” Frank asked.

“Also, the four of you know just about everyone in the wizarding world. At your loss, a major decline in performance would occur. Look at this death of Mrs. Black. She knew many, making us all vulnerable to her death. Voldemort knows where we are weak,” the aged professor explained.

“Our hearts,” Lily murmured.

“Precisely, Lily,” Dumbledore acknowledged. “Our ability to love differs us from his clan. That is what makes us so perceptive to his terror. We know that the ones we love are constantly at risk.”

“Does that mean our friends are in danger?” Alice quietly asked.

James’ ears perked to his question. He hadn’t thought of that. Would the Marauders be in danger? Would Lily be in danger?

“Sadly,” Dumbledore slowly said. “Yes. The best you all can do at this moment is just keep a sharp eye and a steady heart. I’m continually on the case as to Voldemort’s next move. I’m afraid to say that it is hard to prevent deaths from occurring as the Order is highly disadvantaged. Our wizards have extraordinary skill, no doubt, but there is not enough of us willing to fight against him.”

“Is it true that you taught him, Professor?” James questioned.

“Yes,” Dumbledore said, softly. “If I had known then what his talent would be used for..”

He shook his head. The memories were clearly paining him. Teaching someone as evil as Tom Riddle had to be a burden.

“Please do take care of yourselves,” he called, as the four of them made to leave. “Oh, and good luck!”

Aside from the news of Halle’s death and the danger their friends were in, Lily and James had much larger problems to face. Marriage was a new and unfamiliar thing to them. They had been very close at Hogwarts, yet, there was no way of preparing one’s self for the harsh realities of living with another.

New flaws began to appear before their eyes. After long days of vividly draining training, the two of them were extremely irritable.

“Do you want me to cook?” James asked, plopping onto the couch.

“No, I can do it,” Lily replied, resting her head on his chest.

“You’re tired,” he provided. “I’ll do it.”

“No, sit down,” Lily snapped. “We can order in.”

“Good idea,” James sighed.

“Have you talked to Sirius yet?” Lily asked.

James traced his fingers along her hand, loving the feel of her skin.

“No,” he replied. “He went back to work this week. I don’t know how he can stand to live in that house still.”

“I have a feeling that he’ll move into a flat in sure time,” Lily predicted. “Halle loved that house. I suppose he doesn’t know who is honorable enough to buy it.”

“What about Katy? Have you warned her?” James asked.

“No,” Lily said. “I don’t want to worry her. She looks out for herself anyways though. All Aurors do. I suppose we all have to be a little paranoid to have the nerve to do this job.”

“I suppose you’re right,” James yawned. “Remus has been up to his ears in work as well. He’s researching methods of curing lycanthropy. So far, he’s had no such luck. The Ministry is allowing him to do that, seeing as it is a certain defensive related topic.”

“That’s good,” Lily said. “I hope he finds a cure. Poor Remus.”

“We’re not even there to help him anymore,” James reflected. “Our lives are so hectic.”

“What about Peter?” Lily questioned. “How’s he been?”

“Haven’t seen him,” James said. “He’s always been so secretive though.”

“That’s just Peter,” Lily figured.

“We haven’t even fought today,” James declared. “It must be a good day.”

“We’re just tired,” Lily teased. “We’ll get back to it tomorrow.”

James leaned down and kissed his wife on the lips. He looked around their furnished house. It brought back memories of his parents. It was sad, but happy all the same. He was glad to be able to keep a piece of them around.

“More paperwork,” Katy grumbled. “Why did we get stuck with Mad Eye? Frank seems like more fun.”

“James says they do drills,” Lily groaned. “I wish we did drills.”

“No,” Katy complained. “We get stuck with this nastily exhausting paperwork. This is almost as bad as History of Magic. Are you sure that Moody isn’t channeling Professor Binns’ spirit?”

“That would explain a lot,” Lily muttered.

“Work, work, work,” Mad Eye mock-cheerfully called, bringing in another pile of papers.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Katy protested.

“Do I look like I have a sense of humor, Jones?” Moody questioned, his eye focused on Katy’s equally intimidating pair.

“Yes,” she tried, hopefully.

“CONSTANT VIGILANCE!” he called, walking out of the office.

“Now I know why they call him mad,” she claimed. “So, Lily, what are you doing for the big nineteen?”

Katy had brought up a good point; tomorrow was Lily’s nineteenth birthday. How could she have forgotten? Well, the stress, the death of one of her best friends, the demanding Auror training. Those were some reasonable excuses.

“I haven’t thought about it,” Lily truthfully replied.

“We’re full of comedians in this office,” Katy laughed. She saw the serious look on Lily’s face and stopped. “You really did forget your own birthday?”

Lily nodded.

“You’re almost nineteen and yet you’ve had more put in front of you than most wizards. I guess you don’t have time to think of such things,” Katy sympathized in a small, quiet voice.

The two of them sat silent for the rest of the time duration at work.

“Evans! Nineteen now, ay?” Moody asked, clapping Lily on the back.

“It’s Potter now,” Lily said, lifting up her left hand and showing her ring.

“Oh yeah,” Moody said, scratching his head. “Didn’t I go to that wedding?”

Lily rolled her eyes and smiled. Frank and Alice had stopped by to wish her a happy birthday. She even saw Remus for a moment. He had given her a watch that detected dark wizards within a mile. She had kissed him on the cheek in thanks.

Even poor Sirius stopped by. He had hugged her and given her an album Halle had made. It contained pictures of Hogwarts; their friendship from day one. Both of them had gone a bit teary eyed. Lily smiled, thanking him.

She wondered if James had remembered? He, after all, held the same stress she did. She barely remembered until Katy told her.

He probably forgot.

She walked into the house and saw a brief light. It appeared to be in the kitchen, but seeing as the lights were all out, she couldn’t be sure.

Is James setting things on fire again?

She headed into the kitchen and switched on the light. A small birthday cake with one candle was sitting on the table. It read, Happy Birthday Lily! She smiled. He had baked for her; something that she hadn’t imagined possible.

A single red rose was sitting next to the cake. It reminded her of the night they had gotten engaged. Two hands covered her eyes from behind. She smiled, taking in his scent.

“Happy birthday,” he whispered into her ear.

“I thought you had forgotten,” she breathed.

“How could I forget? I love you,” he said, taking his hands off her eyes. She turned to him, feeling a tear of happiness creep into her eyes.

“I almost forgot myself,” she admitted.

He held out a slim box and let her take it.

She opened it and found a slim, silver bracelet with engravings.

It read,

Forever yours.

She smiled.

“I love it.” She put her arms around his neck and kissed him daintily on the lips.

“And I love you,” she continued.

“Even when I get on your nerves?” he questioned slyly.

“Even more then. You’re the only man I can love for his imperfect nature,” she confessed.

“Happy Birthday, Lily,” he said, sweeping her into his arms.

A/N: Short, I know. I have plans. I just need some time to pass before I reach that point. I’m figuring that Lily was about 21 when she had Harry; 22 when she died. That’s what I’m figuring. This is her first year of training, so by that time, she’ll be done. So, when the prophecy is made, she’ll be 20. That’ll be next year. So, I still have a year to kill. I may just skip forward in time soon. Please review.