The Marauders and Lily

The Way Things Change

Lily

I stared at the ceiling, the boys had long since tried to talk to me. They knew it was silence I craved. They took turns simply sitting in the room with me, making sure I wasn't alone. Five hours later, to the minute, I sat up and looked towards the four boys sitting silence at the table. In unison, they all looked back towards me, none of them even attempting the comforting smile they knew I didn't want.

"There will be a funeral. You're all coming," I stated. My eyes beginning to water at the thought of what Petunia would say to me. She wasn't one to not speak her mind and I knew that she would blame me. The worst part is, I couldn't blame her. If I weren't a witch, this never would've happened.

"I don't know if that's the best idea, Lily. We never even met your parents," Remus said, being the voice of reason. I shook my head, the tears beginning to pour down my face again. I knew they wouldn't understand until they met Petunia, but her wrath would need to be blocked by more than just James.

I knew James could see it on my face that I needed this, so in his most authoritative tone, he spoke, "We're all going. End of discussion."

Sirius smirked, "What Lily wants, Lily gets."

————————(The Funeral)————————————————

We apparated with special permission from Dumbledoor himself. The funeral wasn't until the next day, I was simply taking a day to collect my things from my house and fight with Petunia. As soon as I walked through the door, the fight began.

"You filthy little witch. You just had to be better than everyone else and show off how bloody perfect you are by becoming a freak. You just had to ruin my life. I was supposed to really be something, but they favored the witch of the family. I had nothing because you just had to be a filthy, little freak," Petunia screeched at me the moment I opened the door.

Each boy behind me tensed, not expecting Petunia. But, I knew better, I knew she'd be there and I knew Vernon would be there to make things worse. I knew that this was a fight I was going to lose. Still, I walked into the house and set my things down; the boys behind me following my lead, "What? Not going to say anything, you freak? In my house, you will speak when spoken to."

Vernons voice was enough to snap me out of my trance, "This is not your house, nor will it ever be. I will not fight with Petunia, but I will not be talked down to in my own home."

"No. You won't consider this your home. You leave tonight. You're not welcome at the funeral you are not welcome in this home. I will not have freaks near my Vernon. You can't march in here with your flock of freaks and expect me not to say something about it. I am done being civil and I'm done pretending you're my sister. You are dead to me and that will never change. Get your stuff and get the hell out. If you are there tomorrow, there will be hell to pay," Petunia finished with a turn and marched up the stairs, Vernon at her heels. Usually I would've fought back, usually I would've said something to shut her down; but this time, I wasn't convinced that she was wrong. If I wasn't a witch, my parents would still be alive.

It was as though James could sense my spiraling thoughts, he grabbed my hand and helped me collect our things, "I guess we should head to a motel for the night."

Remus' suggestion surprised me. The boys had been surrounded by wizard culture all their lives, it often was a shock when they knew anything about the muggle world. I nodded in response though. We apperated to the nearest motel and began to make plans for the next day.

"Lily. You're going to your parents funeral. End of discussion," Peter said. Everyone around me nodded in response.

"You have the four of us, she won't cause a scene, we promise," Remus continued, all of them slowly talking me into this. This time, I nodded, agreeing to go to the funeral. The night was spent playing truth or dare once again, the boys favorite game. Their fascination of the muggle world carried into their dares, leading them to daring each other to do regular muggle things. We stayed up through the night, avoiding giving me time to think about the day ahead of me. 

Before I even had time to think, the sun was shining through the sheer curtains of the motel room we sat in. I slowly began the trivial task of getting myself ready. 

————————————————————————

James

The Marauders and I all dressed quickly, simple suits with black ties; completely appropriate muggle apparel. I glanced towards the bathroom right as Lily opened the door. Oh my Merlin, she was a sight for sore eyes. The black dress she was wearing fit her perfectly and was complimented by her bright red hair. She looked beautiful, even if the occasion was grim. I couldn't help myself from walking over and kissing her soundly on the lips. She giggled softly as Sirius smacked my head, scolding me. 

We apperated to the funeral, easily making the short walk to the actual venue. I looked to the boys and mouthed, "I'll handle Petunia."

As I approached Petunia, I truly studied her. She was lovely, yes, but nothing compared to her sister. Lily's looks were striking and Petunias were soft around the edges. Her blonde hair and green eyes gave a soft glow to her. But, the sneer that usually resided on her face killed all of that, it took away from her beauty. 

"Petunia," I started calmly, completely unsure how my sentence would end, "I'm sorry for your loss."

She cackled in response, " Sorry? You're sorry for my loss? Ha. No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you have to deal with my freak of a sister. None of us want any of you here, just leave."

Before I could stop myself, my hands were clenched into fists, aching to knock the smirk off of her face. But, as quickly as the anger had arrived, it was gone. I was completely calm as I spoke, "Lily is the best thing that's ever happened to me, that is a fact. Disrespect her again and I'll show you just how bad magic can really be. She belongs here as much as you do, so sit down and shut up." 

Petunia's face whitened significantly, fear apparent in her expression. I turned on my heel, walking straight towards Lily. Not giving Petunia a second thought, ignoring the fact that I knew she had more to say to me. Lily looked up at me as I stood in front of her, "You really shouldn't speak to my sister like that."

"I know," I said simply, too stubborn to apologize for something I didn't regret. 

She said nothing in response, instead she hugged me tighter then she ever had before. I knew she was telling me what her words couldn't say. I knew she was thanking me for protecting her from Petunia. I knew that she had invited all of us here so we'd understand why she'd never be able to go home again. As she pulled away, I glanced around for the Marauders, failing to locate them. Lily must have sensed my confusion and spoke, "They're collecting my things." 

With those words, I made up my mind. Lily Evans would be coming home with me for the winter holiday and she'd always have a home with me. As the funeral ended, we walked hand-in-hand away from the crowds. I knew tears were streaming down Lily's face, but I waited for her to speak. 

"I don't know what I'm going to do with all my things. There can't possibly be room for all of my things in our dorm," she said. The worry seeping into her words. 

"We'll handle it," I said softly, my mind working quickly. I knew I owed my mother a letter home before offering Lily permeant residence in my home. Lily nodded in response to my words, letting me apperate the both of us back to the school. Knowing we'd find the rest of the Marauders already in our common room. 

————————————————————————

I headed to my room, calling it an early night after helping Lily shove her belongings into her closet that we charmed to enlarge. I sat at my desk and drafted a letter to my mother, a letter I promised her six years ago that I would write.

Dearest Mum,

I did it. The girl of my dreams fell for me. Lily Evans will be a Potter, just as I promised you when I was eleven. I cannot begin to describe to you how happy I am, you will see it for yourself when I return home for the winter holiday. The Marauder's will be there as well. 

That leads me to the point of this letter, Lily Evans. Her parents have been killed by the dark forces and she needs a place to call home. I would like to offer her residence at our estate for the last eight months of our schooling. After that, I will move out with her. I look forward to hearing your approval to this request. 

Thank you, with love,

James Potter