True Reflections: Scars Saga 3

Side Effects

Chapter 2

Side Effects

November 1979

There was a gentle knock on the door, and I glanced at the clock on the wall. She was five minutes late. Then again, she did have James with her so she did pretty well to arrive as early as she did. Still...to be safe.

I juggled a barely sleeping child in one arm and held my wand ready in the other. I silently approached the door and peered through the tiny hole. I saw a beaming Lily as a grinning James kissed her cheek. Satisfied I put my wand away and reached for the door knob.

It wouldn't turn.

"You have to ask the question, Kate," James said.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. Of course he had charmed the door not to open unless I asked a question.

"That phrase alone proves you're my brother, James. If you were a Death Eater, I'd be dead already."

"Precisely. Now ask the question or we leave and you never get to come out of there."

"James, stop being such a toe-rag," Lily said.

That was definitely them, but I knew James wouldn't let up. So I asked my question.

"Who was dad's favorite son?"

"Sirius Black," James replied.

The door knob gave a little click as it turned and I swung it forward. I greeted Lily and James each with a kiss and a one armed hug.

"You really need to ask a question every time one of us visits, Kate. We could have been imposters," James insisted.

"It's nice to see you too," I replied.

Jonathan started fussing, so I bounced him on my shoulder.

"Aww, don't fuss little one," Lily cooed. Then she held out her arms. "May I?"

"Oh please." I passed him over and shook out my arm. "Here, take this too. He ate not too long ago, so consider yourself warned."

Lily cooed and bounced Jonathan, and in no time she had him gurgling and slobbering all over her, a true sign of his affection.

"Well, look at that, Lils; you're a natural. You'll have no trouble at all with ours," James said.

"James!" Lily scolded.

My eyes darted between the two in confusion.

"I told you, you had to be delicate about this. I had a whole speech planned and you've just ruined it."

"Wait, what's going on?" I asked. Lily looked a little sheepish as she bounced Jonathan, but James was smirking broadly.

"Oh!" My eyes widened with a sudden understanding. "Lily, are you..."

Lily nodded slightly. "You're going to be an Aunt."

I was amazed and so very, very happy. "This is perfect! Now Jonathan can have a brother to grow up with!"

"You're not upset then?"