Like Magic

June 1976
Hogwarts Leaving Feasts were generally loud and rowdy affairs. The first through sixth years made most of the noise, blowing streamers into the air and trading bad jokes. Muggle-borns would trade telephone numbers and promises to meet in the nearest large city over the summer holidays. At the Head Table, the professors would observe the carrying-on with humour and grace, batting away the errant balloon that landed in their suppers.

The N.E.W.T.s had been taken several weeks before, and a sense of relief had washed over the entire class once the terribly difficult and long tests had been completed. The only hurdle left was the optional Apparation exam, which most students had been trying for since January. This was perhaps the most important exam of all for some of the students. Some people had to take the rigorous examination several times before passing, and then were still shaky with the spell for months afterwards. Lily knew of at least a dozen students who refused to take the test at all, for fear of splinching themselves (although Sirius Black had been first in line).

Lily had landed in Kent accidentally three times before deciding that Apparation was not for her. Perhaps the greatest blow to her Gryffindor pride, however, was that the first student to gain his Apparation license - and on his first attempt, no less - was a Slytherin.

This Leaving Feast would be Lily's last, and she and the rest of the Seventh Years were much more quiet and brooding than the rest of the school. After all, other students had a short summer break and then it was back to Hogwarts. But for Lily and James, there was the great yawning openness of real life ahead, and it was terrifying.

It was towards the end of the feast when Lily realised that the rest of the Marauders had disappeared (off to play a final prank on the Slytherin table - she thought she had heard mention of replacing their chocolate puddings with something else), and she was alone for once with James. They smiled at each other shyly, and reached to hold hands beneath the table, utterly convinced that no one else in the Great Hall was aware of their affections.

Of course, they were completely wrong. The entire school knew that James Potter was in love with Lily Evans, and as she had been in love with him since their Third Year, this was considered "Old News," and not worth repeating except to nosy First Years. Hogwarts allowed Lily and James their game and continued to ignore them.

"The next month will fly by, you'll see," said James. "And then we'll be together in London, and we'll never have to be separated again."

"I know," said Lily. "You'll owl me every day, though, won't you?"

"Your parents won't mind owls coming in at all hours?" chuckled James.

"No, I think they're rather used to it now. Sometimes Mum collects the Pettigrew's mail when they're away on holiday, though she forgets to feed them now and then," said Lily. She bit her lip and squeezed James's hand.

"You're planning something," said James. Lily opened her eyes wide.

"I am not!"

"You are," said James knowingly. "You're biting your lip, and your nails are bitten off too. What's wrong?"

"Nothing!"

"Of course not."

"Well - "

"Yes?"

Lily sat for a few moments, collecting her thoughts. "There's something I've been working over in my mind," she started slowly. "I'm not sure I've got it all neatly laid out and presentable just yet."

"Whenever you're ready, I'll be here," said James.

"That's just it - you won't. You'll be off in darkest Wales, and I'll be in Surrey, and my problem will be firmly planted at the door to Pets' heart."

"Vernon Dursley again, Lils?"

Lily wrinkled her nose. "Pets wrote me a letter this week, and I think maybe one line had nothing to do with him, and I think she was thinking of him when she wrote that."

"What was the line?"

"Something about how she was learning to make a really rich sponge cake," said Lily darkly. "With perfectly light and delectable caramel frosting."

"That sounds good."

"It sounds," said Lily, "like something he'd like for dessert."

"I cannot even look at him and not feel repulsed. All through Easter break, I had to watch him from across the dinner table. It's like he's taken over my family, James. Everyone loves Mr. Dursley; he's God's Gift to Drills and Mankind. Let's all give Mr. Dursley a round of applause, a second brandy, his favourite dinner three nights in a row, and oh, don't forget to throw in my sister's virginity as well!" Lily shuddered. "I can't take a single moment of him."

"Lily," said James, eyes widening a bit at her crudeness. "Petunia's a kid. Your parents aren't going to serve her to Mr. Dursley on a silver platter."

"It certainly seems like it! They're practically paving the way to her bedroom for him." Lily stabbed her fork at her potatoes, and James gulped.

"Are you sure you're giving him a fair deal, Lils?" asked James.

Lily stabbed her potatoes again. "Pets says I'm not," she admitted quietly. "She said as much in her letter. She said I should try to spend some time with him, get to know him better, and that he's really a very fine and cultured person." She laid down her fork. "I think Pets was rather upset about my dislike of him, really. She accused me of trying to push Peter Pettigrew onto her."

"Lily," said James patiently, "that's what you're doing."

"Only because it's really what she wants," insisted Lily, and James sighed, knowing it was a losing battle. "Pets seems to think all I need is to spend a little time with Dursley, get to know him better, and then everything will be sunshine and roses between us."

"That's an excellent idea," said James, nodding his head. "Perhaps go to the cinema, or a museum, talk to him a bit - "

Lily looked up at him, and rushed her words out. "Wooduhavinnerithus."

"Excuse me?"

Lily took a deep breath. "Would you have dinner with us."

James was quiet for a moment. "Me? And You? With Petunia and Mr. Dursley?"

"Oh, please James," said Lily, reaching for his hands and not caring who saw. "It would be so much easier if you were there. You could keep me in line, make sure I don't hex him into a toad or something."

"Do you really think that Petunia would be willing to have dinner with me there? She hasn't told him about you being magical, has she?"

"No," admitted Lily. "And I haven't asked her. But she's bound to say yes, if I tell her that you'll be there. You have to come. I can't sit across the table from them by myself. I'd never make it through dinner alive."

James sighed. "All right. Dinner. Once. But that's your birthday present, don't ask for anything else."

"You gave me my birthday present last week," said Lily.

"No more presents until you're sixty," said James seriously.

Lily couldn't contain her giggles, and she and James bent their heads closer together over their desserts. They didn't notice the rest of the school roll their eyes and chuckle to themselves, nor did they notice the more imposing figure of the first Slytherin to pass his Apparation test smile slyly to himself, tapping his fingers against his cheek in thought.

* * * * *

"My girl," said the man, rising from his chair as Narcissa entered. "A pleasant journey home?"

"Yes, my Lord," said Narcissa, falling to her knees.

"And my Gryffindor? He is waiting outside?"

Narcissa did not answer, and she looked up to see the man's eyes glittering coldly. He knows, she thought, and quickly looked away.

"No, master," she whispered. "He is not outside. He has not come."

"You have failed then?"

Narcissa did not answer, and suddenly she felt the cold thin fingers wrap around her arm as she was roughly pulled to her feet. The man held her tightly, his sharp nails digging into her skin, and she struggled not to wince.

"Say it," he hissed, and Narcissa opened her eyes to see his face, contorted with fury.

"I failed you, my Lord," she whispered. "I ... he was too good."

The man threw the girl onto the floor. "You will have nothing from me then. There is no position for you here, nor in the Ministry, nor anything I can arrange for you."

"My Lord - " said Narcissa, becoming frantic. "I - you cannot cut me off - "

"You have done nothing to convince me to keep you." The man walked back to the dais. "Parkinson has a lovely daughter. The females in that family have proven to be fertile in the past."

"There is still a chance!" shouted Narcissa towards the retreated back, and he froze.

"A chance ..."

"The girl no longer loves him," said Narcissa, quieter. "Her heart burns for another Muggle. That man is far wilier than your Gryffindor gives him credit for, and he may yet steal the girl away."

The man turned to her, and though his eyes were still cold, there played a smile at his lips.

"Maybe you should pray that a Muggle can drive that Gryffindor back to you," he whispered. "I won't marry Lucius off just yet, my girl. But if he has not returned to you in a year - Parkinson will bear the Malfoy seed, not you."

"I understand," said Narcissa, and feeling a small spark of hope.

And Tom Marvolo Riddle laughed.

* * * * *

The planned dinner did not take place for another five weeks, as it turned out. Vernon claimed to be terribly busy and Petunia was still taking her O levels. By the time the night of the dinner arrived, Lily had already moved into her flat in London with James. That she was living in a building primarily composed of other young wizards and witches on their own her parents knew. That she was living with James her parents did not know, and Lily had no intention of telling them.

Hand in hand, they walked from the tube station to Cleopatra's Needle, where they would meet Petunia and Vernon. Lily was holding onto James's arm very tightly.

"Lily, I can't feel my fingers," James finally complained.

"I'm nervous," said Lily.

"I noticed," said James patiently. "It will be fine. I'm sure Vermin Turdley will be on his best behaviour."

"James, please don't call him that! You might slip and say it to his face."

"Imagine the expression," said James lightly.

"Why?" said Lily snidely. "It's likely the same expression he has all the time - stupid!"

"Lily - "

Lily giggled. "You can't expect me to ignore all your intros, James."

"You don't need much prodding," said James. "Look, there they are."

Petunia and Vernon were sitting on a park bench, very close to one another. Lily saw how their elbows and knees and nearly everything else were touching and winced. James patted her hand. "Buck up," he said softly. "Just keep reminding yourself, in a few hours it will all be a distant memory."

"Not distant enough by half," muttered Lily, and plastered a smile on her face. "Pets! Glad your O levels are over?"

"Much," said Petunia, her eyes bright. "Mr. Potter, might I introduce Mr. Dursley?"

"Pleasure," said James, reaching out to shake the man's hand.

"You haven't been waiting long, have you, Pets?" asked Lily.

"Oh no," said Petunia, linking arms with her sister. "We were just discussing the production of Hamlet at the National that we saw in April."

"The entire theatre opened in April!" said Lily. "However did you manage to find tickets?"

"Grunnings provided the drills that were used at the site," said Vernon, quite proud. "I simply made a few calls, and they were more than happy to give me tickets."

Bullied them into it, more like, thought Lily, and then quickly wiped the thought from her mind. Behave! "Pets, where did you decide to have dinner?"

Vernon answered. "A little restaurant near Covent Garden. I found it several weeks ago for a lunch meeting and thought it might do very well for dinner."

"Oh, excellent, we can walk there," said Lily. "Cooped up in an office all day long, I do miss the sunshine. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Dursley?"

Vernon attempted to smile and grimaced as he took Petunia's arm. "A walk! Well. That might do well. It's not too far, I suppose...."

As they walked to the restaurant, Vernon took the opportunity to observe his guests. James' hair was too long for his tastes, nearly reaching his shoulders, and he wasn't even wearing a proper suit - just a jacket and jumper. At least he's got a collared shirt on, thought Vernon, annoyed. And that sister isn't wearing those awful coloured robes she wore all through Easter holidays. Wonder that she even owned that twin set before today? Not for the first time, Vernon found himself thanking his lucky stars that he'd settled on wooing Petunia instead of Lily. Petunia, at least, was normal - and mouldable, a highly desirable combination.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Vernon sauntered up to the maitre d'. "Dursley, party of four, reservations for seven," he announced briskly and loudly. Lily winced a bit as everyone turned to look at them.

"Just a moment, sir," said the man, flipping through his book. "The party before you is just now vacating - "

Vernon frowned, and reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded fiver. "I do believe that table in the centre is quite adequate."

The host looked at the bill, and then at Vernon. He nodded quickly and pocketed the money. "Right this way, ladies, gentlemen." Lily rolled her eyes, but followed him anyway.

The dining room was paneled in dark mahogany, chairs upholstered with plush seats. Lily smiled and sat between James and Petunia, thinking it was better to sit across from Vernon than beside him. Rather difficult for him to grab my thigh this way, she smirked to herself, and smiled at James reassuringly. He smiled bravely back. Poor thing, he knows he's out of his element - never before been to a Muggle restaurant. This is a bit odd for him, I must remember that.

Lily opened a menu and her eyes popped. She was careful not to say a word, and merely was grateful that her father's credit card was resting comfortably in her purse, as well as for his offer to pay for their entire evening. A quick glance at James reassured her as well - having no idea himself what Muggle money was worth, he didn't notice that the prices were incredibly inflated. Well, that's an advantage for him. He won't worry about eating our weight in Galleons!

Petunia set her menu down first. "I'm not quite certain what I'd like," she said. "It all sounds quite good to me."

"Me too," said James quickly. "You've been here before, Mr. Dursley, what would you recommend?"

"I understand the wild game is quite good," said Vernon. "Perhaps the roe deer?"

"Deer?" said James, his voice strangely high.

"I've always thought venison might be good," said Lily, not noticing James's horrified expression.

Petunia, too, was disturbed. "Bambi," she murmured, eyes wide, and Lily looked up to see her sister's eyes.

"Oh, Pets," she said comfortingly. "Maybe the salmon instead."

James' relief was profound but short-lived. "How about you, Potter," said Vernon. "Game?"

"Er, no," stammered James. "I rather like the whole sea bass. Thanks."

"Suit yourself," shrugged Vernon. "Petunia, perhaps the fishcake with spinach for you?"

"That would be nice," smiled Petunia, and settled in her seat.

"But Pets - you've never liked spinach," said Lily quickly.

"Oh, I was little then," laughed Petunia. "Tastes change."

"I trust it is all right with you if I choose the other courses?" said Vernon smoothly, but he was looking at Lily.

"Of course, Mr. Dursley, if it pleases you," she managed to say through a forced smile.

She glanced at Petunia, who smiled weakly and shrugged a bit. James smiled a brave, encouraging smile, and she felt a bit better. Luckily the waiter appeared and Vernon quickly ordered the rest of their meal, and she was saved having to continue stroking his ego. By the time the waiter had left, Lily had managed to control her anger again.

"Petunia tells me that you have taken up golfing, Mr. Dursley," she said.

"Yes, I find that it helps when forming a relationship with other businessmen," said Vernon, taking a rather large helping of bread from the basket on the table.

"Doesn't it involve a great deal of walking, particularly with heavy clubs?" continued Lily. "You seemed rather winded after we walked here from Victoria Embankment."

Vernon looked sharply at her. "On the contrary, Miss Evans, I find it quite bracing. Nothing quite like a bit of sport. Eh, Potter? Are you a golfer?"

James set down his water glass, barely managing not to spill it on the tablecloth. "Er, no. Never seen it."

Vernon raised his eyebrows. "Never seen it? Do you live in a garret somewhere?"

"I don't have much time for sports," said James quickly.

"Studying all the time, I expect - bookworm like Miss Evans here, eh? Up in that intellectual Never-never Land?"

James' mouth dropped open to answer, but he was saved by the arrival of the appetizers. Petunia and Lily had some sort of creamy soup. Vernon had a plate of a sort of fancy liver paste and crackers, and James found himself looking at small, round, dark blobs.

"This looks good," said Petunia.

"Er, yes," said James, poking at the blobs with his fork. Vernon saw him and smirked.

"Escargot, Potter," said Vernon, secretly amused at the younger man's discomfort. "Snails."

"They're quite good," said Petunia. "I had them last month."

Vernon reached over with his fork and speared one of the grayish blobs. He seized the shell with his tongs and speared the meat inside with his fork, swishing it around the garlicky butter sauce before popping it whole into his mouth. Chewing, he smiled at them all. "Delicious," he said upon swallowing.

Lily tried very hard not to roll her eyes, and concentrated on her soup. He should wipe that butter off his chin, he looks like a troll, she thought grimly, and was about to take a bite when she was startled by a soft and fluid voice near her ear.

"Lily Evans and James Potter. Whatever are you two doing here?"

Lily turned around and stared at the young man standing behind her. She couldn't even find her voice to speak. Oh, of all the restaurants in all the world, he had to walk into this one!

"Severus Snape," said James, equally surprised but recovering faster, "I might ask the same of you."

"Just having a look around," said Snape, his hand clutching the back of Lily's chair. He wore a long black robe, much fancier than their regular school robes. The sleeves were cartridge pleated into an oversized yoke, and they ended in a long cuff with fancy buttons at the wrists and a high white collar at the throat. His hair was as long and greasy as ever, and falling into his face. Snape looked at them through narrow eyes, and he briefly slid his gaze to Vernon, and lingered a bit longer over Petunia. "I like to know what the Muggles have to offer."

Lily glanced at Vernon and Petunia, knowing perfectly well how Vernon had abhorred her robes during her month at home. She wondered how he would react to Snape's far more elaborate dress, but Vernon didn't seem to react to Snape at all, other than to look confused.

"Muggles?" he said. "Did I hear you right?"

"If you don't mind, Snape, we're trying to have a pleasant dinner here," said James coolly. "You're ruining my appetite."

"The feeling, I assure you, Potter, is mutual," said Snape. "Fortunately, I am only here to observe the facilities, and not to partake of the offerings." He eyed the food on the table. "Hmm. Escargot. Do you even know how to eat those, Potter? I thought your kind preferred your grubs uncooked."

James grew rather red, and Lily quickly jumped in. "I'd like to continue having dinner with my sister and her friend in peace now," she said sternly. "Good night, Severus."

Snape's eyes lingered over at the other occupants of the table. When he saw Petunia, he blinked several times, as though he had just seen something startling. "Ah, yes," he said thinly. "Of course. Goodnight."

And just as quickly as he had appeared, he glided away again.

Lily sighed and turned to look at Petunia, who had a peculiar expression on her face. "I thought I recognised him," she said softly, but Lily was the only one to hear.

"Who was that man?" asked Vernon, displeased and loudly showing it. "How rude to interrupt our dinner!"

"That was Severus Snape," said James. "I'm sorry about him, he's always been a bit odd and unsociable."

"Well, it was a damned fine suit he was wearing, at any rate," said Vernon, shrugging.

"Suit?" asked Lily, confused.

"Yes, double-breasted, like Papa's very fine one," said Petunia absently. "Didn't he get it at Gieves and Hawkes last year?"

Lily glanced at James, and then looked over her shoulder to where Snape was standing, talking with the maitre d'. Sure enough, he was wearing his long black robes. She looked at James again, who shrugged and mouthed "Apparellis Allusiom Charm" at her.

"You should get a suit like that, Vernon," continued Petunia. "It's terribly professional looking."

"I won't be able to afford that for some time," chuckled Vernon, pleased. "I'm too busy saving for other things."

That brought Lily's attention back to the table quick enough, and she looked at Vernon closely. She did not like this turn in the conversation. She was lucky, and the topic changed almost immediately.

"What school did you attend again?" Vernon asked James.

"Hogwarts. It's up north."

"Never heard of it. I went to Smeltings myself, about ten miles out of Cambridge. Best years of my life! Ha! The pranks we pulled - " Vernon sat there, chuckling to himself.

"We pulled pranks too," said James, reaching for another piece of bread.

"Set the chemistry professor's moustache on fire once - can still see the smoke rising as he sat there reciting the periodic table at us," continued Vernon. "What was your best stunt, Potter?"

"There was the time we levitated the Giant Squid into the Great Hall so ... ah .... " James faltered under the combined glares of Lily and Petunia.

"Squid?" asked Vernon.

"It - er, wasn't a very good prank," said James, glancing at the women, desperately wanting to slide beneath the table.

"Hmm," said Vernon, eyeing him doubtfully. "Off to Oxford, then? Going to learn business and take over Grunnings?"

"Not quite," said James, catching a hard edge to Vernon's tone. "I've been accepted into an advanced training course here in London that will begin next week."

"Training course," said Vernon flatly. He apparently did not think much of training courses.

James attempted to smile, but felt as though he were already losing. "Manner of speaking."

"It's a very difficult course," Lily put in.

"Lily - " said James, wishing she wouldn't make too much of him.

"What kind of - course?" asked Vernon.

"Er - " James was at a loss how to answer.

"Law enforcement," Lily said quickly.

"The Metropolitan Police?" asked Vernon.

"More or less," said James, weakly, thinking longingly of his nice comfortable bed at home where no one asked him questions he didn't know how to answer.

"Which is it?" pressed Vernon.

"Eh?"

"More laws or less laws?" said Vernon, impatiently. "Or perhaps not in the law at all?"

"I don't quite follow - "

Vernon sighed, and threw his fork down on the table. "Of course not. Frankly, I'm surprised they'd allow a long-haired hippie like yourself into the Metropolitan at all!"

"Hippie?" asked James, confused.

"James was at the top of his class, Mr Dursley," said Lily, eyes flashing.

"Of course, of course," said Vernon smoothly, and he glanced at Petunia, who had stopped eating. "Darling? Is your soup all right?"

"Yes, Vernon," said Petunia, sitting up. "Only, my soup seems to have a bit much parsley in it."

Vernon reached up to snap his fingers at the waiter. "I'll have them take it away, then."

Petunia reached for his arm to pull it down. "Oh, no, don't worry over it," she said. "They'll be by soon enough. You can have it, if you'd like."

"Well, then!" said Vernon, and traded plates with her. Once the full bowl of soup was before him, he turned back to James, who had very nearly relaxed again while being ignored. "So, Mr Potter, this fellow who was here just now - "

"Severus Snape, yes," said James.

"Is he with the government?"

"Er, no," said James, a bit confused. "I don't believe so."

"Ah. Taking this course with you, then?"

"No, I'm not certain what Snape is doing now," said James. "Peter Pettigrew is taking the course with me."

Petunia, reaching for her water glass, nearly knocked it over. Lily reached and they both managed to upright it before water spilled everywhere. Lily looked at Petunia and saw complete shock in her eyes, and reached for her hand. Petunia pulled her hands away from her sister and set them in her lap, hoping they didn't shake too badly.

"Pettigrew?" said Vernon, frowning. "I know that name from somewhere."

"Our neighbours," said Lily, still looking at Petunia, worried. Why is she so startled to hear Peter's name?

"Remember, Vernon," said Petunia evenly. "You were admiring Mrs. Pettigrew's roses last week."

"Oh, yes," said Vernon, touching his mouth with his napkin. "The father's in government. How silly, I knew that."

"Peter and Pets and I grew up together," said Lily.

"So he's to be in London?" asked Vernon. "Good, good. I don't like the idea of young men hanging about my Petunia here!"

"Oh, Vernon, Peter is harmless," said Petunia, blushing a bit.

"Never tried anything funny with you?" asked Vernon.

"Never," said Petunia.

"Fool," snorted Vernon, and Lily frowned.

"Peter has too much respect for Pets to ever think of subjecting her to that sort of base treatment," she said a bit loftily, and James winced. Vernon raised an eyebrow.

"Hardly base of a lad to admire a pretty lass when he sees one, is it now," he said. "Eh, Potter?"

"Er," said James, and glanced at Lily, who was giving him what he liked to call her "glare o' death." He decided it best not to answer, which was just as well as Vernon was continuing.

"Now, I make a point of telling your sister quite often that she is the flower that blooms on the cactus alone in the desert," Vernon was saying. Lily and James looked at each other with a confused expression, unnoticed by Vernon. "And I do believe that she appreciates my words of love and does not consider them inappropriate by any means. Do you, my dumpling?"

"Oh, Vernon!" giggled Petunia, and Lily thought she might fall off her chair in peals of laughter, except now Vernon was looking at her.

"I assume your man tells you the same?" he asked her.

"Well," said Lily.

"You see!" said Vernon triumphantly. "Case closed. And just in time for the next course!"

The waiters set their plates before them. Lily eyed her salmon suspiciously - it smelled good, it looked good, but for some reason she just was not in the mood to eat it. Petunia picked at her fish, as though she was trying hard to be brave about her dinner selection, in stark contrast to Vernon Dursley, who barely bothered to cut the meat before he popped it into his mouth. James looked at his food, eyes blinking rapidly.

"I think my dinner is staring at me," he whispered to Lily.

Lily decided she had to try again.

"So, Mr Dursley," said Lily.

"Call me Vernon," he said grandly, mouth full.

"Er, yes. Vernon." It was an effort not to call him by that ... other name. "What do you do at Grunnings, exactly?"

Vernon swallowed and grinned. "At the moment I'm a bit of a jack of all trades. I was hired primarily as a spokesman, but your father has decided that a better understanding of how the factory is run is in order."

James looked up from his dinner. "So you are currently making the drills yourself?"

Vernon glared at him. "I do not make the drills, Mr Potter. I supervise those who do."

"Vernon is a very good manager," said Petunia proudly. "The shifts he has supervised are the most productive of all."

"Oh," said James, feeling as though he'd put his foot in too far. "I ... er ... Petunia! How are you liking school now?"

"I like it," said Petunia. "London is a bit draining, though. Sometimes I wish Sunbury was a boarding school, so I didn't have to take the train in every day."

"But you like London?" asked James.

"Oh, yes," said Petunia, wondering why he was being so insistent. "Very much."

"Perhaps I can talk to Mum and Papa," said Lily quickly. "If the train ride is too much, you can stay with me during the week. It would cut your commute down considerably."

"Stay with you?" repeated Petunia, amazed.

"Oh," said Vernon, sounding upset.

"Vernon?" asked Petunia, turning towards him.

"If you stayed in London during the week, I wouldn't be able to see you off at the station in the mornings," said Vernon sadly. "My favourite time of day, to see the sunlight on your hair."

Oh, gods, thought Lily. Here we go.

"Oh," said Petunia, blushing. "I hadn't thought of that."

"I suppose if it's easier on you, however, I could learn to live with your decision," continued Vernon, patting Petunia on the hand.

Petunia bit her lip, and glanced at Lily with despair in her eyes. "No, Vernon, it's all right," she said. "I couldn't stay with Lily anyway, not every night. She has responsibilities herself."

Lily felt herself growing angry again - but this time, at her sister for her weakness. "No, Pets, really, it wouldn't be any bother."

Petunia reached for her sister's hand and grasped it - the thin fingers felt very cold to Lily. "Oh, Lils, thank you, but I do enjoy the train ride, really. It's my quiet time, to think of things. You mustn't worry."

"I do anyway," said Lily. "Perhaps the night before a test, however? Once in a while?"

"That might be nice," said Petunia, smiling again. Beside her, Vernon had found a saltshaker and was vigorously pouring it over his potatoes, glaring at Lily under a furrowed brow. Only James noticed, and he kept his counsel.

"It's silly for us to be in London and never see one another," said Lily. "I can take you out to lunch during the school day every so often! That would be fun, wouldn't it?"

"I'd like that," said Petunia, her eyes suddenly bright and shining again.

"So you'll be in London then, Miss Evans?" asked Vernon coolly.

"Yes," said Lily, turning a steady gaze on him. I won't let him get to me again. I won this battle, in a way.

"And what are you doing with your time?"

"Nursing, of a sort," responded Lily with her prepared answer.

"Of a sort?"

"It's rather complicated," continued Lily. "We deal with amputees, and such. Not terribly pleasant dinner conversation, you must understand."

"Nursing," repeated Vernon, looking at her. He wasn't entirely certain he could believe her. Sure, she sat there looking prim and proper and calm, but Vernon remembered her flittering about the Evans kitchen in February and he felt very unsettled.

"I find it very rewarding," said Lily.

Vernon snorted. "I'm sure. And this is what you attended this Hogwarts school for? Nursing?"

Lily was a bit taken aback by the question. "In a manner of speaking."

"You and Mr Potter do seem to speak in that manner a good deal, Miss Evans," remarked Vernon dryly.

Lily speared a bit of chicken with her fork. "Have you always wanted to be in the drill business, Mr Dursley?"

"Yes," said Vernon shortly. "Always." He began to smile a very slow, knowing type smile at her, and on impulse moved his leg to touch hers.

Lily jumped at the contact, and scooted away from him, but not before Vernon grinned, knowing full well he'd taken her by surprise.

James glanced at Lily, uncertain quite why she was so agitated now, but decided that a change in subject was necessary. "Petunia, what do you want to do, after school?"

Petunia jumped to be included in the conversation again. "Oh! I - I haven't given it much thought. I don't like very many of my options."

"You're at the top of your class at Sunbury," said Lily. "I should have thought you'd be a shoo-in for Cambridge."

"I'm rather tired of classrooms," said Petunia. "Maybe later."

"You could travel a bit," suggested Lily. "Europe, or even the States."

"Oh, no!" said Petunia. "I couldn't possibly go that far away from home."

"Well, you've always been good with children," said Lily. "Perhaps you could be a nanny for a bit?"

"I've always thought that Petunia would make a fine mother," said Vernon. Petunia blushed, and Lily's mouth nearly dropped open in shock.

"I was thinking professionally, Mr Dursley," said Lily. "Perhaps a teacher's assistant - or even a child psychologist! Pets is such a good listener."

"I quite agree," said Vernon, and Lily blinked. "I depend on her to listen to the events of my day and make sense of them for me. I really don't know what I would do if Petunia were to leave Surrey for any length of time. I feel as though I should go quite mad."

"But think of the greater good she might do for others, Mr Dursley!" argued Lily.

"Greater good than provide a warm and loving environment for her family?" said Vernon. "I cannot think of one."

"There's a good deal more to life than sitting at home twiddling your thumbs, Mr Dursley," said Lily. "Pets is a viable, useful member of society, and she can do much more than stroke your ego."

"Ah!" said Vernon, satisfied. "A suffragette, Miss Evans!"

"No," said Lily, eyes flashing. She noticed that James was swallowing and trying to catch her attention, and ignored him. "I just want Pets to experience more than what you seem to have planned for her."

"Planned, Miss Evans?"

"You'd have her waiting at the door, slippers in hand, if you could," snapped Lily.

"You make me sound like a male chauvinist pig, Miss Evans!" said Vernon pleasantly. Lily said nothing to this, and only continued to glare at him. "I only wish for your sister's happiness. She seems quite happy being at home, and not traipsing around the world as you would have her do."

"She is happier when in the company of others," snapped Lily, "And not waiting at home for your arrival, as you would have her do."

"Have you asked her?" said Vernon, completely calm.

Lily jumped in her seat, and turned to Petunia, who sat at the end of the table, bright red and hands folded meekly in her lap. She was looking down at them, and only now raised her head towards Lily.

"Pets, you don't want to sit at home your whole life, do you?" asked Lily, hearing the pleading tone in her voice, and she hated herself for it. Petunia looked back at Lily with wide eyes.

"Lily, I - "

The arm of the waiter taking away her nearly untouched meal interrupted her. Lily sat back in her chair, unblinking, staring at her sister, as the rest of the dinner was cleared from the table, along with seasonings, breadbaskets, crumbs and utensils. When the table was finally cleared of debris, four dessert menus were grandly set before them, and a waiter stood patiently for their order. Petunia barely glanced at the menu lying before her. "The banana pudding looks nice."

Lily gulped and did not look at the menu. "I - yes. I suppose it does."

Vernon beamed. "Then banana pudding all around! And a port and Stilton for myself and Mr Potter - if that's all right with the ladies?"

"No, thank you," said James quietly. "I'll have a coffee, instead."

"Very good, sir," said the waiter, and took the menus away. Vernon sat back in his seat, patting his belly and snorting to himself happily.

James rested his chin on a fist and quietly contemplated Lily and Petunia, who had not spoken another word. Lily stared at her sister, tears glistening in her eyes, and Petunia looked down at her hands, unable to meet her sister's gaze.

Petunia couldn't ever remember feeling so torn - except perhaps when Peter had come to her in May. Ever since he'd left her house, she had felt lost. No, not even lost exactly - it was like she was no longer encased in her skin, and parts of her kept floating out into the surrounding area, and try as she might, she couldn't gather herself all together again. The only thing that seemed to make sense anymore was Vernon Dursley and the attention he paid to her.

His compliments, his flowers, his obvious devotion - his confidence that everything would be all right, as long as she was with him, made Petunia feel safer than she had in years. But the only flaw was that Lily was still hung up on Peter Pettigrew. She couldn't even hold a conversation with Vernon that didn't end in angry words and accusations. Petunia was hurting, and she blinked, and felt a tear slide down her thin cheek and fall onto her even thinner forearm.

Lily had already turned away from her sister, and was staring hotly at Vernon Dursley, still content with himself. He didn't win, she told herself. It was a stalemate. I still have Pets for lunches. She'll still stay with me in London every so often. There's still a chance. It's not too late - please, God, don't let it be too late!

James did notice the tear, and it made his heart twist. She's in the middle of all this, he thought. And she can't even stop it. Not that there's a way to do so, anyway. James glanced at Lily and stifled the sigh in his throat. Despite his deep love for Lily Evans, James wasn't blind to her faults. Lily was stubborn, headstrong, and independent. She was obsessed with the thought of Peter and Petunia being together - had been, reflected James, since their Fourth Year.

James had known Peter since they were children, and had been friends with him since they were eleven. And even though Peter had obviously loved Petunia when he was younger, in the last few years he'd changed. He was still quiet and unassuming, but now he had an edge to him that James hadn't seen before, and Lily didn't seem to see it. Particularly since school had ended, Peter seemed - bitter, almost. Selfish, in ways he hadn't been before. Private, even rude, and his words seemed to bite.

James looked at Vernon Dursley, still sitting triumphantly in his chair. James hadn't known very many Muggles in his lifetime, but he knew without comparison that Dursley was one of the very worst. Arrogant, condescending, self-important, and downright cruel. James didn't like the thought of Petunia staying with this man any more than Lily did.

And that's when James nearly knocked over the coffee that had just been placed before him. Lily glanced and frowned.

"Are you all right?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," said James, distracted, and she let him be.

James knew then that Lily had lost. Petunia would follow her heart and remain with Vernon Dursley. The one difference between Vernon and Peter was that Vernon was giving Petunia the attention she craved. Unless Lily compromised, Petunia would eventually close the door on their relationship, and it would crush them both.

* * * * *

Auror training was conducted on the outskirts of London. Every day, James would Apparate to his classes, meet Peter for lunch, and spend most of the afternoons in either training exercises or the library. Every evening, he and Peter would walk the distance to Peter's flat, from which James would Apparate back home to Lily.

"Remus said not to worry about this month's full moon," said Peter one evening. "He's going to Turkey with his parents."

"Turkey?" said James, surprised. "When did you hear this?"

"He told me Saturday evening. We thought you and Lily might want to join us for a bite, but you weren't home."

"We were out," said James, thinking of the ill-fated dinner with Vernon and Petunia. "I didn't know you and Remus were doing anything this weekend."

"I see him every Saturday," said Peter shortly. "Moony's a good guy to talk with. He's got a good head on his shoulders. He should be in this class, not me."

"Hey," said James encouragingly. "Forget Fletcher, he's just mad because it's been raining and his leg hurts. I thought you did really well in that training exercise."

Peter snorted. "I panicked, just like he said."

James didn't answer - mostly because he knew Peter was right. "Think Moony'll be home tonight?"

Peter shrugged. "It's not like he's got anywhere to go."

"Yeah," said James, and when he Apparated away from Peter's flat, it wasn't to Lily's house.

* * * * *

"Moony, I need your help."

"James?" Remus poked his head into the living room, where James had popped into existence. "What are you doing here?"

"You know that git that Petunia's been seeing?"

"Vermin Turdley? Sure, he's all Lily could talk about last year - when Peter wasn't in the room, of course." Remus came out of the kitchen, drying his hands on a dishtowel. He leaned against a bookshelf. "Why?"

"I don't trust him. We went to dinner with them last week - he just was a bit too interested in me, if I'd be working for Grunnings. Like he thinks I'd want a piece of the pie."

"All right," said Remus slowly. "So he's thinking ... what?"

"That's just it," said James. "I think he's scoping out the battlefield. Like he's interested in Petunia only for her claim to the family business."

Remus nodded. "What do you want me to do about it?"

"Can you do a bit of research for me? I've got no head for it, you know that - but you're aces in the library. Find out what you can about him."

"Why not ask Lily?"

James snorted. "As if Lily needs any more ammunition against him! No, I need this for me."

Remus raised an eyebrow. "Might I ask why?"

James looked out the window. "Maybe I'm worried that what Vernon's got planned for Grunnings, and by extension Petunia, will hurt Lily. And I don't want Lily hurt."

Remus nodded. "You care for her, mate."

"That obvious?"

Remus snorted. "Since third year. When are you getting married?"

James laughed. "We're too young yet. There's loads of time."

"That's where you're wrong," said Remus sagely. "There's never time."