When You Wish Upon a Star

When You Wish Upon a Star
by Christabell

Chapter Fourteen: Of Futures and Funerals

“I wonder what happened to Lily and James...” Remus mused, fingering Tiffany’s hair. No one had really moved since Daphne had entered the room, and it had been nearly an hour now.

“Hopefully nothing bad...but if Daphne came in here, it seems like it has to have been. I hope they’re alright,” Mari said worriedly.

“I’m sure that they’re fine,” Sirius reassured her. Just then, they heard someone yelling at the Fat Lady, outside the common room.

“I need to get in there right now... No, I don’t care if I’m not a Gryffindor, I need to talk to several people right away. You need to understand! It’s really important!” The voice of Severus Snape quickly reached the ears of the Gryffindors.

“No, you may not come in. I do not want to lose my job as the guardian of Gryffindor tower!” The portrait’s usually calm, sweet voice had a sharp edge to it.

“Let me in, damnit!” Severus cursed.

“Who the hell does that git think he is?” Peter growled. “Trying to get into our tower...”

“Let’s just go see what he wants. I’m already getting a headache from his yelling,” Arabella suggested. The others consented, and Melanie walked to the portrait hole.

“Let him in,” she said passively, hiding her annoyance. Severus looked up gravely.

“Thank you.” Melanie glanced at him suspiciously. Severus Snape had never been one to show any gratitude towards the Gryffindors, save Lily.

“What do you want, Snape?” Sirius asked coldly. The two hadn’t improved their relationship since the Whomping Willow incident, and had in fact done the impossible - gotten even worse.

“Look, I wouldn’t be here if I had the choice. But I had to let you know... Lily’s in the hospital wing, and Potter is there too, refusing to leave her for anything.”

“How serious is it? And what happened?” Mari asked, shocked.

“Can I sit down? It’s a rather long story...”

“Go ahead,” Tiffany said. Severus sat down in the chair opposite the Gryffindors.

“Well...” he began.

~~~~~~~~~~

A grumble of hunger erupted from James’ stomach, but he pushed it aside. He stared at the redhead beside him. In this state of unconsciousness, Lily lacked the life that was always showing on her whole body. She hadn’t moved since they had arrived in the hospital wing, and James had spent the better part of an hour blaming himself for his girlfriend’s current condition. ‘If I had just been there... if I hadn’t let her leave...’ he kept on thinking.

Suddenly, the door to the infirmary burst open, and Sirius, Arabella, Remus, Tiffany, Mari, Mike, Peter, and Melanie crammed into the room.

“I’m so sorry, James...” Melanie began.

“Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for me. It’s not worth it,” he said harshly, cutting her off. “You all should hate me for what I made Lily do.”

“James, this wasn’t your fault,” Sirius tried to reason. “You didn’t kill her parents, or yours. You-Know-Who did.”

“I know I didn’t kill them. But I sure as hell did a fine job of letting Lily go off by herself. If I hadn’t done that...”

“You couldn’t have stopped her. I’ve seen her at practice, and she never lets anything or anyone get in her way. That’s just how she is,” Mike explained.

“Don’t tell me that I don’t know my girlfriend,” James snapped. “Just go, and leave us alone.” No one moved. “I told you to go!” he yelled. Mari winced at his tone, but grabbed Mike’s hand, and walked out of the door. The others slowly followed, glancing back at James. Last to leave were Sirius and Arabella. As they exited through the door, Sirius took one final look at his friend. Silent tears were streaming down James’ face, forming tiny pools on Lily’s bed. He let out a cry of anguish, and Sirius closed the door quickly behind him in shock. This wasn’t something he was supposed to witness. James needed be alone with the girl he loved.

~~~~~~~~~

As he lay in bed that night, Sirius’ mind drifted to why the sight of his friend sobbing had shaken him so much. It was then he realized that it had been the first time, in all their years of friendship, that James didn’t even try to appear strong. He had never shown fear or sadness, no matter how awful the situation had been. James had realized that he was the leader of the Marauders early on, though at the time, the toddlers hadn’t come up with the name. Remus, Peter and himself relied on James for support when their own lives weren’t at their peaks, and it had always been there. This emotional side of James was something Sirius hadn’t been introduced to before, and he wasn’t sure what to think. All that he knew was that he had to stick by his best friend, no matter what, for James certainly needed someone.

~~~~~~~~~

For four days, James didn’t leave the motionless Lily. Her condition had worsened, and so had James’. He hadn’t eaten since the incident, he hadn’t slept, and he hadn’t talked to anyone since the Gryffindors had visited. He had also flat–out refused to attend his classes, and Dumbledore had been most understanding, and permitted him to stay in the hospital wing, recognizing how fruitless it would have been.

Both students and faculty had come to visit the two Head Students, showering them with cards, candy, and flowers. James had sorted through all the bouquets, and finally picked out a single rose, which he placed in Lily’s hand, moving her fingers to clasp it. ‘Please wake up, Lils, I need you... please...’ he thought desperately.

~~~~~~~~~

Lily opened her eyes to a strange room, in an unknown location.

“Where am I?” she asked aloud, scanning the room for an sign of familiarity. Her gaze fell upon a picture lying on the desk and was barely able to make out the faint, untidy scrawl.

November 23, 1982

James...

I know that these past few years have been tough for you, to say the least. Her death effected all of us. But you need to know that we’re all still here for you. You’re like my brother, and I’ve missed you. I know what Lily meant to you. You loved her, like I love Arabella. She knew, buddy. That first day she met you, she knew that you were the one. She may not have said anything, but it was obvious. You two were too caught up with each other to notice when I snapped this picture. Keep it, and never forget what you two had. It was amazing; anyone could see that. Love her James, but try to move on. That’s what she would have wanted you to do.

Sirius

She picked up the picture and flipped it over. It was of her and James on the train to Hogwarts, when they had first met. She was placed on James’ lap, and was blushing furiously through her laughter. He laughed and kissed her lightly on the cheek, whispering something into her ear sure hadn’t helped her face resume its normal shade. A door suddenly creaked open, and an older version of James stepped slowly into the room. Lily gasped, and shrunk back into the corner of the room. She saw his eyes landing on the picture, which was now right side up.

“Lily...” he whispered, staring at the photograph with haunted eyes.

“I’m here, James,” she replied, coming out of the corner. He ignored her, and she went up to hug him, only to find no response there either. It was then it hit her that he couldn’t see her, couldn’t hear her, couldn’t feel her touch. She was in the future. A future where she was dead, and James seemed to want to be. This wasn’t what she wanted at all. Maybe... maybe he didn’t blame her for the death of his parents. Maybe...

The room flashed before her eyes, and it swirled away into nothingness. ‘James needs me, and this time, I’m going to be there for him,’ she stated firmly to herself. She began fighting the darkness, for she knew that at the end of the tunnel, James would be waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, while James was lost in thought, he heard a slight rustling. He looked up to see Lily’s eyes flutter open.

“James...” she murmured softly.

“Lily?” he questioned hopefully. She slowly turned her head to face him.

“What happened to you?” she asked. “You look dreadful.”

“Do you have any idea what you put me through? I haven’t moved from this bed in five days. Every time I looked at you, I couldn’t help but wonder if you would be alright... I’ve been so worried about you,” James said sharply. “What were you thinking?”

“I... I didn’t think I had anything left to live for...” she stammered.

James’ heart sunk and he stood up angrily. “It’s good to know what I’m worth to you.”

Lily shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. I thought you would hate me after I practically killed your parents, along with mine, and...oh, James.... I can’t go live with Petunia, I just can’t! She’ll kill me!”

James sat back down, his temporary anger forgotten. “We’ll think of something, I promise you.” He grabbed her hand and smiled at her. “Haven’t done that in days,” he said softly. Lily carefully moved herself over in the bed, and tugged on James’ hand, inviting him up on the bed.

“You need to sleep,” she said, drawing him in closer. James curled up next to her. He hadn’t realized just how tired he had been, but as soon as he lay down, he felt his eyes drooping downwards, and he gave into sleep. Right before they drifted off, Lily spoke up. “James?”

“Ummm?” he questioned sleepily.

“I need you to know that I love you, with all my heart. When I was unconscious, I received a memory from the future, or what would have been the future had I not lived. It was awful, and I realized then how much you really mean to me. It doesn’t matter if you’re ready to tell me the same thing. I just needed you to know.”

“I love you too, Lily. I really do.” He placed a tired kiss on her lips, and fell asleep.

An hour later, Madam McKnight bustled into the room, and almost dropped the tray of food she had been holding. James, who she was so used to seeing now, leaning against Lily’s bed, was nowhere to be seen. She gripped the tray harder, mentally scolding herself for nearly ruining the food, and proceeded to Lily’s bed. On seeing the two sleeping teens, she sighed happily. A smile played upon Lily’s face as she dreamt, and the nurse suddenly felt a huge burden lifted off her shoulders. Lily had finally woken up, her life was no longer in peril, and James had his love back. And suddenly everything seemed so much lighter and calmer, and as Madam McKnight looked down on Lily and James, innocent joy visible on their faces, their limbs intertwined, she felt then that they would be able to survive anything.

~~~~~~~~

Two days after Lily woke up, both funerals were held, one in the morning, the other in the evening. She and James said solemn goodbyes as they boarded the train to the funeral home. They had decided that they would both attend each funeral together, and first off was James’ parents. As soon as they arrived, James was enveloped in a huge hug by a girl with the same color black hair, and much of the same physical features.

“Jamie...” she sobbed into his chest. “I... I can’t believe it...”

“I know, this whole week has been really hard.” Lily stood awkwardly to the side, not wanting to intrude. The girl lifted her head, and began to dry her tears.

“Jamie, who is this?” she asked.

“Lily Evans. My girlfriend. Her parents were the others ones that were attacked. Lils, this is Katherine, my sister.”

“I’m sorry about your parents, Lily,” Katherine said. She was a petite girl with striking features, and small as she was, her presence commanded one’s attention.

“And I yours. Though I probably feel a bit worse than you.”

Katherine frowned. “Why is that?”

“Katherine, I’m a seer. I can see the future. Two nights before they were killed, I had a dream about it. I ended up running to James’ room, and sleeping there. I should have sent an owl, just in case. I’m sorry.”

“It isn’t your fault, Lily. No matter what you saw, it isn’t your fault. I can’t blame you.”

“Thank you.” James wrapped an arm around Lily’s waist.

“We’d better go now. The funeral starts in about half an hour,” he said. “And we still need to change.” Lily quickly went to change into her black dress, and met James and Katherine a couple of minutes later. She took James’ hand, and the three made their way into a large room, resembling something like a cathedral. A little ways into the funeral, James got up and walked to the front of the room.

“Mitchell and Amy Potter were my parents. They loved me despite my tendencies for constantly breaking things, and getting in trouble, and were always there for me. Regardless of what happened, I knew they would still be there. I was wrong. They passed away far to soon. They will not see me graduate, up there giving the Head Boy speech. They will not meet the woman that I am in love with. They will not see me get married, or meet my children.

“Those of you who knew them were privileged. They were the most caring people I have ever met, and they believed that there wasn’t anyone who wasn’t worth their time. We have all been blessed to know them during the time they were alive, and I hope all of you appreciate that fact as much as I do.” He sat back down, brushing away his tears. Lily patted his arm gently, and he gave her a watery smile.

Soon the funeral was over, and the Potters had been buried. Katherine approached Lily slowly.

“I assume that James was talking about you during his speech?” she asked. Lily nodded in response. “Make sure you treat him right. If you break his heart, or hurt him in any way....” she left the threat hanging in the air.

“I won’t. You can trust me with that. I love him more than I’ve ever loved anyone, and I’m not about to let that go.”

“Good. I do trust you, Lily. I hope I’ll be able to get to know you better. Soon. I don’t have much time left here myself, as you might had heard.”

“I have. Will you owl me at Hogwarts?” Lily inquired.

“Of course.” They stood there for a moment, and finally Katherine wrapped her arms around Lily. “Of course,” she whispered once again. Lily stepped back, and joined James.

“Jamie, you’d better be going. You have a train to catch.” The two siblings embraced one last time, and then James and Lily hailed a cab to bring them to the train.

“Bye, Katherine,” they called out softly, waving.

“Bye.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

It took under an hour to reach the church where the Evans’ funeral was being held. Lily and James entered, and sat down. Lily had opted not to give a speech, feeling that it would have been too difficult, and so, by default, Petunia rose and began to talk.

“I loved my parents, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I could always relate to them, and I can’t even put into words how terrible this tragedy was for me. But I know who to blame. It’s her fault... all her fault!” she screeched, pointing at Lily. “If she hadn’t been a freak like she is, none of this would have happen.” Lily paled and felt herself growing faint. She didn’t move for the rest of the funeral, so great was her shock.

Before James and her left to return to Hogwarts, they traveled to Lily’s house. James decided to wait in the living room, and Lily hurried, not wanting him to wait for long. She walked up the stairs, into her room, looking around it and knowing it was the last time she would ever see it. She grabbed a magical bag that would fit any about of objects in it, and started filling it with her belongings. Soon her room was empty and bare, and she was just about to leave, when Petunia entered.

“How could you say that?” Lily asked.

“Say what, the truth? Those people deserved to know!” Petunia yelled. Lily remained silent. She knew what was coming. Petunia brought her fist back, and prepared herself to make Lily regret killing their parents. Her fist connected with Lily’s stomach once, pushing her against the wall, twice and she crumpled to the floor, thrice and Lily knew that she would have a black eye, and... suddenly James was there. [I added a comma, but when I bolded it you couldn’t see it, so I bolded the whole word] He pulled Petunia’s hand back, and stepped in front of Lily.

“Don’t you dare hurt her,” he growled.

Petunia smirked. “And what are you going to do to stop me?” she taunted.

“I love her, and I’ll kill you if you even try to touch her.” Petunia laughed, then stopped shortly, seeing his serious face.

“You wouldn’t.”

“Are you willing to try it?” Lily’s sister slowly backed away. “Go away, Petunia.” James spat out the name. The girl did just that, and James turned his attentions to Lily. “Are you alright?” he asked gently. Lily nodded.

“I’m fine...” James bent down to help her off the floor, only for her to collapse in pain.

“No, you aren’t. You can’t even stand up, let alone walk.”

“I’ll be okay, James. When we get back, I’ll ask Remus to heal me.” James still looked uncertain, but he nodded.

“But don’t think I’m letting you walk back to the train.” He charmed her bag to fit in his pocket, and then he carefully picked her up. They left the house, with Lily casting one last look at her childhood home.

~~~~~~~~