So Far Away

Disclaimer: The title's from a Goo Goo Dolls song. The plot is partially taken from a book called Coal Miner's Bride. The character's are J.K.'s. So basically, I own nothing. I admit it. Don't sue.

A/N: Here's Chapter Number Two! I was going to wait a little longer to post, but when I saw that I was getting some good reviews, I decided to start writing the next chapter right away! In this chapter you'll find out some more about Lily's father and why he called, and see Remus and Peter. And, as usual, please review!!!

Notice: If anyone would like to Britpick or Beta this fic, please e-mail me at [email protected]

~~~~~

~ So Far Away

~ By Hermonniny/InAMatchbox (the same person)

~ Chapter Two

~~~~~

Lily was still dazed when she finally aroused herself the next morning. She called in sick to work, made herself some extremely strong coffee, and sat down on her couch.

Lily hated her father more than ever now. And that was saying something. She should have known he'd make her do something like this soon enough, though. She should have been expecting it. Not that expecting it would make the shock any less than it was.

Then again, after she did this 'little thing' (as her father called it) for him, then she wouldn't have to comply with him any more. She'd have done her half of the bargain, and Petunia would be safe.

At least, she hoped she would be safe. If her father kept to his half of the bargain.

'And he'd better keep to his half," Lily thought. 'I'm not getting married to some stranger for nothing.'

~~~~~

James had a hangover. It was what he expected. After all, one didn't down the most Warlock's Pleasure's in the entire bar and walk out feeling perfectly fine.

He heard a groan from the sofa opposite him. He turned over groggily to see Peter lying there, drooling on a cushion.

"Peter," James said, exceedingly hoarse. "Where's ev'ry one else?"

Peter turned towards him, his eyes unfocused. "I dunno. I think they're somewhere else."

"Oh," said James, seemingly unaware that this much was obvious.

At that moment, Sirius stumbled into the room, rubbing his temples. "Morning all," he said, slumping onto a chair.

Peter and James grunted in response.

Remus came in shortly after Sirius, not nearly as bad off as the rest of them. It seemed like him being a werewolf made him more alcohol-tolerant.

"I guess no one wants any omelet?" Remus said, holding up four delicious looking omelets. At least they were delicious looking to non-intoxicated people.

"Ugg," Peter said.

"I'll take that as a no," Remus said. "But are you absolutely sure?" He held the omelet up to James' face.

"Damn you, Remus!" James said, knocking the plate out of Remus' hand.

"No need to get so violent," Remus said, grinning. But none of his friends heard him. They'd already fallen asleep again.

~~~~~

"Lily, you're a wreck," Sue said to her co-worker the next morning.

"Excellent assessment," Lily grumbled.

"You should go home. Get some sleep. Have a good meal. Throw darts at pictures of your father," Sue said, patting Lily on the back.

"No," Lily said. "This'll keep my mind off it. I need to have something to do."

Sue looked doubtful. Lily looked like she hadn't eaten or slept in days. Which, she reminded herself, she probably hadn't.

"Excuse me, miss," said a middle-aged witch with graying hair. "Can you do something for me? I just need some help-"

"You need something from me? You do?" Lily said, leaning far over the counter closer to the woman. "Well what if I don't want to help? What if I'm busy? Why don't you all just leave me alone! Damn you!" Lily stormed off into the storage room.

Sue smiled hesitantly at the bewildered woman. "She's just having a bad day."

"Yes, yes, of course," said the woman, patting her hair down.

"How can I help you?"

~~~~~

James was feeling considerably better the next day. His headache was pretty much gone, and he hadn't thrown up all night.

Peter and Remus were still at his and Sirius' flat. Peter and James were listening to Remus' account of Sirius' exploits.

"...And then he levitated himself to the ceiling. He hit his head on the roof and said 'I didn't know that was there. I don't even know why they put those things in.' He was, of course belching and hiccoughing the whole time.

"Then came the best part. He decided it was time for some singing. James agreed, and recommended they sing together-"

"And that's where the story ends," James interrupted.

"Aww, come on Prongs. I want to hear what you sang," Peter said.

"Beer Belly Blues," Remus said.

"Ah, a classic," Sirius said. "Beer belly blues," he sang. What color are my new shoes? 'Cause my pants and my zipper are things I rarely see-"

"Shut up," James interrupted again, reddening.

His friends grinned at him. Sirius began singing again. "My mama says I'm big boned, but I think when she said that she was stoned..."

James sighed. God, he hated him friends sometimes.

~~~~~

Lily took a deep breath. Everything was all right. Everything was perfectly fine. When she woke up, none of this would have happened. She wouldn't be getting married in a few weeks.

Lily opened her eyes, hoping upon hope that none of it had happened. Then the phone rang. For once, she let it ring. She had an answering machine, another Muggle device. It would pick up the call.

"Lily," she heard the deep, ringing voice of her father say. "I'm guessing you're home, and avoiding me." Lily should have known he would know that. "I'm going to come by on Thursday to pick you up and bring you home. From there, you will be traveling to your new home, where your husband will be waiting for you. I've arranged for someone to escort you there. I will see you on Thursday." He hang up.

Thursday. Two days. Just two short days left of her life, as she knew it. Lily gritted her teeth. Oh, the things she did for her sister.

~~~~~

Petunia Evans wasn't a pretty girl. She wasn't exactly ugly either. She blended right in with the crowd. She told herself that was how she liked it.

Still, she was pleased when people noticed her. It didn't happen often. She told herself she only liked it because it was a bit of a change, and she really preferred being a part of the crowd.

Now, being anywhere near the crowd would be a wonderful thing for her. Sure, she saw people often enough, but thanks to her meddling sister she couldn't really get involved with any one in any way.

According to her father, Lily had placed a spell on her. Lily and some of her no-good magic friends. Freaks. Petunia despised them.

Her father hadn't exactly told her what this spell did. But he ensured her that it was very powerful, and that associating with anyone could kill her, and he didn't want to risk that. And Petunia was a good daughter. She believed anything and everything her father told her.

Her father was keeping her hidden in the basement of their home. She almost never came out, and she hated it. Still, she thanked her father for helping her. He was at risk too, he told Petunia. One false move and Lily could kill them both.

Petunia was a good daughter. She believed him.

~~~~~

Lily clenched and unclenched her fists several times. She wished it were her father's neck instead of air inside them.

It was Wednesday morning. Less than 24 hours left. Lily didn't even bother to try to find a way out. If she did, Petunia's life would be at an even greater risk.

Lily thought about going out to say good-bye to people she knew. But then she realized she didn't really know anyone. Not well, anyways. Sure, there was Sue from work. She had told an extremely abbreviated version of her predicament to Sue, and it had helped a little to tell someone. But not that much. Besides, saying good-bye would make Sue wonder where she was going; wonder a lot of things. And since Lily couldn't provide answers without breaking the deal with her father, it would be best not to go out again.

And saying good-bye would sound too permanent. Lily was sure she would find a way out of this, somehow. Maybe she could get her sister out of whatever prison she was in and hide her. But her father would come after her. It could result in her having to kill him. Lily couldn't do that. Even though he had inflicted all of this upon her, she still couldn't find it in herself to kill her own flesh and blood.

Lily swallowed, and began to pack her things.

~~~~~

James, Remus, Sirius, and Peter were in trouble. They were at a harbor pub somewhere in England. At least they though so.

It was Sirius' bright idea to come here and play card. Apparently, Sirius thought that he was good enough at cards to win a lot of money here.

It seemed like her was wrong.

They had gotten into a game of Poker. James had left first. He was never very good at betting. Sirius dropped second. He could never keep a straight face. Remus was out shortly after.

Of the four of them, only Peter was still in. Sirius was right behind him, telling him what to do and turning away as he did it. He had been doing pretty well for a while.

Sirius was becoming very confidant. He insisted they play one final round for all the money. A lot of money. More money than the four of them had. (A/N: I know James is supposed to be rich. I'll explain why he has no money now later on in the story.)

Peter looked at his hand. He had nothing. Not even a pair of twos. He was screwed.

"Bluff," Sirius whispered.

Peter nodded, and stayed in the game.

It got down to a thin, gray-looking man with combed over hair, and Peter. The man grinned, showing yellowed teeth. He placed his cards on the table. The Marauders gaped as they looked at them.

A Royal Flush.

They were most definitely screwed.