Life After Graduation

By the end of June Lily was back to work, and everything was pretty normal. The Order’s work had been a bit slow, since they could not catch any breaks in what the death eaters were doing. They had yet to strike, but one cold February day, they did.

Lily had worked the morning shift, and was home by noon that afternoon, but James still had a few more hours left on his. She was not tired since she had done desk work all day, actually she was more restless than anything else. Lily walked over to her sock drawer and pulled out a decent sized box, whenever she had spare change she would put it in to go shopping later. It had been a few months since she last delved into it, and she decided to go shopping.

She changed out of her work attire, and pulled on a long sleeved shirt, and one of James’ hoodies. She then opted for a pair of dark jeans, and sneakers. When she reached the door she grabbed a scarf, and her purse then headed to diagon alley.

Lily treated herself to lunch and a coffee before she began her shopping escapade. She first went to a woman’s clothing store, picking up a few new shirts that she liked, and a few other things she knew James would appreciate. Then she moved on to a home furnishing shop, a makeup store, a potions store to stock up on some things that were running low in her supply. Lily was getting ready to leave when she noticed a new shop that was down a desolate alley. It was a brightly lit home furnishing store, full of knick knacks, candles, and other things.

“One more store couldn’t hurt,” she said to herself before walking down the alley. Though Lily could not help but think to herself that the alley way was a bit creepy. Those thoughts were pushed from her mind when she saw a cute picture frame in the window, but she never made it to the store.

Twenty minutes later Lily found herself at home shedding her bags at the foot of her bed before pulling out all the clothes she bought, she looked at some of them disgusted before moving to change.

James rubbed his eyes under his glasses as he walked through the front door, “LILS! I’M HOME!” he called into the house unsure if she was in the shower. He immediately loosened his tie, and shrugged his cloak off placing it on the back of the couch.

Lily rolled her eyes before she pulled her red silk robe around her and tied it tightly. "It's about time," she said in a low voice appearing at the kitchen door, leaning on the door jam, twirling her wand between her fingers. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, she had more makeup on then normal, but she had restrained from putting heels on, knowing that it would be way to slutty, even for her tastes, and opted to go barefoot.

James furrowed his eyebrows as he un-tucked his shirt and grabbed a can of soda from the fridge. When he heard her arrived he turned around and almost spewed out his sip of soda when he saw her. “Sorry I didn’t think I was running late,” he said once he recovered. He glanced over at the clock and raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t late at all.

Lily just shrugged before pushing herself up off the wall and headed over to the fridge, bending down a bit provocatively as she grabbed herself a bottle of water, knowing full well that the hem had ridden up a bit, and he could see her lace knickers. When she stood up again she smirked at the look on his face.

"So how was work dear?" Lily asked with a snip in her voice before uncapping the water and taking a sip.

James arched an eyebrow at her, fumbling between getting annoyed at her tone and wanting to pin her against the wall and have his way with her. "It was fine", he said, casually, trying his best to figure out what she was up to, she was acting really out of character. "Yours?"

"Nothing special, stuck in this bloody house," Lily lied before setting the bottle down on the counter rather hard, surprised that it had not spilled on her. She played with her wand for a second before becoming bored. Lily looked at James half curious at what he was going to do, and also half uninterested.

Sighing she just rolled her eyes at him and went into the living room. He could be so boring sometimes, Lily reasoned with herself as she laid down on the couch, propping her left foot on her right raised knee, knowing full well that her knickers were showing

James gave a small gulp, loosening his collar a bit as he followed her into the living room. He glanced down, staring at her knickers for a moment before quickly looking back up at her face, something was definitely wrong, he could see it in her eyes. "What's gotten into you today, eh?" He asked, starting to become suspicious of what was up with her. Lily would never be so... open.

"Nothing a'tall," Lily replied running a hand through her hair, smirking at his reaction. "Just boredom. You’re always working, and I am stuck here, all by my lonesome self," she replied before turning her head to look out the window. A few raindrops were hitting the window before their weight caused them to fall, leaving streaks of water on the glass.

She still played with her wand, and when Lily turned her head back towards him, her stare turned cold, but she would not strike just yet. She liked leading him on and toying with him.

James narrowed his eyes at her for a moment, thinking maybe she was just trying to spice things up but decided that wasn’t it, with that he turned around and went back to the kitchen. He was hot and heavy already and he needed some fresh air to think. He leaned over the sink, his mind racing. That's when it hit him. "The Imperious curse, that would explain everything, including her eyes", he mumbled before drawing his wand and turning around but not going straight back into the living room yet. He didn't know how to go about it without hurting her.

"Where are you going sweetie?" Lily asked emphasizing the last word. When he did not answer she followed him into the kitchen, throwing open the door to see him standing by the counter. When she saw the drawn wand though, her eyes flashed and a second later she was on him, her wand jabbed hard into his throat. "I wouldn't do that Mr. Potter," Lily hissed into his ear, her voice eerily low and malicious.

James gave a small choke at the wand jabbing into his throat. He quickly slipped a hand into his pocket, tapping his mirror hoping Sirius would be able to hear what was going on, even when they were out of Hogwarts they both kept it on them, in case of emergencies. "Lily, what's gotten into you?” he asked, forcing his strength to come out as he shoved her off of him. He didn't want to hurt her, but he didn't know how he was going to do anything to her without causing harm.

Lily backed off before smoothing out her robe, which had started to become untied, revealing her matching bra and knickers. "Nothing love," she cooed, lowering her wand to her side. "I just thought we could mix it up a bit tonight, you know, let me be in charge." She knew he was growing suspicious.

Sirius rolled over on the couch; he had been napping comfortably when his mirror vibrated loudly on the table. He grabbed it to see only black, but could hear someone talking, it was Lily. He listened carefully before raising an eyebrow. Why was James sharing this with him?

"So you try to kill me?" James asked, hoping Sirius would catch on that something wasn't right. He looked her up and down and gave a small gulp before shaking his head. God why did she have to dress like this, it was throwing him off.

“Who said I was trying to kill you?" Lily asked tilting her head to the side a bit smirking once again.

Sirius perked up now, as he listened intently to the conversation. He could tell that it was definitely Lily talking, but she sounded very different, she was mean, which was very out of character for her.

"Well, it was weird. I was about to call someone to help me", James said, pushing the last two words, hoping that Sirius would catch it. He couldn't hurt her, but maybe Sirius could.

"There is no need for that," Lily replied coming closer to him, her wand drawn. When she was close enough she rested it gently on his stomach before placing her lips right on his neck, as she spoke. "Since no one would be coming."

Sirius caught every word, and without a second thought he apparated outside of the Potter's house, landing in the backyard. He could see the two of them in the window, and if he had not just heard the conversation he would have been convinced they were messing around. "Why the hell would she do this?" Sirius asked himself but as he finished asking he already knew the answer, Lily was being controlled.

James gently pushed her off of him again before stumbling his way across the kitchen, wand in hand, still pointed at her. "What do you want?” he asked, stopping at the kitchen door and squinting at her.

"Just you," she replied watching him move towards the door, and his hand moved to the door handle. "Is that too much to ask?"

Sirius followed James' movements and paused outside the door, when he opened it, he moved as quick as lightening. When he was inside he could see the cold stare in Lily's eyes, and the way she stood, tell tale signs of the imperious curse. He tackled her to the ground, knowing James was probably cringing in the corner but it was the only way.

"Get off of me!" Lily screamed loudly, though her voice was deep and angry. She fought to keep her wand in her hand but it was gone too quickly.

Sirius pinned her to the ground, he could see the anger in her eyes, and it almost caused him to flinch. He climbed off of her quickly and used a stunning spell that was very painful, but he knew it would make her come to.

Lily curled up in a ball yelling before she fell silent, and unconscious with her robe flayed open showing every little detail.

James was in the corner rooting for Lily, even though she had just tried to kill him. He could not help but feel bad since she was still his wife. “Thanks for coming,” he said quietly once she was silent on the ground. “What should we do with her?”

Sirius gulped slightly when he looked at her before turning his head to stare at the kitchen floor, he couldn't help it, there was a pretty girl sprawled on the ground in lingerie. "Cover her up first," he said before clearing his throat.

James looked up and narrowed his eyes at him. He was tempted to punch Sirius in the face, but he shook it off. He pulled off his robe and tossed it over Lily before standing up. "I'm gonna tell your girlfriend!", he threatened, meaning every word.

"Don't," Sirius said looking at him before glancing at the unconscious girl on the ground. Even with her eyes closed he could tell that she was better already. "I came and saved your arse, it's not my fault the way she was dressed."

Lily grunted slightly as she started to wake up, and when she opened her eyes she was very confused. Last she knew she was out shopping and now she was staring at the legs of her dining room table, and two sets of feet. "What's going on?" She asked rolling into her back to see a robe draped over her, and Sirius and James staring down at her

James frowned a little. "No, but you don't have to get hot and bothered over my wife,” James huffed, slightly aggravated before looking down at Lily when she moved.

James bent down and squinted, looking in her eyes and trying to figure out if she was alright. "You were placed under the Imperius curse", James explained, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.

"I wasn't! I told you to cover her up!" Sirius replied starting to get agitated with James. He could not deny that Lily was pretty, but she was James’ wife. When Lily moved though, he instantly diverted his attention to her.

"What? When?" Lily asked holding her head which was pounding. She moved to sit up and when the robe fell she looked down and flushed a deep scarlet that almost matched her bra. She scrambled for the robe and pulled it back over herself before looking at the two men

"Well, I suppose sometime during the day. Did you ever leave the house?" James asked, not knowing of her plans that day.

"I went shopping," Lily replied. "I bought some stuff...including this," she said before flushing once again. "I was heading down to the new boutique that opened in diagon alley, it was a home furnishing place."

Sirius took a seat at the table looking past Lily so as not to make her more uncomfortable with him being there. "And that is the last thing you remember?"

"Yes," Lily stated before pulling James cloak around her tightly. "They must have gotten me then. What did I do?"

"Tried to kill me, really", James commented, a little bluntly before giving a small smile. "But you looked dead sexy doing it," he added when he saw her face. “Let's get you some clothes, love", he said, standing up and holding out hand to her to get her up on her feet.

"I'll go tell Dumbledore," Sirius replied opting to give them some alone time, plus he was a bit aggravated with James thinking he was hot for Lily. He knew James would have reacted the same if he saw his girlfriend like that.

Lily watched Sirius leave before standing up with the help of James, "thanks...did Sirius see anything?" She asked a bit nervously as they headed up the stairs to the bedroom to change.

"Yeah, he made sure to get an eye-full", James said, irritably, making a note to "accidently" let it slip to his girl later. "But he didn't see much of anything", he said, trying to make Lily feel better.

Lily just smiled; she thought it was cute how jealous he was acting. "Well he doesn't get any of it, so don't worry," she replied before walking into the bedroom. She slipped James cloak off before turning around to him, letting the silk robe hang open to reveal everything underneath.

"Now that I am trying not to kill you, what do you think?" Lily asked him with a smirk.

James stared at her, feeling a bit hot under the collar once again. "Very nice", James breathed, trying to keep himself under control, but finding it terribly difficult. "Dumbledore will probably be here soon, though..." he barely whispered, hating his life that he couldn't just shove her against the wall and love her right then and there.

"We've got time," Lily replied tilting her head to the side a bit knowing he was fighting with himself. "Sirius can keep him busy..." she said her voice a bit low. "I promise I won't hurt you this time."

James couldn't resist that temptation. He moved over to her, pushing her against the wall, and pushing his body hard against her. "You could make an amazing lawyer", James whispered before leaning down and kissing her passionately.

Lily could not get out her response fast enough before he kissed her. She kissed him back just as hard, her hands immediately finding their way to the buttons on his shirt, undoing them as fast as she could. Honestly being pushed up against the wall like this was turning her on even more.

James's hands pushed off her robe, his mouth moving down to her neck, and continuing down to her collarbone as he hands went around to her back to mess with her bra clasp. He pushed his hips into her, using a free hand to pull her leg up around his waist.

Lily tossed the bra off so it landed on top of her robe, she finally got his shirt undone and pushed it off his shoulders before gasping at the contact. She tilted her head back moaning at the friction between her legs before one hand went behind his neck the other going on the wall above her head.

James smirked against her skin, moving his kisses down to her chest, nibbling slightly at her nipple, not holding back at all. He was far too turned on, and this was extremely sexy

"James..." Lily said in a raspy voice. The hand that had been behind his neck tangled into his black hair as she looked down at him. At this point she could care less if Dumbledore showed up, he would have to wait, she was far too gone at this point to care.

James moved his lips back up, moving his hips into Lily in such a way that they if they weren’t wearing clothes they would be having sex. He smirked, moving his hand down to her underwear, rubbing her through the cloth, knowing and wanting to drive her crazy.

"Your such a t-tease," Lily spluttered before biting her lip and leaning her head against the wall. He truly was driving her crazy at this point, but she still loved it. Gaining a bit of her composure she pulled him into a passionate kiss, the room was starting to get hot, and she could feel sweat starting to break out on the both of them.

James pulled his hand back after a moment, but his hand didn't go very far. It hooked itself into her underwear, sliding it down her legs and letting her handle it from there. He then gave her a wicked smirked before dropping down to his knees. James could see the look of anticipation on her face before he pushed her legs open a bit wider, and let his tongue find that hidden spot

Lily closed her eyes tightly her hands fisting his hair as he found that spot that pushed her over the edge, she was close to climaxing when he stopped and stood back up.

James was barely able to handle her moaning and the look of her and his hands went to his belt, quickly undoing it.

Lily smirked, kicking her underwear off from around her feet, and she noticed they landed halfway across the room. She looked back at James and helped him undo his pants the rest of the way, before waiting as patiently as she could, though it was killing her. "James," she groaned trying to urge him to go faster, she was so turned on, and even though he was going fast, it seemed to take forever.

James quickly got his pants and boxers down, not even bothering to kick them off as he pushed her harder against the wall and pulling her legs up around his waist. His lips moved down to her neck and kissed at the skin as he positioned himself and pushed himself into her.

Lily wrapped her legs around him tightly, this was a different position but she was enjoying it. When he pushed into her she sighed happily at the release, and gripped at his shoulders to keep her balance. All this roughness was turning her on even more if that was possible, and Lily panted a bit as he nails dug into his shoulders.

He bit her shoulder lightly, keeping the pace slow for now, though he knew it would not last for long. James adjusted a bit, and put both hands under her thighs by her buttocks.

“Faster,” Lily whimpered, as she scratched at his back. He was so close to hitting that one spot, and she was desperate.

Smirking into her shoulder, James pushed on her even more so the wall could hold her up, and one hand moved to her hips as he began to move faster and harder. Her panting was pushing him close to the edge, and he knew that she had to be close as well.

“Yes,” Lily said with a sigh before moaning his name over and over again. One of her hands moved behind his head to hold him closer to her, while the other dug into his back. She could see the pictures hanging from the walls rattling, threatening to fall off.

“Lils,” James groaned, he could feel a small film of sweat break over his body, and he glanced up at her seeing a red flush spreading from the tops of her breasts to her face. God she was so sexy right now, and he could not believe that she was really his, and they were really doing this at this moment.

One of the pictures could not take it anymore, and it fell to the ground with a large crash, the glasses shattering and spilling all over the carpet. Lily smirked before leaning her head back in pure ecstasy as pleasure washed over her.

James felt her orgasm, and when she tightened around him he came as well, moving faster if that was possible as he climaxed hard. When he finished he collapsed against her panting loudly, while still trying to hold her up though his legs were shaky.

Lily was trying to catch her breath, which was difficult since her breathing was erratic, and staggering. She could feel James’ heart pounding, and could tell he was weak so she adjusted a bit, and James pulled out of her, setting her lightly on the ground.

“I heard them arrive….about three seconds ago,” James said quietly meaning Sirius and Dumbledore. He looked at her with a huge smile, before bending down and pulling up his boxers and pants that were still around his ankles.

“Great,” Lily said, though nothing could get her down after that. She quickly walked over to her dresser to find something better to wear then lingerie, and she turned around to look at James quickly, her smile matching his.

“JAMES! WE ARE HERE!” Sirius called from the front door. Dumbledore had been slow to going to the Potters wanting to give them some time to talk about what had just happened.

“”WE WILL BE RIGHT OUT!” James replied giving Lily some time to change.

Lily quickly pulled on a bra and a plain black t-shirt before grabbing a pair of knickers and jeans. She pushed out her hair, which was sticking up all over the place, though it was now use, the hair around her face was still wet with sweat, and the parts that were starting to dry were frizzing. “They are so going to know,” Lily said turning in the mirror trying to tame her hair, but it was no use.

“Not if we act…normal,” James said his last word a bit muffled as he pulled on a fresh shirt. When they were both dressed he led the way out of the room to see the two men sitting with their backs towards them, he quickly brushed the sweat of his brow, and ruffled up his hair.

Sirius took a seat on the couch angled from the chair Dumbledore was sitting in with a huff. He was sure Lily and James had a talk, though it was not with their mouths he knew that much. When he saw them come around the corner his suspicions were confirmed.

Dumbledore may be an old man, but he knew exactly what had happened between the two of them. He did not say anything though, knowing they thought he had no idea. “Sorry we were gone a while, I was in the middle of writing a letter.”

“It’s not a problem,” James said glancing sideways at Sirius smirking. After what had just happened he was not mad at Sirius anymore.

“So tell me exactly what happened,” Dumbledore said turning to Lily, since she was the main focus of this whole ordeal.

Lily feebly tried to fix her hair, but it was no use, it was frizzing and sticking to the back of her neck. She sighed and told him everything she remembered, then watched him turn to James, then to Sirius for the rest of the story.

“They are growing bolder and are striking in broad daylight,” James said quietly looking at the other two men. “None of us can go out alone anymore.”

Dumbledore nodded before putting in his piece, “they are targeting Order members and their families, and for some reason they are really going after you two, and I am guessing it is because of Lily’s heritage, and you slapped him in the face by escaping.”

James cut him off before he could continue, “you know how I feel about going into hiding, only as a last resort.” He said his tone turning serious. “We know our time is marked, like everyone else’s’ and if they really want us, hiding is not going to do us any good.”

Lily nodded in agreement looking between Dumbledore and James; they knew how grave their situation was. After her parents were killed she and James had written out a will, which was a very sad thought since they were only nineteen, but it was necessary these days.

Sirius sat up a bit straighter as James talked, and was a bit shocked at how serious his friend had just become. He was so calm talking about his and his wife’s mortality, Sirius knew that James’ bravery surpassed his on many levels.

He could not knock the young man for his determination, but just stood up with a smile, “well I must go tell the rest of the order, it is a good thing you have Mr. Black around to keep an eye on you two.” Everyone laughed and bided him goodnight before he apparated to other Order member’s houses.

When the older man left Lily figured she should give James and Sirius some alone time to talk, “I’m going to shower,” she said feeling gross since she was still sweaty. She walked over and kissed James, before walking out of the living room to the bathroom.

James heard the bathroom door shut before he turned to Sirius with a smirk. But it faded away when he saw the grave look on Sirius’ face. “Look…” he said but was interrupted by Sirius.”

“James it is getting worse,” Sirius said looking at his best mate. He could not imagine losing him, not so soon, they were only nineteen years old and they were all staring death in the face, just tempting it. “Every call is getting closer, we just lost Benjy Fenwick and his family, they are out for some serious blood Prongs.”

“I am not going to hide in a corner and wait for them to come for me,” James replied quietly. “We are marked, it is a matter of time unless we figure out a way to stop him. Lily and I have discussed this in detail, our wills are written, if it gets worse, we will go into hiding, and we want you to be our secret keeper if it comes to that.”

Sirius sat quietly listening before responding, “of course I would, you know that, just promise when it gets bad you will do it.”

“I will,” James said giving his friend a small smile. “But let’s stop talking about this it’s all we do at work and at Order meetings.” When Sirius nodded in agreement he rose from the couch and grabbed himself and Sirius a beer before returning and flipping on the television.

When Lily finished she joined the boys, bringing out snacks. Everyone had the same thing on their minds, but they were as safe as they could be in the Potter’s house without having to go into hiding. They had every protection spell you could think of had been placed on the apartment so no one uninvited could come within one hundred feet, and spells would instantly repel off the house if they were fired. Life was starting to become strained in the wizarding world for everyone, but there was nothing else to do but press on.