To Live and Grow Up

Disclaimer: See first two chapters. In general, if you recognize it, I don’t own it.

A/N: Guess what, I finally figured out how to view the alerts and stuff on my story on ff.net...only took me, what, 3 chapters to figure it out. So, in regards to that... OMG wow! I feel so special and loved. I'm glad you're all enjoying my story and I thank all of my reviewers for taking the time to let me know what you like or what you don't/want to see. I do read all my reviews and if you have an actual question I will do my best to respond (to those on aff.net, you need to leave an email so I can respond). If there is simply a general concern regarding the story, I'll address it in the A/N at the start of the next chapter since most of you seem to have the same issues. In regard to those issues, since I've actually answered the question in the last two chapters, this will be my last time saying it: No, this story is not about Lilly and Peter, there will probably only be another couple chapters before it switches over to Harry and Peter. Most of the Harry/Peter story is going to be friendship leading to pre-slash which will eventually lead to slash, meaning Harry and Peter in a romantic relationship. You have been warned again, but I will give a definite warning at the start of the chapter that things change in that direction.

Chapter 4: Time for Goodbyes

The rest of the summer passed quickly for Lilly, with the daytime hours spent preparing for her new school, a school that would be hundreds of miles and a world away from her parents, and visiting with her friend Severus who lived down the street, and nights spent talking with Peter about the fantastic world he called home.

And if a small, buried part of her worried for the strange boy from another world, she tried not to show it, though she couldn't help but wonder who took care of him when he was sick or injured, who cooked for him, or gave him gifts to cheer him, who provided him with clothes.

She tried a few times to subtly ask about her concerns when he would tell her about his day to day life. Peter though, would only give her vague answers of how Tink or the mermaids would give him things he needed, or how the Indians, now led by Tiger Lilly's husband, would patch him up if he was injured during one of his adventures.

She asked him about friends, other children he played with. A lot of his stories involved those he called the Lost Boys, but it sounded like he was alone in his newer adventures. He finally responded to that question one night, though he wouldn't meet her eyes. In fact he had a very far off look in those bright blue eyes.

"My Lost Boys went on one last great adventure with me after we beat Hook. I brought them back here, to Wendy and her family; she was all grown up with her own children. She found families for all of them and they grew up. They've got kids of their own now; I check on them all occasionally."

And if he sounded a little lost and a little hurt, she didn't mention it, instead asking him about this Hook person, and watched as happiness once more filled his eyes. And if she thought she saw a flash of gratitude in his eyes for the change of subject...well, she didn't mention that either.

-HP/PP-

It was Lilly’s last night home, she was leaving for Hogwarts the next morning, and she sat in the middle of her bed, staring at the window, waiting for Peter to show up. He had said he’d make sure he came by before she left, she wanted to say goodbye to her new friend since she would be gone for several months, not returning until the Christmas holidays.

She had just about given up, slipping from her bed and walking slowly to her window to shut it, when she caught the faint sound of chiming bells drawing closer to her. Stepping back from the window, she waited only a moment before Peter darted in, flying in circles around her, causing her to stifle a giggle before he finally settled, hovering, in front of her. Getting a good look at him, she noticed he was a little more haggard looking than normal; his hair even more messy than normal and his clothes smudged with dirt and slightly torn. Tilting her head curiously, she finally gave in and asked, “Is everything okay? You look a little…worn.”

Peter gave an embarrassed laugh, his hand ruffling his hair nervously as he shrugged. “Sorry, I’m late. But, yes, I’m alright; just had a bit of a struggle getting… well, um, free to get here.” At his words, Tinkerbell started darting about his head, obviously agitated.

Her gaze narrowing at his odd turn of phrase and Tink‘s antics, she looked him over once more, noticing what looked like irritated spots on his arms…rope burns? What in the world had the boy been up to this time? Before she could ask, he smiled brightly, tugging a reciprocating smile from her. Suddenly, his hand was thrust in front of her face and she blinked, stumbling back slightly as she tried to focus on… well, what looked like an oddly wrapped present. Giving him a questioning look, she reached out toward the small fabric wrapped bundle hesitantly.

“Well, go on, take it. I got you a going away present to remember Tink and me with.”

Surprised, her emerald gaze darted from the present to meet his eyes and back again. “You got me a present? But why …I mean what…Thank you! That’s so sweet!” With a small, happy squeal, she leapt forward and gave him a quick hug, laughing lightly as he batted her away, muttering about silly girls. Opening the fabric, which seemed to shimmer and slide through her fingers like water, she found an odd stone that at first glance looked like a coarse black rock, but as she moved it, she noticed it sparkled and glinted in the light. She twisted and turned the stone between her fingers, watching as the light scattered from the crystal fragments embedded in the surface. “What is it? It’s amazing”

Peter smiled smugly, obviously proud that she admired her present so much. “It’s a fallen star, they’re good for making wishes on and stuff but you have to truly desire what you wish for with all your heart.” Taking her hand, he dragged her over to the window, pointing up into the night sky at a star that seemed to be twinkling brighter than any of the others, as if it was beckoning the two children. “That’s the way to Neverland, Lilly. I know you won’t ever come with me, but this way…this way you have something to remember me…us… by, wherever it is you’re going.”

Lilly looked over at him, saw a faint sadness lingering in his bright blue eyes and closed her fingers around the stone, holding her hand over her heart. For that brief moment, Peter, boy of never ending adventures and mischief, looked…lonely. “I’ll never forget you, Peter. I promise.” Trying to cheer him up, she forced a bright smile and ruffled his hair. “I couldn’t forget you anyway, how many other boys will I ever have come flying in my bedroom window in the middle of the night?”

Peter nodded and a smile tilted his lips once more. “I’m glad you like it, the mermaids weren’t too happy when I went to get it.” And for the next few minutes, he told Lilly how he had gone after the stone in the lake the mermaids made their home in, how they had captured him and tried to get him to give it back, and how he had made a daring escape…with Tink’s help of course.

Lilly gasped and applauded quietly as the story unfurled, the stone resting on her pillow. Reluctantly, much later than usual for the two of them, she slid from the bed and followed him over to the window. Looking up at the sky and his star glowing brightly, she spoke softly, not daring to look at him. “Have you ever thought of staying, Peter? Of growing up with the rest of us?”

Peter shook his head slightly, staring up at his star as well. “No, not yet. I’m not ready to give up my adventures for an ordinary life.”
Lilly laughed softly at his words, not expecting anything different from him. “Oh, Peter, living can be an awfully big adventure too, you know.” Turning to him, she smiled brightly. “Be safe, Peter. I expect to hear lots of stories about your adventures when I come home for Christmas, alright?”

Peter laughed and flew out the window, hovering there for a moment. “You be safe, with your spells and flying brooms. I want to hear just as many stories when I come visit you.” And with one last wave, he and Tink flew off into the night sky, heading toward the beckoning star.

Lilly watched him go until she could no longer see him and closed up her window. After changing into her night clothes, she climbed into bed, her fingers once more playing over the surface of her fallen star. Starting tomorrow her whole world would be changing, nothing would ever be the same. And as she drifted off to sleep, the stone clutched tightly in her hand she made her first wish, but instead of one for herself, her last conscious thought was for Peter. I wish Peter would find something worth living for.

A/N: I wish all of you and your loved ones a happy and safe holiday season!