A/N: Well, guys, this is it. I just wanted to tell you how much your reviews and support have meant to me over these past few years. Since I started this story in 2004, I feel I've learned a lot and my writing has greatly improved. I'll continue with my other stories as this final chapter of Unrivaled comes to a close. I just hope you've all enjoyed reading this fic as much as I have enjoyed writing it! I wish I could give each and every one of you a big fat hug!
Much Love,
The Kat
---
Chapter Twenty-eight: Final Chances
With spring came hints of good weather, starting that Tuesday. The sun was out, shining through the high windows of the Great Hall, teasing the students locked up inside. Lily flipped the page of her paper and took a sip of pumpkin juice.
…in the autumn of 1968. These little known facts have been concealed for decades, allowing the Baldric family to conduct their affairs with little to no interference, weaseling their way into the homes of many upper-class wizarding families with well-known names. The Vanes, among the others, were unfortunately swindled out of their booming cauldron company in return for the Baldric's vow of protection from You-Know-Who. A new investigation regarding these incidents has been opened by the Ministry.
In light of the recent findings and testimonies regarding the once-sealed Lofgren case, both Aldus and Gemma Kaufman's names have been cleared (see related article). They are now residing in a care home for rehabilitation from their years wrongfully locked away in Azkaban.
In such dark times, the only hope is that these revelations prove the flaw in the justice system, and make the Ministry of Defense far more aware of the wide network of You-Know-Who's followers.
~Melinda Moonshine, staff writer for the Daily Prophet
Lily folded up her copy of the Prophet, Mr. and Mrs. Baldric's faces plastered shamefully on the cover, and right beside them, in another article, a photo of a beautiful blonde woman smiled back at her with the title "Verdict on Lofgren-Kaufman Case Overturned" printed in bold.
"It's a good day," Charlotte beamed at Lily. "Long weekend— but a good day today."
"Yeah…" Lily looked across the table at Charlotte, chewing thoughtfully on her cheek. "I've been meaning to ask—I don't understand," she said, "that photo you took behind Alexandria's—you said it was Sirius."
Charlotte popped a bit of sausage in her mouth and swallowed. "Yeah, well, it was dark. I finally got around to cleaning it up—and there is was, clear as a bell—Bellamy Grimm."
"Well…" Lily grimaced, "It still doesn't make what you did right…"
"But it sure was fun," Charlotte relished, "The look in Edith's eyes was priceless!"
There was a soft rap on Lily's shoulders and she spun around to meet Professor McGonagall's stern gaze. She pressed her glasses up the tip of her nose and cleared her throat.
"Professor—?"
"Miss Evans," she spoke tersely through thin lips, "I have someone who'd like to speak with you."
"Er…" Lily looked bewilderedly at Charlotte who simply shrugged and stuffed another strip of bacon in her mouth.
"This way, please," McGonagall said sharply, already turning away and heading for the door.
"Er—" Lily scrambled out of her seat, stumbling over her own book bag. "Okay—coming—" She gave Charlotte one last weird glance before chasing after the swift-moving McGonagall.
Huffing and mildly winded, Lily followed McGonagall all the way to her office. Once inside, the door latching with a soft click, Lily was directed to a wingback chair by her mahogany desk.
A large blonde head poked up, and a wide face met Lily with a smile.
"Kenneth!" Lily was startled. "What—"
"Sorry we have to meet here," Kenneth looked bashfully at his feet. "McGonagall—"
"Ahem," McGonagall cleared her throat primly with a sharp look.
"I mean Professor McGonagall thought it would be best not to advertise my whereabouts."
"But…" Lily was still confused, looking from the professor to Kenneth. "Why? Did something happen?"
"I'll say," McGonagall adjusted her glasses with a faint smirk.
Kenneth flushed and sniffled. "Well…I took your advice. Actually, it was Charlotte Vane who gave me the name of your friend writing the article…and that's how it started—before I knew it, I was standing before the Wizengamot."
Lily was speechless. So that's how Melinda was able to publish the article…
"But I suppose I really owe it all to you—my parents are finally free." He looked at his large hands a moment. "I just…I really needed to apologize to you, for, you know, not having your back at the party."
"Oh, well…"
"I was a complete sod. I'm sorry, Lily."
What else could she say? "It's okay, Kenneth. Things…worked out for the best." She smiled. "And," she put a hand on his arm, "I'm proud of you. You were very brave."
He blushed again. "Thanks, Lily."
"Kaufman, it's time for you to get going," McGonagall began ushering Kenneth toward a large trunk in the corner.
"Wait—" Lily began putting two and two together, "You're leaving?"
"He can't very well stay here!" McGonagall chirped. "It's not safe."
"'Fraid I can't tell you either," Kenneth shrugged. "But Dumbledore's made arrangements for me."
Lily paled. She hadn't even thought about the repercussions for Kenneth—after all, he'd just testified about a murder and put two Death Eaters in Azkaban. He'd surely be a target. And she'd encouraged him. "Oh, Kenneth, I'm so sorry—I didn't realize—"
He shook his ruddy head vehemently. "Don't be. For once…" he took a deep breath, "I feel…brave."
McGonagall huffed. "Well, you are a Gryffindor."
Kenneth beamed.
"Yes you are," Lily beamed back.
On her way back down to breakfast, Lily's thoughts wandered to Mila. Ever since her family had been informed about the overturned verdict, they'd been gone from school. Mila had sent a short letter, letting her know she'd be back at the end of the week. She had taken the news just fine, but it still dredged up unwanted memories. Still, she wore a bright smile and after absorbing everything, she asked Lily about James.
But Lily didn't really have an answer. Like Mila, James had also disappeared, and though she'd been thinking about him—constantly, actually—she also knew he probably needed space. After all, his family had been plotting behind his back and was trying to force him out of the country, whatever the reason.
And though Lily hadn't seen much of anyone the whole weekend, she did run into someone she hadn't planned on.
Monday on her way to Charms, she passed through the Astronomy Tower, stumbling across a shrunken figure lounging on a windowsill. Her dark, wavy hair caught a breeze and fluttered back to reveal dark, sad eyes, intent on Lily when she froze on the spot, unable to move her legs.
"Edith…" Lily stared at her. Edith didn't frighten her anymore.
She just smirked and turned back to the view. Lily noticed she wasn't wearing her robes, and she seemed a bit thinner and paler.
Lily was about to slip out the side door when Edith spoke to her.
"Going to class?"
She stopped in her tracks and turned, responding hesitantly. "Charms. You?"
Edith laughed hollowly. "No. I'm just waiting for my aunt to collect the rest of my things."
Lily really didn't want to talk, but felt suddenly compelled to humor her. "Your aunt?"
Edith swung her legs around so that she was facing Lily. "Yes. She's taking me to Bulgaria for a few months to wait things out."
"So…no graduation," Lily pulled awkwardly on the strap of her book bag.
"No graduation." She stared at Lily a moment, her dark lashes shading any expression her eyes might have had.
"I'd better…"
"I knew once word got out about Grimm, the only way to keep things in order would be to get James away from Hogwarts, so I convinced his father it wasn't safe here—I just…didn't think they would want to send me too," she blurted suddenly.
Lily bit her cheek. "You wanted to be here. With Sirius."
She fell silent and kicked a loose stone in the wall with the back of her foot.
"Why—er—if you don't mind me asking—did you risk everything for that Slytherin Beater?"
Edith's eyes were shaded. "Everyone gets lonely." She tipped her head back and smirked. "And Sirius wouldn't give in. He's become too much of a good boy…I think I should blame you for that."
There was something that had been bothering her. "Those scars on your wrist," Lily pointed shyly, "Isn't that…"
"You saw them." Edith sighed shortly and turned her head away, scratching at the phantom wounds self-consciously. "My parents had the Dark Mark given to me when I was fourteen. I spent a full seven months trying to burn, cut, tear, and hex it off. Nothing worked, of course." She looked Lily in the eye darkly, a small smirk on her lips. "Just another testament to the life I can't escape. My parent's world has made me what I am, Lily. Be grateful you were spared that."
Lily was silent.
"You have everything, you know. Looks, intelligence, James…" she laughed. "I have everything…and nothing at all. That's the difference between you and me, Lily. I'm empty."
Another breeze picked up and brushed a bit of auburn hair across Lily's forehead, tickling her nose. She gazed outside past Edith's shoulder.
Edith blinked suddenly, as if from a daze. "I'm keeping you."
And that was all. Edith stood up and gave Lily one last strange look before walking out. She didn't apologize for anything or say goodbye, but for some reason, Lily didn't think twice about it. She just watched Edith go and then went to class, meditating on Sirius' words: She's not all bad.
Maybe, maybe not, Lily thought to herself. Most likely she was just an angry girl.
---
Another few days passed, and it wasn't until she'd heard some girls gossiping in the corridors that she found out James had returned to Hogwarts. She had yet to run into him, but she had privately decided not to seek him out. Lily had finally come to terms with the fact that James had been using her, and since that was all in the past, there was no sense in dredging it up. No. It was time to move on; she had prefect duties to attend to and a Headship to look forward to in Seventh year.
And yet…
"Lily."
She stopped outside the door of her classroom as students rushed past her on their way to lunch. Sirius was sweeping a hand through his jet-black hair, leaning casually against the wall across the corridor.
She smiled and made her way over to him. He smirked at her a moment while the students filtered out of the corridor until they were the only two left.
"Doing well?" His grey eyes were bright.
"I should be asking you that," she blushed.
He brushed the air with a hand. "Ah," he grinned, "I've got plenty of things to keep me busy. I'm moving in with James this summer."
"Really? I thought—"
He grinned again. "It's done. He's my best mate—can't stay mad at each other for long." He shifted against the wall and folded his arms thoughtfully. "Besides. I think he's changed…just, something about him. I've never seen him stand up to his dad before, you know."
"Oh…?" Lily tried not to seem too interested.
"Yeah," he said with a sparkle in his eye.
"So…" Lily peered down the hall, fiddling with her shoulder strap. "I guess you and Edith weren't plotting to kill him, then."
"What?"
"Oh," she stammered, kicking herself for saying something so stupid, "I just meant—er—Well, Remus had told me once that he saw you and Edith fighting and she said something about her relationship with James only being temporary…"
Sirius looked extremely confused. Then after a moment, something dawned on him. "Ah, you mean—" he chuckled a bit dryly and nodded. "She wasn't talking about James. She was talking about Grimm. I knew she was seeing him."
"You—" Lily gaped, "You knew? But—"
"I was angry. She told me her relationship with the weed was only temporary." Sirius smirked to himself. "Remus. Always trying to look out for everyone."
"Well," Lily scuffed her toe against the ground bashfully, "Remus isn't the only one who looks out for his friends." She brought her bright green eyes up to meet his softening face. "Thank you for being so good to me. And you know, about Edith…You'll have it again one day."
"Again, huh?" he trailed off, and then tipped his head musingly. "I suppose I could have had it with you, but I think there's someone else, isn't there?"
Lily swallowed hard and avoided his gaze.
"He's an idiot," he smirked, "But he's a lucky idiot."
Lily scoffed.
"He's out there."
"Hmm?" she tried to sound nonchalant. "Who?"
Sirius snatched her by the shoulders and turned her in the direction of the courtyard. "You're so cute, Lily. Don't be coy. Now go." With a quick kiss on her cheek, he shoved her off.
Nervously, Lily stumbled off, glancing behind her for reassurance from Sirius, but he'd already disappeared. She steadied herself in the doorway, took a deep breath, and then stepped out into the sunshine.
She laid her books down on the stone floor of the covered walkway and then shrugged off her book bag, dropping it beside them.
There he was, perched gingerly on the rough stone wall, bracing himself against a pillar. At times James seemed older to her, and at others so childish. But at this moment, set against the pale blue sky, his dark good looks were all the more striking, the elegant outline of his jaw and straight nose making him appear so mature.
Lily smoothed her skirt and ventured toward him. He didn't seem to notice her.
The clouds were shifting above, their pale shadows moving across the expansive grounds. The crisp spring air rustled the leaves and blew a few strands of hair across her cheek. Roughly, she brushed away the tears that had begun to pool inexplicably in her eyes.
"James." She stood still beside him, watching as he stared intently out at the grounds. She recognized this part of the courtyard—it was where she'd followed him out the night of the Yule Ball. Now, the climbing roses that encircled the stone pillars were blossomless, but rich and green, ready to sprout new buds.
He didn't turn to her. A breeze ruffled his dark hair.
"James," she repeated softly.
Wordlessly he peered up at her, as if it took all of his strength to tear his gaze from the grounds.
She turned her eyes down to her open palms and swallowed hard. "I…I'm sorry about Edith."
James just stared at her silently, his hazel eyes flickering. There was something different about him.
Lily shifted awkwardly on the cobblestones and took another deep breath. "I mean, I'm sorry that it all happened this way. I wish…I wish that—"
He was still staring, his eyes boring into hers.
Discomfort welled in her, forcing her throat to close up a bit. "It's just…er…what I mean is—"
"Shut up."
Lily flushed brightly.
James stood, his lean body arched slightly over her quite suddenly. Gently, he reached out his forefinger, tilting her chin upward so that the light hit her face. He scoffed and dropped his hand. "Have you been crying?"
Lily frowned. "No. Not…really…"
He snorted and turned away.
Sudden inexplicable anger welled in the pit of her belly and deepened her flush. "I know you don't care about me, but I am trying to at least be a friend—"
James whipped back around darkly. "What makes you say I don't care?"
She quickly lost her fire and stammered a bit. "Just…I know about the contract. Edith told me." James' eyes narrowed slightly as she spoke. She cast her eyes away. "I know that you could have gotten out of it…if you were able to declare your love for…someone else."
His eyes widened. "That's what she told you?"
"Yes…but," Lily began to babble, "obviously if there had been someone else, you would have just done that. But…since there wasn't—"
"You're an idiot."
Lily frowned. "Excuse me?"
James moved toward her, eyes dark. "I said you're an idiot, Evans."
"I am not an 'idiot,' thank you. Not only am I a prefect, but I'm also top of the class—"
James actually guffawed. Lily thought that was a bit excessive. After all, she was trying to be friendly here.
"There's no need to be rude. That's what she told me—"
"And you believed her?" He was grinning now. "Lily, if that was all I had to do, this whole mess would have been over a long time ago."
"But—"
"Lily," he said, his voice strained, "I love you." He ran a hand through his disheveled hair and turned his eyes to her. "How could you not know that?"
She blanched from the roots of her auburn hair to her toes. "But…b-but…" she stammered, "But if you l-loved me, why didn't you say anything? What about—"
"Lily."
"—the time in the corridor when we almost—well, you know—couldn't you have told me then?"
"Shut it, Evans."
"Is that why you were trying to get me to say it? That's a bit cruel, don't you think? Not to mention presumptuous—"
Right then, James grabbed her shoulders and pulled her deeply into a kiss. Almost instantaneously her healthy blush returned, and by the time he pulled away, she was glowing. He rested his forehead against hers and searched her eyes, his glittering with mischief. Softly, he brought his hands to her cheeks and brushed the thick auburn hair back from her face, cradling her head there a moment.
His lips curled into a grin. "You love me."
She stared at him blankly a moment, still in shock from the kiss.
James slid a hand down to the small of her back. "You love me," he repeated, half-whispering.
"I…" she mouthed, blushing.
His hand gently, but firmly, pulled her body tightly to his. "Say it," he commanded gruffly.
Lily's heart thudded. She lifted her downcast eyes to meet his, their emerald color sparkling in contrast to her thick lashes. As gently as he'd touched her cheeks, she too brought her fingers delicately to his face and held him a moment. He almost seemed to weaken slightly at her touch, his entire body relaxing into her.
"I love you, James," she whispered to him. Although soft, it carried a weight she never knew she could convey with simple words.
That signature smirk spread across his face and that mischievous sparkle returned to his eyes. He embraced her tightly and leaned in for a kiss, but she laid a hand on his chest to stop him.
"But," Lily added with her own mischievous twinkle, "you've always known that, haven't you?"
"Evans," James grinned, "you never have known when to shut up."
And with that, he pulled her deeply into a kiss.
Lily didn't protest. How had James put it? Sometimes hands-on is a more effective method of getting the message across.
James pressed her tighter to his firm body, his lips beginning to roam. Lily sighed.
She couldn't have put it better herself.
***
The End
***
*
*
*
Dear Lily,
I know it's been quite some time since we've talked, but I wanted to make sure I told you how much I appreciate all you did for my family—Charlotte told me everything. Now that the Vanes have their company back, my father is back to work! That means I'll be able to return for seventh year. I hope we'll be roommates again.
Your friend,
Madeline
---
Lily,
I just wanted to say thank you again for dropping by the offices to visit me! Things have been abuzz ever since I published that article—I've received several more job offers since we last spoke. I still think you're mental for wanting me to sign your copy of that horrid Detoxify, De-stress, and Don't Explode- Literally- for the Modern Witch, but if you insist that it changed your life, then, well…I'm glad. Appalled, but glad. Write soon.
Much Love,
Melinda
---
My Dear Lily,
I just had to write and tell you the wonderful news! Mr. Wiggins phoned your father yesterday to inform him a position had reopened—it was so strange and out of the blue, like he'd come out of some spell! And it wasn't even his old job—he got a promotion! How fabulous is that! Oh, you'd be so proud of him in his new black suit. He looks so professional—and what a dish!
Anyway, I'll see you in a few days at the station!
…By the way, how is that dashing boyfriend of yours, James? You should invite him to stay…
Love always,
Mum
---
Lily,
Spain is truly drab. Daddy's been forcing me into store after store to repay me for all the shopping time I lost during his 'former troubles' (as we now refer to them in the house), but he just can't seem to understand that if I see another damned dress robe in Bermuda Blue, I may vomit.
I've also recently come to the conclusion that the whole working thing just isn't really for me. When Daddy got the company back, I gladly informed Hilda where she could insert the unsorted stack of return slips.
Hope all is well with your James—is the sex fab?
Cheers,
Charlotte
---
Dearest Tallulah Evans,
Working on that tan in Majorca? We miss you dreadfully, old girl! Your replacement Carla just can't seem to brew coffee quite the same. She's also been doing something funny in the storeroom with Grover from Accounting.
Fondest regards,
Your workmates here at the Ministry
---
Lily,
I miss you so much already! You promised we'd make time this summer to see each other. I'm holding you to that! Write me!
XOXO Mila
---
Lily—
Don't lie to me! I know you can't possibly be celibate with a god like James for a boyfriend!
Charlotte
---
Evans,
You're spending the summer with me in France. I won't take no for an answer.
James
P.S. Don't bother packing any knickers.
---
I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DIDN'T TELL ME YOU WERE GOING TO FRANCE WITH JAMES!!!!
Charlotte
P.S. …do you think you could pick me up a replacement bottle of Petite Clematite? Thanks a bunch.