If and Only If . . . Jily

The Extendable Box

Ever since the revelation of their magic, James and Lily were almost inseparable. Lily was immensely inquisitive about the Wizarding World and had an unending number of questions that James was only too happy to answer. Lily would go home and tell her parents all about what she learned and their only response was excitement to the stories she brought home. James's parents were equally thrilled about the new development for they loved Lily Evans and she made their son quite cheerful.

The only person who wasn't even remotely pleased about Lily's new information was Petunia. The more facts Lily told them, the surlier Petunia got, eventually snapping at her harshly.

"Oh, give it a rest! Ever since you and that nasty boy both finally figured out that you both knew magic tricks, it's been 'Hogwarts this' and Hogwarts that!'' Petunia took an angry breath and continued. "Nobody cares, alright! You're a freak!" she spat out to her devastated sister. Both of her parents began to reprimand her but Petunia watched in satisfaction as Lily raced out the door, tears springing from her eyes.

James found her in the Secret Spot, face red and splotchy and clutching her knees to her chest. He sat beside her and tentatively wrapped one arm around her shoulders in a comforting manner. Lily rested her head on his shoulder, feeling calmer.

They sat like that until Lily's breath evened out before James risked asking her what got her so sad.

"Tuney," Lily whimpered softly. James made a face because he never liked Petunia for she was always glaring at him and sniffing petulantly when he attempted civil conversation.

Continuing, Lily repeated what her sister had said and James's expression grew outraged. When Lily looked like she was going to start crying he quickly reassured her, telling her that she was definitely not a what-Petunia-said and that if anyone was a what-Petunia-said, it was Petunia herself. James also mentioned that if she wanted, they could prank her so badly that Petunia would be the one that cried. Lily laughed weakly at that.

"Don't listen to her," he said comfortingly. "You're awesome."

She smiled slightly at that.

"C'mon, cheer up. I got a surpise for you," James persuaded.

Perking up, Lily turned to him, surprised.

"Well, don't tell me you've forgotten what tomorrow is! We have got to celebrate!" James pretended to be shocked.

Lily let out a gasp. She did forget! Just last month her and James went to the extraordinary Diagon Alley and Lily picked up all her Hogwarts supplies and textbooks that she spent weeks pouring over.

"Dang, you really did forget," James reacted after seeing her face. Shame burned on Lily's cheeks.

"No matter!" he continued enthusiastically. "Ta-da!" James exclaimed dramatically after pulling a small gray box from his pocket.

Lily's anticipation faded, and she eyed the disappointing surprise skeptically. James, seeing her cynical expression, tutted impatiently, "Don't judge a book by its cover." He proceeded to open it and to Lily's amazement, stuck his whole arm in the miniscule cube.

"It's called an extension charm." James explained.

"Whoa," she breathed, forgetting about her sadness.

"Aha!" James raised his hand triumphantly after longer than he would have preferred. He opened his palm and in it laid a crumpled, well-worn photograph. It portrayed a giant, immaculately built castle and it began to move, changing angles until they had gotten a 360 degree view of Hogwarts.

James who had studied the photo hundreds of times, surveyed Lily's reaction closely. Her emerald eyes were wide with wonder and her arched eyebrows were near her hairline. But best was her mouth which was spread in a huge smile that held complete elation and excitement.