^^^that is the inspo for Mary's outfit later on
...

16 April 1979

James was bored. Actually, that was a little bit of an understatement. James was extremely bored.

Yet, he stood in Diagon Alley with his back to an abandoned store surveying the area. Moody had entrusted him with the responsibility of looking for "suspicious characters," but James believed it was just to get James to stop complaining about not getting any field work.

So far, he had seen a few people in odd trench coats, yet he was sure that that was just a coincidence. He hadn't seen anyone he recognized by only looking at their face until later on in his afternoon.

There stood his parents walking, hand in hand, chattering away with smiles on their faces. The sight made him forget immediately about his boredom and he realized how much he really admired them.

Fleamont had been a good role model ever since James could remember, constantly pushing him in different areas. He was a constant reminder that even if people around you were corrupt, you didn't have to change to fit their mold.

Euphemia had been James's inspiration since he was little. She was an example of a person that saw a problem and took it upon herself to fix it. She used her influence to do good in the world, which is all James could ever aspire to do.

He had the best parents in the world. That was one thing he was completely sure of.

...

30 April 1979

Trying to console Remus before a full moon was one of the toughest things to do and actually succeed at doing. No matter how hard you tried, you could never get him to look around the fact that he would transform into a full-fledged wolf in a few days.

The Marauders always turned to food to console the poor boy and usually that would get his mood up just a little bit, but it wasn't something that they could always rely on.

Mary constantly made sure he was comfortable and that his favourite jumpers were clean. However, she focused much more on his injuries after the full moon and the process of healing. She had learned quite a bit of healing spells courtesy of Lily.

Speaking of which, Lily and Remus were currently walking around town hoping the sunshine would help Remus in some way. Of course it never did—his friends had tried this tactic before—but he didn't have the heart to tell them off.

She pulled him into a muggle bookstore and started to scour the shelves for a good read. Remus did the same but on the opposite side of the store and at a slower pace.

The two had decided that they were going to chose a book for the other to read. This had been a game they had played since fourth-year of Hogwarts, but it never seemed to grow old. A different kind of joy was produced when your friend liked your book recommendation and it was simply unexplainable.

Lily ended up picking a love story with plot twists sprouting from every direction. It ended as a tragedy, but the beginning and middle were sweet enough to disguise that. They distracted the reader from the inevitable doom that was awaiting the characters.

She walked over to Remus, who had occupied himself with his chosen book. Greeting him with a smile, she swapped books with him and read the back description.

The book was told through a series of poems that were meant to latch the reader to the narrator talk about having a broken heart. The narrator repeatedly warns them about not falling in love, but explains how blissful it can feel in the moment as well.

"A sad poem book, Rem, really?" Lily laughed slightly.

"I mean, what were you expecting exactly?" He spoke as they walked up to the counter in order to pay.

"Nothing else really, but I am excited for this read now that I think about it," Lily responded with a grin on her face.

That was exactly why they played this game, it made them happy, and even for a brief moment, happiness worked like their drug. It kept them going, so they weren't going to stop trying to be happy any time soon.

...

12 May 1979

Marriage was all new beginnings in multiple ways. It made everything around you appear like spring when everything first blooms. A fresh start that often blurred all of the clouds, for better or for worse.

Fleamont and Euphemia had decided it was well over time to downsize, and even though they did not want to sell Potter Manor—as it was much too valuable to their hearts—they wanted to sell their vacation home in Godric's Hollow.

The sleepy town had provided a calm environment for some of James's summers, so when he heard that his parents wanted to sell it, he asked Lily if they could move in there.

They had been trying to find a house to move into ever since they had gotten married—since that was what married couples did—but the Order took so much of their time, it had been difficult trying to find one. Not to mention that they were separated during their Order training, so when one had a day off the other was out working and when you're trying to make a joint decision, one person can't just go off and do their own thing.

Overall, the couple decided that the Godric's Hollow cottage was perfect for them and quickly began moving in.

Knick knacks, trophies, paintings, and dusty books filled the house all the way to its center and they wouldn't have had it any other way. Coming home to the comforting cottage was enough for them—for the time being—which was all that they could ask for.

Yet, sometimes they got scared. Sometimes Lily had horrible nightmares that made her sit up straight in bed and wail at the top of her lungs, maybe it was of someone close to their death, or maybe it was a brief flashback that brought horrible chills down her back. Either way, it was a distorted reality that James coaxed her out of every time. Sometimes James could not fall asleep without clutching his wand until his knuckles were white. Sometimes, he could not fall asleep at all.

The two of them had just gotten back from yet another Order Meeting and it was times like these that they were especially grateful to have each other.

James brewed a cup of tea each for them both and brought it upstairs to their quaint bedroom. Lily was already curled into the covers with a somber expression upon her face. He wordlessly handed her the mug and crawled into bed next to her.

For a moment, all was quiet and even though they knew that they were far from safe, they had each other to keep their intrusive thoughts away. They sat with the silence sinking to the pits of their stomachs with the tea as the moment truly sank in.

"Do you ever imagine what it would be like without the war?" Lily asked with a monotone-like voice.

"All the time," James said shortly before sipping his tea.

They were like spring, blooming like a fresh flower. With the wreckage of war around them, it was hard to remain so positive, but the two of them tried their best and their best was all they could really give right now.

...

The Sun Doesn't Always Shine
Prologue

It may be quite obvious,
but now that I've got an audience,
I would like to share a lesson.

It's one I have learned,
one that was unearned.
Was it through happiness or heartbreak?
Maybe it was both,
but either way my heart will still ache.

This is here as a warning,
don't you dare fall in love,
because they aren't always what they seem.
Sometimes, they are a vulture disguised as a dove.

If you have already fallen,
like I once had too,
tell me, please,
do the clouds ever disappear?
Does the sun ever shine and turn the sky blue?

...

1 June 1979

Dear Lily,

No amount of sorries can make up for how I have treated you in the past, but I feel that we are both mature enough to put the past behind us. Yet, if it means anything to you, I apologize right now for how I have treated you in the past.

I have gone through a lot without you in my life that has made me realize something. I truly would like to make up with you. Vernon has been acting up recently—which is quite odd for him—and he has been taking it out on me through his words. (Don't worry it's nothing physical.) I also had a miscarriage 12 weeks into my pregnancy a few months ago. You know how much it would mean to me to be a mother.

I hope this letter has found you in good health and I wish you the best. If you do not respond, I understand, but I would really love it if you did!

All my love,
Petunia

...

Still 1 June 1979

The cool summer air breezes past her shoulders as the swing rocked back and forth in a smooth rhythm. These were always her favorite kind of nights, the ones that were serenely peaceful—almost to the point where it was creepy how quiet it was.

Yet, she had her Nan to keep her company while they both attempted to knit.

Mary didn't have a busy summer by any means, so that had meant that Nan took her with her whenever she went to her "Old Lady Group." A bunch of people in their sixties and seventies got together and formed a knitting circle—one Mary was now forced to participate in.

She hadn't really minded at first because the days had grown quite boring recently, but every time she went to the knitting circle, the elders would dote over her—which is not something that she wanted.

"Are you looking forward to your third-year?" Nan asked with a slight, encouraging smile on her face.

"I think so, since I've made a few more friends it's been much more fun," Mary replied while still trying to focus on knitting.

At this point, she didn't know why she bothered trying since the square looked awful, but it made Nan happy. That was enough, for now, to keep her knitting.

"Mary! You have to get up!" Marlene yelled in the other girl's ear.

Mary bolted straight up as reality washed over her in the form of Marlene's voice. It was a rude awakening to the world, but Marlene was probably tired of hearing Mary's merciless alarm go off.

The only reason she had set it was because she could absolutely not be late. Today was the day that she picked up Julia from King's Cross, and in a climate like this, her muggle-born sister was her top priority.

"My bad! My bad! I'm up now," Mary reassured her friend as she quite literally rolled out of bed.

Her body hit the floor with a loud thump before she was able to walk into the kitchenette at a hurried pace. She quickly brewed a cup of coffee while being under the receiving end of Marlene's friendly glares.

"You are quite literally a mess," Marlene spoke over her own coffee cup.

Mary responded by flipping the girl off and retreating to her bedroom to get changed out of her pajamas. Seeing as she had taken a shower the night before, that was one thing already crossed off of her list.

Eventually, she had decided on velvet, plum bell bottoms with a darker purple Van Halen shirt. Mary finished dressing by sliding on her black platform boots, placing her black cat-eye sunglasses on her face, and grabbing her purse.

"Now look who's the mess," Mary pointed out to Marlene as her friend tried to scoop cereal off the ground.

She laughed as she exited the flat in the best mood she had been in, in a while. Mary had been looking forward to seeing Julia for a few weeks at least and, frankly, she couldn't wait any longer. She hoped secretly that they would be able to spend some time together despite the Order being so busy.

Walking through the wall at Platform 9 3/4 caused a rush of nostalgia to run through her veins. It felt like yesterday that she was attending her first year at Hogwarts with nerves occupying her every thought. She had grown a great amount since then--physically and mentally--which meant she could walk without dissecting every little reaction from the people around her and making it about her.

Mary could spot Julia a mile away. Maybe it was the fact that Annie was spinning her around like a bride, or that she and her friends were the loudest there. Either way, she grinned at seeing the bright smile on her sister's face and silently thanked the heavens for sending Julia such a great group of friends.

"Hey, kiddo-" Mary greeted Julia before she practically tackled her into a hug.

"I missed you a lot," Julia spoke while not letting go.

"And I missed you just as much," she replied as they let go of the hug.

They had their moments--as every pair of siblings do--but Mary and Julia had always been extremely close. Despite Mary going to a boarding school and leaving Julia behind, this closeness had remained throughout her education.

"Alright, before my brother comes over here to take me home, I would like to propose a proposition!" Annie declared quite loudly.

"Propose a proposition?" Julia questioned with raised eyebrows.

"Sod off, I couldn't think of anything else," Annie rolled her eyes while Julia giggled. "Anyway, where was I before I was so rudely interrupted?"

"You were about to propose a proposition," Mary bit back her own laugh.

"I think that Jules and I should be allowed to bounce back and forth from my house to your house," Annie stated matter a factly.

Mary thought about this for a moment. Their summers would both be awfully boring without the other, seeing as both of their families were involved heavily in the war efforts. Besides, Mary had been worried about leaving Julia home alone during the day sometimes over the summer. Having Annie there would not increase any responsibility level at all, but at least there would be someone to keep her company. Plus, Mary liked how happy Julia was around Annie.

"Alright, sounds like a plan."

...

4 June 1979

Dear Petunia,

Sorry about the delayed response, work has been hectic these days and I didn't get a chance until now to write back.

Anyway, I truly do not think that you understand how deeply your harsh words wounded me. You asked me to give up who I was and for what? Just so that you could feel comfortable around me? All I have ever wanted was for you to see me as me and if these are the first steps towards that, then I would be open to interacting more frequently.

I do feel sorry for your past experiences with miscarriage. I am sorry you went through that without any additional family support. If Vernon persists in his nastiness, you can find solace with James and me because we open our homes to people who need it, but we would need a heads up in that case.

Remember that day Dad sat us down and spoke to us about proper treatment we should receive? Well, if you don't, just know that he would not have wanted you to put up with Vernon being mean to you.

Are you really that surprised that I wrote back? I've always missed you being my sister!

With love,
Lily

...

12 June 1979

Annie had apparated over to their flat directly after she received Julia's newest letter. Of course, she did have to wait for her brother to actually transport herself there, but she came as quickly as possible.

They hadn't really planned much to do that day, except cause utter chaos—like usual—but if Mary and Marlene didn't expect that, then they didn't really know who Annie and Julia were.

A few hours into chatting idly and bantering, Julia and Annie found themselves in the kitchenette. Marlene and Mary had been called out by a mysterious floating orb—or as their professors called them a Message Patronus—which meant the two girls were completely alone.

This did open up their options quite a bit. Why Mary and Marlene let them stay there alone, they had no idea, but they surely were not complaining.

"Hey, you wanna prank some people?" Annie asked with the signature Potter smirk upon her face.

"Do you even have to ask?" Jules grinned excitedly.

Before Hogwarts, Julia wasn't nearly as mischievous as she was now. She supposed this was because of Annie's influence because her best friend just managed to bring that side out of her. That had to be her favorite part about hanging out with Annie, there were no limits to their adventures. Of course, rules had to be worked around in order to have fun anywhere, but they had a knack for finding loopholes.

They got to work on their next prank, as they had to work fast since they had no idea when their targets would be arriving home. The Order of the Phoenix didn't necessarily have a time limit.

One big mess and two hours later, their masterpiece was finished. They had baked around two dozen cupcakes but had cut out the center only to replace it with an assortment of spices found in the cabinets. Then, they had frosted them.

They looked like harmless cupcakes.

Julia had made sure not to go overboard with the spices since she was worried about the targets choking on it. This had not deterred them though and they fought to work around that minor obstacle.

For the remainder of their time together before Mary and Marlene came home, they practiced summoning their wands by pure mind power. The Ministry hadn't been paying much attention to Underage Magic recently and technically they weren't really using their wands.

"Oi! We're home!" Marlene shouted.

The moment of truth was here. They both ran to the kitchen where they could already see Mary eyeing the cupcakes.

Both girls looked extremely tired and not like normal. A war was enough to make anyone have bags under their eyes, but they looked exhausted physically and mentally.

Annie and Julia wondered if it was too late to throw the cupcakes in the trash...

"Did you make these?" Mary questioned, gesturing towards the cupcakes.

"Sure did," Julia swallowed thickly.

Definitely too late to withdrawal the cupcakes now.

Mary picked one up and peeled the paper wrapper off. Almost as soon as the wrapper came off, the spices in the center tumbled down and out of the cupcake. It seemed that they had managed to core the bottom of the cupcake along with the middle.

"We never claimed to have been professional chefs," Annie spoke with wide eyes.

"Nice try guys," Mary snorted before placing the cupcake on the counter and leaving the room.

"Yeah, that was definitely a good try, but now you get to clean it up," Marlene winked before retreating to her room.

...

Author's Note:

I did write that poem and yes, I have a (sort of) plan for the future of the poem book Lily is reading. I'm thinking one or two poems per chapter until the poem book is done, but of course there could be more or less depending on how I feel at that moment.

How are we feeling after that chapter? It was quite long and spanned over a few months, so I hope it was alright.

Now that jily is married, we're going to focus more on the Order and their missions. I tried to transition more into that stuff during this chapter since it has been on the back burners for a few chapters, but don't worry! There will be many action-packed adventures. I will personally make sure of it! 😉

Lmao anyways thanks for reading
-teddy🦚