#c: lily01

[tonksxandromeda]

Where: New Years Street Party With: @ofmagicisms

Andromeda found herself wishing she could stop time as she watched Ted and Dora at one of the street games. Dora giggling and clapping excitedly as Ted won her yet another prize. She hadn't seen her husband look so relaxed in longer than she could remember. seen him smile so brightly in just as long. She was indescribably happy, and she wished it could last, that they could always be this happy and unconcerned. As the line for hot chocolate moved forward, she followed it, eager to get the drink so she could join the two of them again. It was Lily's hair she noticed first as the girl came her way and she smiled. "Lily!" She called, glad to see the girl out enjoying the New Year. Lily had been spending just as much time as she had at the hospital as of late and appreciated all she did. "How are you?" Her smile turned playful. "And where is James? I expected him to be attached at the hip." She teased.

[tiberiusxmclaggen]

Tiberius chuckled at Lily's reaction to the mention of James, though he didn't miss how her eyes seemed to sparkle at the thought of him. It was clear they were in love, he'd seen it on James' face whenever he thought of Lily as well. He was happy for his friend. "Probably shouldn't tell him that, his ego is already too large for his own good. I don't mind his gushing though, means I can talk about my gorgeous wife too and he has to put up with it." He mused, picking up his glass and taking another drink. "I get it, at the Ministry it's all that's talked about. We can talk about other things though, I'm always happy for a distraction."

the redheaded witch didn't have a good answer to his statement that things were going to get worse so she chose NOT to answer. though she can't help but smile at just the mere mention of james, nose crinkling as she gave a wave of her hand, " eh. he's hot. " she teased, in response to what she saw in him, though they both knew there was so much more to james than that. and she was completely and utterly obsessed with him. " though sorry you have to put up with that, i promise you, he's exaggerating on almost everything he says about me, i'm sure. " lily said with a chuckle, the faintest of blushes gracing fair cheeks, " yeah, i mean i get it, i just. well. it's driving me a bit mental. talking about it all of the time. "

[veritydedominicis]

closed starter for @lilywhittaker​ // location: lily’s office, downtown

After almost a decade, she had finally shocked her publication team into silence.

Verity grinned as she checked her phone screen to zero notifications, a sharp contrast from the dozens of texts and emails that usually popped up every couple of minutes from her (constantly distressed) team back in New York. Around this time, as a book signing event for a new publication was in its initial planning process, she would have had to put her phone into airplane mode to keep herself from feeling the urge to fling it into the ocean. But this time was different. 

After attending the engagement party during the previous weekend and learning that the event planner had been none other than Lily Whittaker, Verity had promptly informed her publication team that she was going to handle the event herself. They had thought she was drunk at first, as she usually didn’t even care to learn the details of such events until the morning of, much less take part in meetings. But after working with the wildcard author for years, they eventually took it in stride, as she knew they would. And if Lily Whittaker happened to be the person Nate had been making eyes at, then surely it was only simple coincidence. And her outfit, resembling the widow of a rich, mysteriously murdered billionaire? Also a coincidence. 

Verity tapped her foot impatiently as she waited, her gaze focused on the decor of the office as she tried to glean what she could about the other woman from her furniture choices. 

[saintbayrak]

CLOSED STARTER FOR: @lilywhittaker​

LOCATION: whittaker residence

So he hadn’t been the only one that had done his research. 

Saint Bayrak stood on the doorstep of the Whittaker home, a bundle of flowers in his hand and curious glint in his eyes. He’d met the couple briefly during a luncheon he attended with Raymond Blackwood and had apparently made enough of an impression that they invited him over a few days later, hinting that their younger daughter would all too happy to welcome him to town. Somehow he doubted Lily Whittaker had taken any part in that particular discussion, though he was happy to entertain the invitation either way. 

He didn’t hesitate as he rang the bell, mildly amused that the Whittakers’ plans folded neatly into his own. 

[tonksxandromeda]

Who: @lionessevans Where: St Mungos

Andromeda was thankful that her shift was over for the day. If she were to sit she felt as though she may never get up again. The hospital grew busier by the day, they saw the casualties of the war coming through their doors regularly. Retiring to the changing room, she rid herself of the healer's uniform and switched into her more comfortable shoes. She was just grabbing her handbag when she heard someone else come into the room. She smiled softly as she saw Lily wander in. "Are you off then as well? I'm not sure I could have lasted another hour." She admitted.

[alicealongbottom]

"I try to do the best I can." Alice blushed at the compliment, it was touching to hear that Lily thought her to be one of the best aurors, but in her mind all of their friends were equally as good, equally as dedicated to make the world a better place. It was that wish, that determination that pushed them along and made them work twice as hard. "Well, I do have some news to share with you... I'm pregnant."

" i know you are. one of the best aurors around. " lily never doubted alice's capabilities but she couldn't help but worry about all of the fates of her loved ones. especially those that were out on the front lines directly fighting. it was between pursuing healing or becoming an auror after lily graduated hogwarts. and sometimes she wondered if she should have become an auror after all. though what came down to it for her was that she was more interested in saving lives rather than taking them. and she knew that was a huge part of being an auror, no matter how hard you tried to avoid it. " sounds perfect to me. we'll make it work. what else has been going on? any updates i have yet to know about? "

[gretascatchlove]

Greta did her best pout and puppy eyes, trying to convince Lily to reconsider. "Come on, you can't let me drink alone. That's mean. And I already live close by so I can just walk home, so no need to worry about me. No to water, but yes to another shot."

" oh, no, no, no. no thank you! i'm the designated sober person, you know. to make sure everyone makes it home safely. but thank you. " amused hues eyed her, " how about we get you some water while we're at it? yeah? delicious. "

[gretascatchlove]

"Oh my gosh, Lily! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you!" Greta smiled apologetically at her friend, sighing in relief when the books didn't fall over. That was a close one. Luckily, they seemed to stay in place. "Forgive me?"

𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬     𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬     𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨     𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬,     𝐛𝐮𝐭     𝐭𝐡𝐞     𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞     never     fades     or     falters,     wrapped     in     knitted     warmth,     the     woman     wanders     through     the     stacks     of     books,     wild     curls     twirled     upwards     and     held     in     place     by     her     wand,     fingers     counting     the     spines     until     she     finds     exactly     what     she     was     after.     “     here     you     are.     ”     she     murmurs     to     herself,     manoeuvring     the     choice     from     its     place,     watching     the     slight     wobble     before     the     stack     settles.     accomplishment     tinges     in     her     grin,     so     lost     in     her     achievement     that     she     misses     the     way     the     soft     jingle     of     bells     above     the     door,     footsteps     coming     in     from     the     street.     she     thinks     she’s     alone,     she’s     not.     accomplishment     is    soon    replaced     by     fright     with     a     sharp     yelp     leaving     her     lips.     “     merlin,     where’d     you     come     from     ?     ”

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 : none , capped at 00/15 replies ! 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 : flourish and blotts.

[finn-brooks]

lilian-magalhaes​:

She chuckled at his words. “Really? I didn’t know that.” It was nice to know that she wouldn’t have to pay for extra locks, with all the extra things the detective told her to get and replace what got stolen, she would need to find another job or spend all week working at the diner.

“Nice!” Lily said, remembering some old friends she saw living at Aurora Bay as well, it was truly a great place to live, so it wasn’t a surprise that more people were moving in and some would be old friends.

Seeing the door open and a group of older women walking in she smirked at him. “Looks like you’re up.” as soon as she finished her phrase a group of drunk teens walked in. “looks like I got work as well.” She looked at the watch, it seemed like they were about to the first rush before the last call of Oasis.

📷

"Yeah. Might have to remove them before you leave, but your safety is an investment, isn't it?" Maybe he can see if one of his friends could give her a hand. Evie's roommate - Jameson. Finn idly wonders if mechanic can translate into a simple work of nuts and bolts in the framework of a doorway. Her and her chaotic group he's been welcomed into should have one handy-man amongst them... But there is no time to linger on that thought for long. Just as he requested, Lily offers up the first table to him: a group of older women. "Time to put on the charm and schmooze," he chuckles, finishing one more generous bite of the sandwich. It'll be a snack to return to later, cold from sitting out, but somehow the very thing he will need when his stomach feels like it is stretched too thin with hunger. "Skedaddle, worker bee. You got the next table coming up, and it's time to make our wallets a little fatter-" With singles and fives, more than anything.

"Good evening, ladies! My name is Finnley, and I'll be your server tonight-" his typical spiel with the fun ring well practiced over all those years as a Salem tour guide keeps him sounding chipper while he takes his order. Then a glance to check in on Lily, if he can see her, before he is paying mind to his table again. Yeah, it'll be a good night.

[alicealongbottom]

"I would really appreciate that. Thank you Lily."

Lily knew that the best way to keep a secret was to tell no one. To keep it to yourself. Secrets always had their ways of coming out, especially if multiple people knew. She hoped that the party would be a surprise for Frank. He deserved it. "I'd love to help. I know a few techniques from when I was growing up. I might be a little rusty, but I'm sure I can find a muggle book on baking somewhere. It could help."

[tiberiusxmclaggen]

He was prepared to object to another drink, but already she’d motioned for another. He supposed one more wouldn’t hurt, besides Lily looked as though she could use someone to talk to. “Unfortunately it probably will.” He’d like to think it could get better but unfortunately history made him think otherwise. He offered her a warm smile, taking her hand and shaking it. “Yea, nice to meet you. Potter doesn’t ever stop talking about you. What you see in that bloke I have no idea.” He joked with a chuckle, he had always liked James. “It does seem to be all everyone talks about at work, but then when in the ministry it’s hard to hear anything else. I imagine it isn’t much better at St Mungos.”

the former gryffindor gestured for the bartender to give them another round, thanking them with a smile before turning to tiberius, " it's just going to get worse before it gets better, isn't it? " lily said with a sigh before shaking her head, " honestly. i think talking about something else might be a nice change. the hospital is insisting i take the day off. problem is, i'm quite rubbish at NOT obsessing over work these days. " she said with a chuckle, " you're tiberius, right? i don't think we've officially met but i'm lily. " the ginger offered her hand, " i imagine you need a break from the war talk as well. "

[tonksxandromeda]

While Lily was years younger than her, she’d been fortunate to get to know her from days spent at the hospital together. She admired how strong willed Lily was, fiery and determined even in the face of the bigoted who came in and openly shared their distaste for those who weren’t purebloods. Andromeda wouldn’t stand for it either, just as quick to jump to her defense if she heard the words come out of someone’s mouth.

She beamed as Lily brought up the wedding planning. “I’m so happy for the two of you! And I’m glad James finally came to his senses. I would offer to help but Ted and I, well ours was very small and intimate.” But for her it had been perfect. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out though. Happy almost New Year.” She laughed softly. “I am, tonight’s been perfect. I don’t get enough nights like these with Ted and Dora. I almost wish it wouldn’t end.”

andromeda, ted and little dory were all very near and dear to lily's heart. often times she'd look at the three of them together and see a GLIMPSE of her future with james and a potential child or two of their own one day. when things felt too hopeless, lily thought of nymphadora and was quickly reminded WHY they were fighting so hard. to make the future better for her and all of the other children. lily beamed the moment her eyes fell upon andromeda, immediately going in to hug her friend, " well hey there stranger! " lily teased though they both knew they saw each other all too often while at st. mungos. which the muggleborn would never mind, it was always nice to see a friend while working incessantly. plus the two worked well together. she'd always let out a sigh of relief whenever they were paired up to work the same shift. " i'm good! we're good! " and even though they'd been engaged for a few weeks now, lily was quite certain she was still grinning like a giddy idiot most of the time. " wedding planning which is equally fun as it is stressful. so many choices! like so many deciding on such little things that never crossed my mind before doing this planning. " though honestly, it was exciting work and it was nice to not be so fixated on her work at st. mungos and the war. " ah, i sent him to go get us some sweets! how are YOU? happy almost new year, yeah? " emerald hues eyed the other for a moment before commenting, " you look happy. "

[tiberiusxmclaggen]

Tiberius hid his grimace at her comment behind another drink of his whiskey. It was the same conversations he heard regularly at the ministry. Everyone wanted to know the why, how much more they would have to lose before things got better. The truth was that there was no good answer, and no one knew when things would start to get better. All anyone could do was continue trying, do what they could to make things better. Or rather, Tiberius preferred to stay out of it completely, he had enough going on. He set his glass down and shook his head, glancing over at Lily. He didn't know her well, but he recognized James girlfriend, had heard the bloke talk about her enough. "Too many unfortunately." Was he being pessimistic? Perhaps, but as a member of the Ministry he saw the brutal reality of where they were. He offered her a sad smile as she turned her attention on him and he shook his head. "Don't worry about it, I think we're all use to it now. You need to talk about it? I've been told I'm a good listener."

" how many more people do you think have to die? " the healer mused out loud, tending absentmindedly to the butterbeer in hand as she was doing her best to enjoy her night off. easier said than done when the entirety of her work was tending to trauma that was mainly a result of the ongoing, seemingly endless war. today was especially difficult. losing a patient she'd gotten close to. who she genuinely thought would survive. they were getting BETTER. until they took a turn for the worst. sometimes healing wasn't as straightforward as she wished it was. " right. sorry. buzzkill at the pub, eh? " lily wiped at her eyes before turning to face her companion, " what are you drinking? next one's on me. "

[alicealongbottom]

"I'm always careful. I promise." Alice tried to ease her friend's worries, a reassuring smile playing on her lips. When it came to order missions and saving others lives, that took priority over her own safety. She knew what she signed up for and she'd do it again in a heartbeat. Tomorrow wasn't promised, especially with the rampage the death eaters were causing. "It's been way too long, certainly. Let's aim for some time next weekend?"

lily was nostalgic for the days when they were just carefree kids, where the biggest world troubles were exams, dances and awkward school romances. they were seemingly thrust into adulthood quite quickly and the former gryffindor knew that she was guilty at prioritizing her loved ones over work. after all, tomorrow wasn't promised to any of them. while work was important, enjoying life was just as important as well, right? " honestly, i can't even reprimand them. because we probably do the same to them as well. " she said with a chuckle, tucking strands of red behind her ear, " you just keep safe out there, yeah? last thing either of us need is you getting hurt on the job and me having to tend to you. " lily teased, tapping her hand against her friend's from across the table. of course she'd help in a heartbeat if alice ever needed her care, lily just hoped it never got to that point. " perfect, i'll let james know too. he'll be thrilled though. merlin, i can't even remember when the last time we got all dressed up and went out was. "

[alicealongbottom]

"I know what that's like." Alice admits with a laugh, shaking her head. Frank and James meant well, as did her and Lily. In an ideal situation, they would be working less hours, but in an ideal world, the world itself wouldn't be standing on the brink of despair. How could things have gotten this bad? How many death eaters were there truly? Alice had assumptions about some people, but pigeonholing them wouldn't be right, not without the proper evidence. "Tell me about it. I feel the same way." Alice didn't want to let anyone down, or risk any more lives of innocent muggles. "That would be lovely, I'll talk to Frank and we'll write and see what date works best for us all?"

a soft chuckle escaped from her, nodding her head in agreement, " we're one in the same there. james has to practically pin me down just to get me to relax and stop tending to busybody work. " that was probably why alice and lily got on so well, they were both workaholics who were determined to work their arses off until the world was a better place. rest just seemed like a luxury that too few were granted these days. " it's funny though, i can dish out the advice i give others but rarely take it myself. i'm constantly stressing to my patients and friends about how important rest is. especially in the longevity of the fight overall. but anytime i do it just feels . . . wrong. like i should be doing more. " she chewed upon her bottom lip, " maybe we're in need of a double date night soon. a bit of fun amongst the chaos might not be such a bad thing. " maybe it'd help with the nightmares at least.

[alicealongbottom]

"I do agree with you there, but I'm afraid I can't sit still for too long." Alice chuckled. The day off was nice and all, but more than a few and she would quickly grow restless. There was so much to be done, so many people to help. Sitting back wasn't something she was capable of. Frank had basically forced her to take a day off because she hadn't been feeling well, otherwise she'd be on a mission right now. "It has, if there's someone that understands what it's like it's you Lily. Frank's good, he's been hounding me to rest so here i am. Trying my best. What about you?"

she was grateful to see her friend, wishing that she got the chance to see alice more. " well, we both deserve a break for once. " were words she NEVER thought would be flying out of her mouth, collapsing beside the other, " i imagine work has been nonstop for you as well, yeah? how are you? how's frank?"