It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single wizard in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. In truth, though Mr. James Potter acknowledged the veracity of this statement, his own mind was far from the comforts of matrimony. He was rather occupied at the moment between strains at the Ministry and the upcoming prospect of spending some time in the countryside, leaving him wavering somewhere between apprehension and anticipation. Anticipation for the peace and quiet; apprehension for the ruckus that their arrival would surely cause.

For James Potter, creating a stir was a regular occurrence, though it was one that he had never become accustomed to. Coming from the upper echelons of wizarding society and at the height of his career, he was one of the most eligible bachelors that London, nay England, had to offer. It was quite a nuisance, and he had thought once or twice to just marry and be done with it so that he could have some semblance of peace in his life, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Convenience be damned, his mother had instilled in him the belief that marriage should come from some sort of affection or attachment, not the need for quiet evenings and fear of constantly replacing his overly-used dancing shoes.

"Mr. Potter?" The butler's voice interrupted the gentleman's reverie.

"Yes, Mr. Fenwick?"

"Mr. Black is outside with the carriage, ready for departure at your leisure."

"Would he like to take tea before we leave?" James asked, standing and gathering his coat and walking stick.

"I believe he has already taken his, sir. He is eager to see the countryside." James noted his butler's subtle rebuke of Sirius' impatience with a private smile.

"Well then, I do not dare stand in his way."

Mr. Fenwick nodded sharply. "Your things are already packed and loaded, and the thestrals are ready and waiting."

Mr. James Potter nodded his thanks and made his way down the elaborate staircase to the front hall, where his housekeeper, Mrs. Bates, was waiting to see him off. "Don't burn the house down while I'm gone," he teased her.

"Of course not, Mr. Potter. And if I may say so, please do not get yourself into too much trouble."

"I would never dream of it Mrs. Bates, but I cannot vouch for Mr. Black." They shared a smile, almost coconspirators in the light-hearted mocking of Mr. Black before James put his took his hat off to the observing staff and stepped out into the London fog. He found said gentleman waiting in the carriage as promised, almost bouncing with childlike excitement. The carriage was enlarged for their comfort, and padded with charmed pillows. The thestrals were highly bred, and known for their speed. James would prefer a broomstick or even Floo Powder, but that was for wizards that couldn't afford to keep thestrals in their stables. It was one of the trappings of wizarding nobility that chafed at him.

"James Potter! Are you ready to face the wilderness of country life?"

James grinned, "Perhaps not quite so ready as you. But either way I am happy to put London behind us." He settled himself in the seat opposite Black and thudded his walking stick on the floor, setting the carriage in motion. "And we are off!"

James Potter was not to know what was in store, and had he known it is uncertain whether he would have even set out on that journey. He may have directed Mr. Black to pick a completely different part of the countryside to retire to and there would have been no story to tell. But as it were James had not been to a fortune teller, and he found Divination skills to be rather nonsensical, so he did set off to Cokesworth without hesitation, never to return the same man.

Lily Evans was informed of James Potter's arrival to the sleepy countryside town of Cokesworth almost immediately due to her mother. Mrs. Evans made it her business to be informed on all of the latest happenings in order to be better prepared in facing them. Though, to be fair, she did not hear a word about James Potter; his arrival was not trumpeted. Instead, the connection was a one gentleman named Sirius Black.

"Why, have you heard?" Lily's mother, Mrs. Evans, exclaimed at Mr. Evans. Lily looked up from her book as her mother rushed into the room, baskets overflowing from her short trip to town and cheeks flushed with excitement. Mrs. Evans was a woman that many would dismiss offhand, though she made it her job not to be dismissed easily. Her husband, Mr. Evans, was much more sedate than she, and had long learned that there was no way to stall or distract his wife when she had that gleam in her eye.

"No, my dear, we haven't heard anything. Though I am sure that we will soon have the pleasure as you will set us straight." Lily was the only one who understood the dry bent to his tone, and ducked her head down to hide her smile.

"Why there is a Mr. Black arrived from London. He will let Diagon Park. It was always so sad to see that magnificent house standing empty. I was always saying to myself – who will come and set this place aright? And here he comes, a Mr. Black with five thousand a year."

Lily made a face. She was not much surprised that her mother already knew the value of this gentleman, and she had an inkling of where this conversation was going. She started inching her way to the door. "Do you perchance know if he is married or single?" Mr. Evans asked, affecting an air of seriousness. He knew from over twenty years of similar conversations with his wife that this was the natural following question to ascertain after the gentleman's purse.

Mrs. Evans scoffed. "Of course I know! It was the first think I asked Mrs. Thomas when she told me. He is single! At five thousand pounds, you have to worry if there's something wrong with him. Especially with a last name like Black. But won't this be a wonderful opportunity for our girls!"

"Yes, perhaps he could teach them some spells that they do not know yet," her father said, returning to his book, presuming the conversation concluded.

"Why, Mr. Evans! How could you be so daft! It is an opportunity for marriage, not spellwork. Mr. Black must marry one of them."

"Indeed. With five thousand a year it wouldn't matter what he can do with his wand," Mr. Evans answered coyly. Lily had to stifle a laugh.

"I should think not. Besides you know what this means – you must go visit him. For you know that we may not visit until you do."

On that note, it was settled that a certain Mr. Black would become the husband of one of the Evans' daughters. Far be it from anyone's mind that it was unlikely that Mr. Black would not feel passionately about an unknown witch in the backwaters of English society. In truth, there were many things that were set against them, but high society had not yet met Mrs. Evans, who longed to see her duty as mother done and her future secured. And it certainly would not hurt that she would be able to say that her daughter had married to a gentleman with five thousand Galleons a year to anyone she pleased.

The Evans family was small, and on the outer fringes of respectable wizarding society due to the fact that they had only very recently entered it. Wizarding society, much like Muggle society, was strictly delineated by rules that were tied to family history. Therefore, any attempt for Evans family to rise in ranks would be slow and laborious. Their position now as the highest wizarding gentry of the area had been three generations of correct connections and painstaking planning on the part of domineering wizarding parents with their eyes set on bettering their fortunes. Mr. Evans had married quite considerably up, enhancing his magical status considerably. This was only because he was seen as Mrs. Evans' last hope by her family, but of course, no one said anything to that affect. It was understood. Mr. Evans was not particularly concerned about social mobility, to the dismay of his parents and his wife. So long as he had a library, and some peace and quiet, he was content. Even after they had three daughters, Mr. Evans was never as concerned about their fortunes as Mrs. Evans, whose concern was only amplified as Mr. Evans' diminished.

Lily Evans was aware of the tension that surrounded her families' existence in the wizarding world. She had not been allowed to attend Hogwarts, though women were not allowed to go at the time Pureblood or no. Her parents had to hire a governess to teach them the necessary skills to pass by in magical society. Lily felt this loss keenly and worked diligently to accomplish advanced magic, surpassing her sisters in ability due to a mix of talent and interest. This was not, as her mother had assumed, due to her eagerness to marry well; it was due to her own interest in the subject matter. Lily was fascinated by this society that she had been allowed to enter, and she devoured all of the information she could. She was mortified of embarrassing herself by appearing to be lesser able to do magic.

Perhaps due to this, Lily differed from her mother in several significant ways that were immediately clear to anyone besides Mrs. Evans herself, but their most stark difference was along the theme of marriage. It is not uncommon for mothers and daughters to disagree on that subject; it has always happened, and most likely always will. Mrs. Evans was brought up in a world where marrying well was impressed on her from a young age. That was a young witch's purpose and her end, her magical ability was not nurtured or developed in the same way as a man's. After all, once she had her husband and her household of servants, she would not need to perform magic. Lily was of quite a different mind. She had been exposed to the same societal mindset, but perhaps her hard-earned dexterity with magic or one too many novels had filled her mind with different ideas. Women were made free by the use of magic. In wizarding society, women had equal access to magical powers as men did, unlike Muggle society. So Lily did not understand why a witch had to resign herself to the same fate as a Muggle woman. She would rather be a spinster with impeccable Healing credentials than the trophy wife of some wizarding boor. She therefore had resolved that Lily Evans would not marry unless the utmost of causes compelled her to do so: love. She did not trumpet this around, however. Lily Eavns was a smart witch, and she kept her wits about her. Making such a declaration publicly would only increase her difficulties in reaching her objective, and therefore she confided only in her diary, her close sister Marlene, and her dearest friend Alice.

The auspicious evening of the dance approached, and with it heightened speculations in the Evans' household of what an evening with such a rich gentleman would entail, and how to best catch his attention. This from Petunia, encouraged by their mother. Lily and Marlene were finding more entertainment in observing the spectacle than in participating in it. Regardless of their distance from it, they were nonetheless affected by the contagious excitement. After all, balls were dazzling social events, and could not come often enough for ladies in the countryside, who were not often offered entertainment. The current issue that was most pressing in the household was which dress gowns Petunia was to wear. As the youngest, it was only natural that Marlene and Lily had precedence in choosing their dress robes, but she matched their claims of seniority with her own passion to catch the rich gentleman that neither Marlene nor Lily could compete with. This placed Mrs. Evans in a regrettable situation. Petunia had fervor, but Marlene was most clearly the obvious choice for the gentleman. She was the most beautiful, and had the sweetest disposition. Not to mention that she was the oldest, and therefore the most in need of a match. Once this favorable match was made, it would open up avenues for further advantageous marriages. In the end, Mrs. Evans favored Marlene, and allowed her the disputed rose muslin dress robes. Lily was not fussed. With her striking coloring, rose would not be appropriate. She settled for a deep green that brought out her eyes and made her coiled auburn hair gleam in the candlelight.

As twilight fell, and the glow of the sun was leeching away from the horizon, the first stars winked into existence in the night sky. Lively music swelled from the small, but nonetheless quaint manor as gravel crunched under the carriage wheels. Though she would not admit it, Lily Evans felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect of a ball, and of seeing her friend Mrs. Alice Prewett, at whose residence the ball was taking place. Ascending the stairs up to the oak doors that had been thrown open, Lily gave her cloak to one waiting attendants. In the spacious entrance hall, several fireplaces had various elegantly attired witches and wizards stepping on to the tiled floor. Several servants attended them, helping them shake the soot off their dress robes.

The Evans family was announced into the main hall, where the dance was in full sing. The orchestra balcony was filled with various instruments that were playing themselves harmoniously. The walls were lined with candles, and many candles floated lazily about the room to the spots where more light was needed. Glasses of wine and champagne were being brought around the room by some house elves, and other trays carried themselves, enchanted to drift towards those whose glasses were empty. The majority of the room was filled with dancing pairs who were enjoying the magically enlarged area in order to allow dances with even the most intricate patterns. Lily felt a grin spread across her face as her eyes took in the scene, and she felt her own happiness be swept into the atmosphere.

Marlene joined her. "Do you think that he is here yet?" There could be no doubt to whom she was referencing.

"If he were, there would be a huge crowd surrounding him. I don't see such a crowd so I fear we may have to continue our lengthy wait," Lily said, half smiling.

"In that case, we better get a dance or two in. Time passes much more quickly when you're on the arm of a charming gentleman." Marlene quipped, joining Lily in scanning the room.

"You go ahead, Marlene. I am going to try and find Alice." Marlene nodded before being led off by Mr. Catermole for a quadrille.

Lily was long in finding Alice, who was no doubt held up by the duties of hostess along with her mother. When she finally found her, they only managed to exchange a few pleasantries before Marlene joined them once ore.

Alice was not a stunning beauty, something Mrs. Evans would point out often enough in their household. She was on the older side of unmarried women, but her eyes sparkled with life and she had a charming disposition. Her brown hair was twisted up with a few strands framing her heart-shaped face. Freckles smattered across her face and when she smiled, she was transformed. Fortunately for her, she smiled often and without reserve. This was perhaps what Mrs. Evans meant by not being a stunning beauty. Women who smiled too much were not to be trusted.

Marlene, on the other hand, was inarguably and classically beautiful. Her golden curls were artfully arranged on her head, though it could be a mess and would not detract from her electric blue eyes and strong profile. Tonight she looked particularly well, the dancing and the rose-colored robes bringing a becoming flush to her cheeks, eyes sparkling with merriment.

"If every man is not in love with you by the end of the night, then I'm no judge of beauty," Lily commented, nudging her sister's shoulder. Alice laughed along with Marlene.

"Or of men I gather." Marlene said with a smile.

"No. In all honesty they are too easy to judge. They are all arrogant toerags in my experience. Just looking for a good wife to marry and then forget once their dowry lines their pockets."

"Careful, Lily. Someday someone with catch your eye and you will eat your words." Marlene said, quite suddenly becoming serious for a moment before turning to Alice. "You've met this Mr. Black, then?"

Alice nodded, and was about to speak when the music stopped. The three of them looked up, and saw that three people had entered at the far end of the room. Lily hadn't heard their entrance being called, but she knew it must be Mr. Black and his party. There were two men, standing side by side. One had long inky hair tied back with a ribbon, animated brown eyes and an aristocratic forehead. The other had spectacles, and short but mussed dark hair, and where his partner was more relaxed, he seemed to be more reserved. He was taller than the first gentleman, and had a strong jaw. With them was a woman with striking coloring. Pale skin and raven-wing hair, shockingly blue eyes, and an air that suggested she was used to being the center of attention. Her cerulean eyes scanned the room with a faint air of disinterestedness.

They walked from one side of the room to the other, as was customary, their footsteps unnaturally loud in the stillness of the room. It seemed that no one dared breathe in the presence of such high social status and power. Lily, Marlene, and Alice curtseyed as they passed, but under her eyelashes, Lily met the eyes of the reserved wizard. They were a surprisingly soft shade of hazel, the candlelight playing at the colors of its depths. But just as quickly as their eyes connected, his cut away quickly, leaving Lily feeling slightly unsettled. Once they reached the other end of the room, the music slowly started back up again, and the whispers seemed more intense than usual.

"Which gentleman was Mr. Black?" Marlene questioned, who seemed to find her voice more quickly than Lily.

"The man in the middle, with the longer hair. The woman is his sister, Miss. Regalia Black."

"And the man with the quizzical brow?" Lily interjected.

"That is his dear friend Mr. Potter. He is quite the catch."

"He looks miserable, poor soul."

'Miserable he may be, but poor he most certainly is not."

"How much?" This from Marlene. Lily shot her a look, but Marlene just shrugged, and sent her a returning defensive glare.

"Ten thousand a year, and he owns half of Godric's Hollow. He's a direct descendant."

"The miserable half?" Lily shot back, and their enjoyment at this caricature of Mr. Potter was interrupted by Mrs. Evans' arrival.

"Come, we have to meet him. Remember, Marlene, smile but not too much. Use your eyelashes, and you will have him hooked. You are the prettiest girl here

"Mother, I am not going to hook him like he's some fish. I will be perfectly polite, but that is it."

Their mother sighed. "Very well." She still pinched Marlene's cheeks to make them appear pink before they made way towards the imposing trio, where Mr. Evans and Petunia were waiting.

Alice's father, Mr. Prewett was already there, having taken his job as host with an efficient air, introducing all of the country gentry to the newcomers. He gave them a small smile. "Mr. Black, you remember my daughter, Miss Alice Prewett. And these are the Evans'. Mrs. Evans, Miss Marlene Evans, Miss Lily, and Miss Petunia." Each of the ladies in question curtsied at their name.

"It is such a delight to meet you Mr. Black," Mrs. Evans spoke for them.

"And this is Mr. Potter, of Derbyshire." Mr. Prewett added. Mr. Potter nodded, but didn't appear inclined to engage any of them in conversation.

The Evan's moved along after the introduction, though Petunia spent much of the evening gazing in their direction. Mr. Black was easy-going and charming. He had the entire company eating out of his hand by the end of the night. He spoke often, listened more, and danced every dance. At the beginning of the evening, however, Mr. Potter was the favored gentleman. This was in large part due to the knowledge of the whole party within moments of his entrance of his immense wealth and social stature. There was also the matter of his tall stature and noble features. Where Mr. Black's handsomeness was one that encouraged warmth and proximity, Mr. James Potter's looks were of the kind that were off-putting and intimidating. Despite this, women are generally more intrigued by the latter, for it is human nature to long for what one cannot have. Mr. Potter may have been the star of the evening had his bad temperament not proved that impossible. He was too reserved, too proud, and spent most of the evening brooding on the fringes of the room. He danced but two dances, one with Mrs. PREWETT and the other with Miss Black, despite the fact that there were several women who had to sit out dances.

One of those occasions, it was Lily who had to sit out a dance, and though she intended in no way eavesdrop, MR. Black and Mr. Potter were holding conference too close for Lily to not hear them, though they clearly thought they were not in danger of being overheard.

"What a splendid evening, wouldn't you say James? I say, you better lighten up. Some people are noticing that you aren't particularly excited to be here." Lily ignored the strange feeling that hearing Mr. Potter's first name evoked. It was odd to think of being so familiar with a gentleman that reserved.

"Sirius, you know as well as I that it is difficult for me to dance with those I am not well-acquainted with. Conversation doesn't come as easily to me as it does to you." Mr. Potter's voice was low, grave, and surprisingly lovely. It was a shame that he did not use it more often, Lily found herself thinking.

"Just one dance."

"You're dancing with the prettiest woman in the room."

"Well, what do you expect? Miss Evans truly is a vision, and she is witty besides. But her younger sister is also quite handsome and she is sitting just behind you."

Lily valiantly tried to appear as if she were not listening. She could feel Mr. Potter's eyes on her. She felt heat pooling in her cheeks, and very stubbornly avoided looking in their direction. "She is pretty enough, but not handsome enough to tempt me. Go enjoy Miss Evans. I am going to get some fresh air outside."

Lily's eyes stung, but after a moment it passed, and she was able to see the incident with humor. As if she even wanted to dance with such a gentleman. He had most likely never experienced human emotion in his life. Upon further reflection, she was glad to have avoided half an hour in his company.

The evening passed pleasantly enough. There was no shortage of food, drink, or good music. Marlene danced with Mr. Black twice, which was enough for Mrs. Evans to get her hopes up and for the whole neighborhood to speculate. Marlene seemed pleased in her own quieter way, and Lily found herself quite content at the end of the evening. And as she listened to Marlene's timid admiration for Mr. Black as they readied for bed, she smiled to herself. Perhaps Mrs. Evans wasn't so far off.