| -=Lily's Seventh Year; Chapter Ten=- |
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| Their lips touched, and instead of the fireworks Lily had always heard people claiming to have seen, a feeling almost like a moonrise rose into her mind and enveloped her with its beams; when she leaned her head onto his shoulder and felt his arms encircle her waist, she knew exactly why she’d refused Tom’s offer, and never in her life had she been this exultant, blissful, calm, and contented…this was worth anything, anything that was in her power to give. After what seemed like ages later, beautiful, heavenly centuries later, he stepped inches back and cupped her chin in his hand. “Lil?” “Yes?” Her eyes were fireworks in itself, he thought. “Why’d you really tell Tom no?” Lily had never been afraid of anything-well, hardly ever, and she wasn’t now. “You,” she said unwaveringly, without glancing away, almost testing his gaze for a response. He didn’t know he’d been holding his breath till he let it out; it was the answer he’d been desperately hoping she’d give the first time he asked her. And he was wishing as hard as he could that she was serious, and if she wasn’t, then-Oh, bloody hell, he thought, and slipped his hand into his pocket. “Lil…I want you to tell me something…” “You know, you’re the only one that calls me that,” she smiled shyly. He tightened his hold around her waist, bringing something out of his pocket with his other hand. He took her hand in his, and she felt him slip something cold onto her left hand. Lily brought her hand up to her eyes-it was a ring, a white-gold with a black pearl set in the center. Eyes flaming with something she couldn’t describe, she looked back up at James, who was grinning lopsidedly. “I remember your saying back in fourth year that you wanted one like this…” “James, that was three years ago!-You remembered that?” Her voice was almost awed. “Yeah…well, do you want to keep it?” He almost couldn’t face her; what if she says no? was echoing in his mind, revolving round and round and making him sick with worry… She smiled; must have known what he was thinking. “Of course I will; you didn’t think I said no to Tom because I’m such a kind person at heart, did you?” He didn’t answer; not in words, anyway. Bending down, he kissed her again. Students had started to spill onto the lawns, but they didn’t hear the small-talk and the rustling of dress robes. The others were mostly concerned with themselves; only Remus had come out for a real purpose. He hadn’t any idea where James had gone; one minute he was there, the other he wasn’t-and then, out of the corner of his eyes, he saw two silhouettes standing out against the fountain, the water of which was literally filled with light. Remus grinned and retreated to the Great Hall. Back in the garden, James pulled apart again. “So, name the day.” Lily bit her lip, smiling. “It’s the twenty-fourth now, isn’t it?” “It is,” he confirmed. “Go on.” ”June thirtieth,” she said determinedly. ”Why then?” he asked, grinning. “Anything special happen that day?” ”No…” Her voice trailed off. “It’s Midsummer Night’s Eve, that’s all.” She looked quickly up at him. “You don’t mind, do you?” “Of course I don’t!” He took both her hands in his own and touched her ring. “Your wish is my command, that’s all.” Lily leaned her head on his shoulder, staring into the dusky sky. “I’ve got a feeling I’m going to be tremendously happy for at least the next month,” she smiled. “I do, too,” James confirmed. “After what I’ve put you through, I’m making it my business to make sure you stay happy.” After a short pause, something else struck his mind, and he immediately blurted it out. “What about your father-and that Richard kid?” Lily laughed. “I don’t care. I couldn’t care about anything else right now…I don’t ever intend to return to my father’s house. And Richard…he’s no one special. I don’t, to be honest, like him terribly; I think I just turned to him because he was the only one I could talk to in the Muggle world.” She shot a glance at him. “You don’t have to worry about my eloping with him.” James flushed. “I didn’t think you would. I just wanted to know, that’s all.” She laughed gaily again. “You did suspect. No; you don’t have to worry.” He hugged her. “You! You’re too smart for my own good. So, how’re we going to break this to the rest of Hogwarts?” They were both sitting on the edge of the fountain; her head was on his shoulder, one of his hands was on her ring, and the other was resting on her waist. They didn’t say much; they had no real need to. It was a beautiful evening; the sky was drawn over with dusky blue clouds, and through rifts in the clouds, bits of dark blue sky painted with stars shone through, and the fairies sitting on tree branches twinkled merrily. They both were startled when Remus, this time accompanied by Peter, walked back from inside the Great Hall. “Is it safe now?” They couldn’t help it; they burst out laughing, and Remus simply looked at them with the most obviously false disapproving look he could summon up. He was delighted for them; after all, James had been going nuts about her for ages, and now, for the first time in months, he was really happy. Remus eyed Lily’s ring. “Very nice.” She blushed-it was the only time he could remember her doing that. “Thanks.” “So,” Remus grinned, “when’s the wedding?” James punched him lightly in the arm. “June thirtieth.” “June thirtieth.” Peter repeated, nodding, as if he completely understood the reason for that date, and then he turned to James. “June thirtieth?” “Sure. Midsummer Night’s Eve.” ”Very nice pick! But,” Remus added slyly, “I’ll bet you asked her why on earth she picked that date first time she told you.” ”Hey! How’d you know-er-how’d you know I asked her that?” Remus started to laugh. “Lily, I’ll pray for you!” Back in the Great Hall, Sirius was moodily gulping down another bottle of butterbeer. Remus said he’d go look for James, and right after Remus had left, Sirius noted Lily was missing. Remus had returned, with an odd grin on his face, saying he found James, and about ten minutes afterwards, he’d gone back outside with Peter, and he wasn’t back yet. Sirius slammed the empty bottle down on the table, causing several first years to glare his way; he pushed his chair back and headed outside, looking for his friends. He found them talking next to the fountain, and Lily was there, too. His eyes lit up as he moved towards them, then he froze. James was hugging her, and she was letting him. She had a ring on her left hand he could have sworn she didn’t have on earlier that evening…Sirius closed his eyes. “Oh, God…” he whispered. “I’m dreaming…this is a nightmare!” He opened his eyes, and they were still standing there, though Remus had spotted him. He waved to Sirius. “C’mon over here, Padfoot, congratulate the happy couple!” The happy couple. As casually as he could manage it, Sirius jogged over to them. “Hey-is there something her you guys haven’t told me?” James lifted Lily’s hand and almost thrust it into Sirius’ face. “Look! She said yes!” Sirius managed a grin. Only looking at Lily, he replied. “I hope you’ll be very happy.” She smiled at him. Never before had he seen her so delighted, so…so truly ecstatic…Her very eyes were a dark green with bliss. He wasn’t about to take this away from her. “So,” he laughed, hugging both Lily and James at the same time, “have you forgotten all about Snape? He’ll be devastated!” James let out a hoot, and Lily looked oddly thoughtful. “Do you really think he will?” Remus stared at her in astonishment. “Lily, he’s been batty-eyed about you for years! Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed!” Lily blushed. “I told him no…after he’d asked me to be his girlfriend, and I figured we’d both forgotten about it.” James kissed the top of her head. “You’re a very wanted lady, you know that?” Peter grinned. “And James is an extremely envied guy!” “No kidding,” Sirius sighed. James looked quickly up at his friend’s face. “Hey, Padfoot, you okay?” “Sure!” Sirius stared at him, eyes open. “I’m going to get to be best man at a wedding! Why wouldn’t I be okay?” “Best man?” Lily was skeptical. “You’ve already arranged this?” ”Men have their own special language, dear,” Remus informed her. “You don’t want to know.” “Sure, I’ll be your best man!” Sirius nudged her. “Don’t worry, I won’t ruin your happy day.” “I’m sure you won’t!” “I won’t!” he protested. “Well, you don’t mind rabbit blood substituted for flour in the wedding cake, do you?” “Sirius,” James said warningly. “Or having your skirt ripped off as someone steps on it?” “Sirius,” James repeated. “Or having your ring coated with honey?” “SIRIUS!” This came from all four at once, and the entire student population stared in their direction. That night, at around one in the morning, Lily and James were sitting together on a sofa, still receiving grinning congratulations from all the Gryffindors, and Eva was kneeling near Lily’s feet, raving with an unrepressable smile on her face. “I don’t believe it. I don’t believe it! You’re getting married! Married! You, the one that never got kissed till tonight, never ever wanted to marry, settle down, anything-you got proposed to before me! Before Vanessa, before Lora, before Serena, for Pete’s sake!” Lily half-laughed. “Eva, Sirius is our best man; you know that, right?” “How couldn’t I know it?” Eva grinned. “He’s been raving about it ever since you four yelled at him outside!” “Well, in that case, I’m inviting you to be my maid of honor.” A large smile spread around Eva’s face and crossed itself in the back, finally stopping at her ears. “Really? Lily! Lily! Thank you so much!!!” She jumped up and grabbed her friend around the neck, hugging her. “I’m going to be in a wedding!” Suddenly, Lily noticed that James’ arm around her had stiffened. “What?” she asked him nervously. He nodded to a figure that had just climbed in the portrait hole. “Speak of the devil." Serena stepped forward, her eyes ice blue. “So. You’re getting married?” Her question was directed at James, who rose to his feet. The entire common room fell silent. “Yes.” “To the Evans kid?” “Yes.” “The one that attacked me in third year and that you passionately hated? That one?” “That one,” he confirmed. Lily was still holding his hand; she squeezed it encouragingly, and she felt him relax. “You know what you’re doing? She’ll have you murdered soon. She’s some sort of devil girl, with her Muggle ancestry and temper and sword-Are you under the Imperius Curse?” She tossed her head. “I am not, and no, she won’t.” “How do you know? She attacked me in third year, remember?” James twirled Lily’s ring with his hand, and she stood up, placing her other hand on his shoulder. “Cissa, I’m marrying Lily. That’s all there is to it.” Serena simply stood there, almost open-mouthed, but she had too much pride for that. “What? You mean-that’s it? No apology, no nothing?” ”Apology for what?” “You-you-“ She was almost spitting with rage. “You idiot! You led me on all this while, making me think-“ “I never made you think anything. I’ve never heard of a rule that makes a person marry their first girlfriend, and I don’t intend to hold by the one you just formed. I didn’t agree to it.” ”You don’t agree to that? You held me in Hogsmeade underneath the table!” Lily knew that Serena hadn’t meant it the way it came out, but she nevertheless fell back onto the couch, laughing almost hysterically. It was infectious, and most of the Gryffindors joined in, even James, who was fighting a smile lurking at the corners of his mouth. In the middle of the laughter, Serena was trying to yell, “I meant he held my hand! Not held me! Held my hand!” When everything else failed, she stepped forward, lifted her hand, and hit James across the face. A greater tumult broke out as Lily immediately dashed to her feet; it took all four of the Marauders and Eva to hold her back. “Hey! Don’t you dare! Let me go, you prats! Get back here, you--you mindless wife of a slug-let me go! James, for the love of Snape, let me go!” They managed to pull her back onto the couch, and Sirius was still repeating what she’d called Serena. “Mindless wife of a slug. Lily, where on earth did you come up with that one?” She gave up seconds later, though, since the portrait was closed. Exhausted, both with laughter and with trying to hold her back, the boys collapsed into their previous seats. Lily had turned James’ face towards the light. “If she gave you a bruise that’ll show up on our wedding day, you’re inviting her to our wedding and I’m showing up with a dagger.” She ran her hand over his cheek. “Nasty red mark. I’d like to rip her hair out.” Sirius snorted. “Lily, it’s about time you let fly! You know, you’ve been wanting to say that since at least third year. Congratulations!” “Thank you,” she accepted coolly. “Engagement does odd things to people.” “It does,” Sirius agreed. “Mindless wife of a slug,” he repeated, with a blissful grin on his face. “Oh, shut up,” Lily said, good humour restored, as she smacked him on the back of the head. The next morning, Lily had finished packing, and she had just come out of Professor McGonagall’s office; she had told her teacher that she wasn’t going to be teaching next year. Lily was smiling to herself; Professor McGonagall had congratulated her on her ring, and she hardly heard the footsteps behind her. “Lily! Lily!” “Hm? Oh, Severus, hi!” He stopped next to her. “Hello.” His eyes were almost magnetically drawn to her ring. “I guess I wanted to see that for myself.” She turned a bit red. “Severus-“ “Don’t bother,” he sighed. “You’ve been extremely fair and aboveboard; you told me what you felt. Still…” She didn’t say anything. He sighed. “Never mind. Congratulations.” Lily smiled at him and took his hand. “Severus, come to my wedding.” His head snapped towards her. “You mean that?” “Just because I’m the bride of a Gryffindor,” she replied, “doesn’t mean I can’t invite one of my best friends to the wedding.” A real smile lit up his face. “Lily, you’re really something.” “No, you are,” she contradicted. “Not may people would accept an invitation to their-well, I didn’t think you’d accept,” she finished a bit clumsily. “Hey,” he mumbled, “I’ll get to see you there. It works out.” She smiled at him. “Thanks, Severus…” He hugged her. “I hope you’ll be very happy.” Those words rang a bell…someone else had said that last night, almost bitterly…but for the moment she couldn’t remember who. “Oh, don’t worry,” she laughed; “you’ll get-Severus?” His face was hard as stone, unreadable to most, but she could sense something. “What’s wrong?” ”Nothing,” he replied resentfully. “Liar,” she retorted. “Tell me.” He looked up and down the hallway, then pulled her into an empty classroom, shutting the door. Taking a deep breath, he rolled up his left sleeve. “There. Look and be amused.” Lily stifled a gasp. There was the Dark Mark-the one she remembered converting to paper-branded into his forearm. Black but red in some parts, she could feel him wince as she touched it. “Severus, why?” He let his sleeve fall again. “I didn’t know you’d abandoned Lord Voldemort, that’s why.” Tears formed in her eyes. “Severus-you didn’t-you-“ “Oh, I know full well what an idiot I am. Spare me,” he shot at her bitterly. “Severus, if I’d known what you’d been thinking of-I had no idea-“ “No, you couldn’t have.” He cut her off mercilessly. “You couldn’t have. Well, I’m bonded to him now, aren’t I? To have and to hold forevermore?” “Severus,” she sighed. “I’ve not got the best temper in the world, as you well know, and I’ve got my wand within easy reach. Please don’t be a pillock.” He sighed. “Right, right. I’m sorry. You’re getting married in five days; you’ve got a right to be happy.” Severus took a deep breath, then expelled it quickly. “I’ll be at the wedding. But they’ll throw me out.” “No, they won’t,” she said firmly. “It’s my wedding, too, not just James’, and I’ve got a right to invite whoever I please.” He grinned. “Marriage definitely won’t soften you. You’re still the most stubborn, tempestuous, and hardhearted person at Hogwarts. I could almost pity Potter.” She laughed. “He knows I’m not easy to live with!” “He’d better,” Severus mumbled. “He’s in for some difficult years.” He watched the door close behind her, and then dropped his head into his clenched fists. “Severus, if there’s an idiot greater than you out there in the world, he needs to show himself and be shot…” When Lily walked back to the common room, James was there to meet her. She smiled absently when he came over, though her brow was furrowed and her eyes were worried. “Lil? What—did something happen? Are you all right?” She frowned. “I need to talk to you.” ”Sure.” He pulled her upstairs, into the currently empty dormitory he’d lived in for seven years. Placing her next to him on the windowseat, he took her hand. “Go on.” Lily sighed. “James, it’s Severus.” ”What about him?” James suddenly looked worried. “Were you just talking to him—did he say anything…” She shrugged his arm off of her shoulders and leaned against the wall. “Yes. I just saw him when I was leaving Professor McGonagall’s office.” She looked straight into his eyes. “James, he’s a Death Eater.” James let out a short laugh. “Well, that shows how smart he is!” He quickly stopped, however, at the look on her face. “There’s something else, isn’t there?” She didn’t bother to nod. “He joined because of me. After the last Quidditch game, he told me he’d pretty much figured out that I was Tom’s ‘little mascot’. I confirmed that, but didn’t tell him I’d cast Tom off—I am a fool,” she sighed, hitting her head sharply against the stone. “Hey—don’t hurt yourself,” he worried, putting a hand behind her head. “It’s not your fault. You couldn’t have known what was in his head, and you can’t do a thing about it. It was a misunderstanding—and he could have told you.” She smiled weakly at him, standing up. “Thanks.” “For what?” Lily took his hands and placed them around her waist. “Talking to me.” He rested his chin on her head. “There’s nothing I’d rather want to do.” She sighed. “James, you owled your parents this morning?” ”Yep,” he nodded. “They’re not picking us up, and we’ve got their full approval.” He smiled at her. “Mum likes you a lot.” She flushed. “I’m glad. I’d hate for her not to—and I didn’t really think she’d remember me.” ”Not remember you? You’ve got to be joking! She ranted at me for at least twelve hours about hospitality and things of that sort when I threw you out the summer of sixth year! ‘Course she remembers you!” “Oh.” Lily grinned. “How badly did she hurt you?” He groaned. “I was grounded for a month, which meant I couldn’t leave my room.” “Really?” Her eyebrow went up. “But you had guests; didn’t you?” “Yeah, but Mum knew they could amuse themselves without me.” He sighed. “They did, too.” Lily smiled. “Well, that’s what you get for throwing me out!” She lightly elbowed him in the side, but her face grew more serious. “I haven’t told Father or Petunia yet, but I hope they’ll not be too disappointed. They don’t really want me to marry a wizard—don’t take that as an offence!” She place a finger on his lips. “They want me to marry a Muggle, preferably one that will help my father’s business get back on its feet. So—well, you see.” He grinned at her. “I see. And if he doesn’t let you—“ “James!” She folded her arms. “You are NOT attacking my father with one of the Unforgivable Curses!” “I didn’t intend to!” he defended himself. “I was planning to use those I made up!” She let out a groan. “My father is doomed.” A half hour later, they had boarded the Hogwarts Express for the last time. The seventh years had received certificates officially stating that they were permitted to use magic outside of school, and they, especially the Marauders, were lording that over the younger students. The Marauders and Lily managed to get a compartment to themselves, and they immediately accosted the couple about wedding plans. James poked Lily in the side. “She’s responsible for everything. I want her to have a wedding the way she wants it.” “And he wants to get out of planning,” Lily said slyly, causing them to start laughing. “It’s not going to be anything huge. I’m only inviting a few people…and I won’t have it in a church. That’s final.” Remus shook his head. “Lily, James’ mother’s a Roman Catholic…” “Yes,” she nodded, “and I’m not.” Sighing, Remus grinned. “James, this’ll be one interesting wedding.” “Knock it off, Remus!” James yawned. “Anyone up for Gobstones?” Several hours later, the train pulled into King’s Cross. Nervous and a bit worried, James lugged both his and Lily’s trunk onto the platform. As she helped him load them onto a trolley, she caught sight of his face. “You’re worried?” He shrugged. “Sort of. I don’t really know your father.” “Doesn’t matter. He’s scared of magic, so the only thing you’ll have to do if he looks like he wants to tear your arms out is fumble for your wand.” She smiled mischievously, and James laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind!” He pushed the trolley through the barrier, just behind Lily. When they emerged, Lily spotted her father at once. “James, over there.” James looked over to where a tall man, a bit plump, with mousy-brown hair was standing, twiddling his thumbs. Next to him, Petunia was standing; a girl with lots of neck and dirty blonde hair pulled back from her face. Her arm was through another man’s; Lily immediately recognized him as Vernon Dursley. James had only seen Petunia before, so he didn’t know the man, but he was just the same as the day he’d run into the Evans’ mailbox after running out of their house; burly, almost no neck, and the beginnings of a rather thick moustache. Lily’s father stepped forward. “Hullo. Have a nice year?” She didn’t answer. “Dad, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Ignoring Mr. Evans’ disapproving glance, she pulled James forward. “This is James Potter.” Mr. Evans nodded curtly. “Hello.” He turned back to his daughter. “Let your friend go back to his parents. We’re going home.” Lily didn’t lose her composure. “He isn’t my friend.” “He’s not?” Mr. Evans was disconcerted. “Well, what, then?” “He’s my fiancé.” “Fiancé?” Mr. Evans spluttered, while Petunia was eyeing James with something very close to loathing. “You—you’re getting married?” He cast a quick look around, noticing the people that were staring at them. “Er—well, shall we discuss this at home?” He didn’t wait for an answer; simply turned curtly around and left the station. James pulled Lily’s shirt sleeve. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but that didn’t seem like a ‘Oh, hi, I’m so pleased to meet my daughter’s future husband’ greeting.” Lily rolled her eyes. “I didn’t exactly expect that kind of welcome, so this isn’t too bad. Come on; this way—we can’t Apparate yet.” “I know that!” James was indignant. “I’m getting my license any time now, though!” She rolled her eyes. “Just follow my father.” He obeyed her, and they trailed her father, sister, and co. to the car outside. Mr. Evans decided to have a large problem with James sitting next to Lily, and at first, he wanted Petunia to sit in the front seat. Petunia refused, as she was currently not intending to leave Vernon’s side, so Lily got shunted to the front and James was wedged into the few inches between Vernon’s bulk and the car door. |