Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all its components belong to J.K. Rowling. All characters that are not present in the books are created by me based on her characters.
A Happy Ending and a New Beginning
“James! Wake up! James!” James Potter stirred and rolled over in his sleep, mussing his already untidy black hair. The soft, but urgent whisper tickled his ear, but it did not wake him, nor did the light shaking, nor the loud snoring from the bed next to him. He let out a breathy, contented sigh as the person whispered his name again.
She rolled her
eyes and strongly resisted the urge to kick him. “Aw, come on just a little,”
the devil side of her conscience urged her. He grinned mischievously. “You know
you want to. Just a little nudge. No harm in that.”
“Yeah, sure,” the angel side
responded. “Just like last week when she poked him with her wand to wake him up
after History of Magic, and ended up getting him in the eye.” The two small
creatures glared fiercely and lunged at each other, but never made contact.
They felt a tugging at their legs and struggled furiously, as if they were
swimming the
Lily Evans read the label on the glass and frowned. “Instant Conscience,” it read. “More like ‘Instant Headache’,” she said aloud. She put a cork stopper in the bottle. “Remind me to exchange their Christmas presents next year.’ A loud snort startled her, and she clamped her hand over her mouth. But James’ roommates, Sirius Black, who was responsible for most of the snoring, and Remus Lupin, who was muttering something that sounded like “Wolfsbane” in a frightened tone of voice both remained asleep. Unfortunately, so did James.
Lily’s thoughts swirled around in her head, like an assembly line of defective parts, as she tried to find a halfway decent one that didn’t involve physical violence. An idea suddenly came to her, and she grabbed it.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” she sighed. “Those two blockheads had better not hear this, or else I’ll never hear the end of it.” Just to be on the safe side, she took out her wand and whispered “Somnus Soundus.” As quick as a swish and a flick, two pairs of earmuffs flew onto his roommates’ ears.
Setting herself on top of the covers (for even if they couldn’t hear her, they could still see), she cuddled up next to her boyfriend and nuzzled his cheek. “James, sweetie, wake up,” She sang, giggling to herself. She could get used to doing this every morning. She ran her fingers gently through his wild black locks.
“Hm, that feels good Lil,” he murmured. Like it was its own spell, his nickname for her (to replace calling her “Evans” after they started dating) jerked him awake. ‘Lily! What in bloody hell—I mean, what are you doing here?” he started again, looking at her nervously. He hoped he hadn’t done something to offend her. Again. He grasped her hand, as if he were afraid she might leave. For a brief moment, he thought Snape had said something to turn her against him, but no; her brilliant smile told him otherwise. Whatever errand had brought her there was something good. James fumbled for his glasses, still not letting go of her hand, and put them on so he could see her clearly. Even after seven years, he’d never tired of looking at her. Of course, it had only been less than a year since she started to return his affections (or admitted that she did anyway) and allowed him to look all he liked.
James did a quick review of the past few months. They’d gone on their first date in late November, once his Quidditch injuries had healed. A month after that, he was already meeting her family, including her wizard-hating sister Petunia, who was possibly the most unpleasant person, wizard or Muggle that he’d ever met, except maybe for Snape. Then they professed their love for each other by the lake, in a way that would’ve been utterly romantic; if, that is, the rest of the Marauders hadn’t decided to come watch and if Sirius hadn’t accidentally set off dung bombs that nearly choked them with the stench. Then for Easter holidays, he brought her to meet his parents. Now it was rare that he wasn’t seen in her company, unless of course, he was with his friends mercilessly hexing poor Snape, or going on their monthly jaunt outside the castle during the full moon. Otherwise, they were in the library studying, on the Quidditch field, snuggling by the fire in the common room, or stealing a kiss in the corridor (that is, if they could get away with it without Peeves the Poltergeist hurtling pumpkin seeds at their heads, or Mrs. Norris the cat stalking them, Still, it was one thing for them to be doing all these things, it was a complete other for her to be in his room, at night, with his friends sleeping only a couple of yards away.
The witch regarded him silently, still grinning, her eyes wild with a mischievous look that was more often found on him then her. He felt a strange mix of excitement and fear. If she was starting to act like him, that meant trouble. Finally, she gave up their staring contest and jumped to her feet, pulling on his hand so hard that he fell out of the bed. He blushed a brilliant crimson when she saw his pajamas, sky blue with a golden snitch pattern.
Lily held back a squeal, and once again thought “I could get used to this.” That only heightened her anxiety. “Come on! Get dressed! Hurry! Hurry! HURRY!” She jumped up and down like a child on Christmas morning, waiting for her parents to get out of their nice warm beds so that she could open her presents. James reluctantly did as he was told, instructing her “Don’t peek,” as he pulled on his robes. Lilly turned around and covered her eyes, a stream of giggles and an occasional snort flowing out of her mouth as she hopped about excitedly. “Are you done yet?” she asked impatiently.
“Okay, okay.” James turned to look at her. He poked her in the side and tickled her ribs, making her giggled harder.
“Okay, who are you and what have you done with Lily?” he asked crossly. For one thing, she’d woken him up at what, according to the not even half circle shining dimly through the window, was the crack of dawn, and for another, he was supposed to be the wicked one, the one full of surprises. He didn’t much like having the tables turned on him.
“Finally!” she breathed. She pulled him out of the dormitory, past the common room, down the hall (narrowly avoiding a run in with both Peeves and Mrs. Norris), as the bottom of James’ robes collected dust all the way. When they got outside, he shivered. It was the end of June, but not quite summer, and thus the previous night’s rain was making the air chilly. He took off his slightly foggy glasses and wiped them on his robes. But it was no use; he still saw mostly darkness.
“The sun’s not even completely awake yet!” he cried with disbelief.
“I know, isn’t
it romantic?” she sighed dreamily. “I think sunset and sunrise are the most
romantic times of day, don’t you?”
James raised his eyebrow,
wondering, What in bloody hell happened to her?
Grant it, Lily had shown a softer side towards him. He’d always known that she was a very sweet and loving person. Even so, she was more practical than romantic. He was the dreamy one in the relationship. This was just… odd.
“Sit down!” she ordered, sounding a bit more like herself. But it only lasted a fraction of a second, and she sunk back into her romantic state, leaning on his shoulder, and cuddling up against him.
Oh, who cares what happened to her? He thought, putting his arms around her. They sat in a comfortable silence, savoring what could be their last time together, as graduation was now just a few short hours away.
James gulped, suddenly remembering the task he had set upon himself a few weeks before. It had caused him many sleepless nights of anxiety, though the alternative to it would be much worse. His hand went to his breast pocket automatically to the small parcel that he kept with him every day. It had been an easy decision to make, one that didn’t require much thought. But deciding to do it was a lot easier than actually doing so.
He felt an elbow jab his side and he looked up. He gave a small gasp of awe. Lily was right, as always: the sunrise was beautiful. The rosy horizon was the color of her cheeks, he decided, and the golden sun made her hair glow. She looked up at him expectantly and he complied with what he thought was her silent request, kissing her sweetly.
“Told ya it was romantic,” she murmured. He “Hmmed” in agreement. She allowed it for a moment more before pulling back, sitting on her heels.
“This is a good way to spend our last day together, isn’t it?” she asked. She was looking at him, her brilliant green eyes expectant, as if she were still waiting for something, but what? He stared back at her in confusion. Then her gaze fell on his pocket, and he understood.
“How did you-?”
he started, then turned abruptly to see
“Yeah. When were you planning to ask me? Christmas?” she huffed, pretending to be angry, but she couldn’t help smiling.
“I wanted it to be special,” he retorted in his defense. “Something spectacular, something really memorable. I was going to do it today though. I swear.”
Lily rolled her
eyes. “Spectacular? If you had your way, the whole castle would probably
explode. What were you thinking of? Fireworks? Flying
on your broomstick with a big banner? Beating up Snape and writing it with his
blood?” He looked at her guiltily. So she
does know about that. “Honestly James. You’re such a bloody idiot.”
James started to protest, but
then her perfect pink lips spread into a wide grin. And he knew she was just
pulling his leg. He suddenly smiled too. “Was that a ‘Yes’?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “To what question?” she asked pointedly. She gently kicked just above his shin, making him fall to his knees. He quickly adjusted his position, pulling out the small velvet box as he did so.
“Lily Evans, will you marry me?” he asked officially, opening it to reveal a small but brilliant diamond in a classic golden band.
“Oh James!” she breathed, as she slipped it on her fingers. “Yes, of course!” She threw her arms around him. A burst of fireworks came from the boys’ dormitory window and a light switched on, as they heard Professor McGonagall’s magnified scream as it boomed throughout the school. The happy couple laughed hysterically as their friends were reprimanded. Again.
* * * * *
“And now, without further ado, I shall call out the names of each of the graduates. Will you please come up to the stage after your name is called?” Albus Dumbledore cleared his throat, his blue eyes twinkling as he smiled kindly upon his students. He let fall a long roll of parchment that extended to the floor and went down the aisles. “Harold Abbot,” he called the first name. A chubby, freckle-faced boy scurried up to the stage, and then, “Sirius Black.”
Cheers erupted, especially from the L and P sections, although there was a quiet booking from S. The grinning young man walked calmly to shake Professor McGonagall’s hand as she handed him his diploma, then he moved on to Dumbledore. He hadn’t even left the stage when his name was repeated, this time by a furious McGonagall whose hand had swelled to twice its normal size. How he had done it, no one ever found out, but Professor Flitwick took McGonagall’s place as she ran off after the prankster.
James rolled in his seat for a moment, laughing with his friends, but his eyes snapped to attention when Dumbledore, who seemed to be oblivious to what had occurred just before, called “Lily Evans!” Once again, there were shouts, more than those for Sirius. A few catcalls escaped before James shot them murderous looks. Lily made a face at her fiancée’s behavior, but then blew him a kiss when she returned to her seat. He blushed, glad Sirius had gone before he could witness that. He was getting cackles as it was from his other best friends, Remus and Peter.
Too soon, all the names had been announced and Dumbledore had finished his closing remarks. James pushed through the crowds, though not to find his parents, who were waving excitedly a few meters away. The moment he reached his target, he picked her up and spun her around, causing a nervous shriek that made half the graduating class turn towards them, green with envy. Their vision was soon blocked, however, as James’ posse bounded over to them noisily.
“We’re free!” was Sirius’s ecstatic exclamation, pulling James and Lily into a tight bear hug. “Well, except for you, mate,” he added with a wink at James. Lily stuck her tongue out at him, as Remus kicked him in the shin. “I was joking!” he protested.
“Congratulations guys,” the thin young man cut in, ignoring Sirius’s whimper as he nursed his sore leg.
“Yeah, congratulations,” echoed Peter, the most timid of the bunch. Lily thanked them both with a peck on the cheek, making both, but especially Peter blush furiously.
“Well, well, well. Is what I’ve been hearing true?” asked a cold voice behind them.
Immediately, Sirius forgot his pain and spun around. “Well, if it isn’t Snivellus?” he scoffed. “Can’t we have a moment’s peace without you butting in?”
The dark-haired man wrinkled his long nose. “Believe me, I’d rather not have anything to do with your affairs. I was merely curious as to whether or not the rumors are true?” He turned to James, narrowing his eyes at him. “Are you really engaged to the Mudblood?” Snape scarcely finished his last word before James jumped on him, knocking him to the ground, his graduation robes flapping behind him. Snape reached for his wand, but his arms were pinned to the ground. James’ glare was murderous; only Snape could make him that angry.
“Apologize!” he ordered, through clenched teeth. Snape spat in his face. “APOLOGIZE!” he roared. He felt a gentle pressure on his arm.
“James, it’s not worth it,” Lily whispered in his ear urgently. “Just walk away.” Her eyes were pleading, and James got up reluctantly, shooting Snape a dirty look.
“Someday, I’ll really regret saving your life,” he murmured, referring to an event the full moon before, which few of the students knew about. Remus was perhaps the only one who heard him, and punched his arm lightly, in a gesture of reassurance.
“Come on, let’s go,” Sirius said, his voice choked, as if he were being strangled. It was a great sacrifice for him to let Snape go without a word, but for James and Lily, he would do almost anything.
James turned around an, snaking his arm around Lily’s waist and began to walk with his friends.
Snape, furious beyond belief that they’d actually backed out of a fight, for once, had recovered his breath and regained his footing. His fist shaking with anger, he raised his wand. But before he could utter a curse—
“Petrificus totallus!” Gracefully, with her wand arm behind her back, Lily subdued her future husband’s rival with a simple spell that bound his arms and legs together. Her friends roared with laughter: now the party truly had begun.