James heard the incantation of that dreaded spell, knew what was going to happen, and all he could think about was his Lily. His Lily and his Harry. The green light rushed towards him, so like her eyes, so like both of their eyes, before everything went black.
Age eleven. First Year. Hogwarts Express. They meet for the first time on the train. This is when she decides to hate him, and when he decides to love her.
Age thirteen. Third Year. Hogsmeade. They're finally allowed to go, and she keeps turning down his invitations. This is when she decides he's arrogant and annoying, and when he decides she's beautiful.
Age fifteen. Fifth Year. Hogwarts Grounds. After the O.W.L.s, Snape calls her a you-know-what, and he defends her. This is when she decides he'll do anything just to get her attention, and when he decided he'll do whatever he can to protect her.
Age seventeen. Seventh Year. Head's Common Room. He's Head Boy and She's Head Girl. Nobody has any idea how this is going to turn out. This is when she realises he's not too bad and she's already in love, and when he realised he might have a chance.
Age nineteen. Their wedding day. She looks like an angel and he thinks he might cry. This is when she realises she was blind for years, and when he realises he's so damn lucky.
Age twenty. Saint Mungo's Hospital. Harry, their son, their child has just been born. This is when she realises she is truly happy, and when he realises he's in love again.
Age twenty-one. Godric's Hollow. Voldemort found them. They'll go down fighting, him reckless, her brave, just like they've always been. They'll protect their son together. The last thing James sees is green, but not the green of that vile curse. The emerald green of his Lily's eyes, his Lily's and his Harry's.