For the 'Watching and Wishing' challenge on the HPFC forum.

Disclaimer: Do I really need to say this? I own nada...

She dances. Turning, spiralling, and twirling around the room. Candles flicker illuminating her hair as it gives off rays of gold, auburn and copper. She is beauty personified, even I cannot deny that. She has boundless energy. Her body carries such grace and her face is alight with felicity. Her husband is a lucky man. He sits with his newborn son, watching and laughing. Both of their faces show nothing but admiration and love.

I fear my heart cannot take it. It seems to be so filled with emotion that it could shatter like glass at any moment. My knees feel weak and I am struggling to stand. As the cool wind snaps at me, my hair is blown to shield my tears. I had not come to this place tonight to spy or intrude. I had come to expose my feeling to him, to her, to their son... It no longer mattered to me. He just had to know.

I can't recall how long I've been standing here; I am captivated by the pure magic that leaks from the sitting room of the young family. There is no question that this is true magic. Spells and potions are nothing; real magic requires no wizardry.

I am utterly confused by my feelings. I should hate her. I should wish her dead. But I simply can't. Her son laughs as she picks him up and spins him around. A fire is ignited inside her; it is a reaction only her child can enforce. She seems to be finally tiring. She falls back onto her husband and kisses him. I watch, astounded as warmth from her fire courses through him.

The image is frozen in my mind. The happy couple are so perfectly tailored for one another. Their son is joyous as his parents share an intimate embrace. The realization of my foolishness hits me harshly. She is meant for him; he is meant for her. I cannot be her. I can't be with him. Fate has twisted, humorous way of working sometimes. My stomach sinks and more tears threaten to fall.

He never even loved me. He only used me to make her jealous. I knew that all too well but it didn't stop me from loving him. I'd never stop loving him. I just couldn't forget all those times at Hogwarts, watching the sun set through the crystal reflection of the lake. We'd be hand in hand; I'd never want to let go at the end of the night but I suppose he looked forward to being rid of me.

I observe him now, as I so often do. He is beautiful. It is as though time has no effect on him, he still looks seventeen. However, time has not failed to alter his personality. Not many years ago he was running around pranking unsuspecting Slytherins. Now he is a responsible and dedicated father. He holds the baby close to him; I notice how similar they look. The boy will grow up with the same features. I hope to merlin that he inherits his mother's personality and isn't a heart-breaker like his father, with desperate women like me outside his window. He also has his mothers eyes. Through the window they meet mine. It is only for a second; his emerald green gems seem to see straight through me. He gives me a smile which simply says you've lost and he looks away.

I need to go home, the cold is gnawing rather violently at my uncovered arms. I stay long enough to see him take his son from the room. She is alone now and seems lost. She wanders over to the window and looks at me. At first confusion spreads across her beautiful features. Then her pink lips part in surprise. She is so innocent and sweet, she always was. How could he ever love me when he had her.

She manages to compose herself. Her face only displays sincere sorrow.
Marlene... My name forms on her lips. Our eyes lock for a minute, she understands. Her eyes are even more enthralling than her son's. I struggle to avert my gaze, but I have to. I slowly shake my head and with tall shoulders and my head held high, I walk away from the life of James Potter – the only man I ever loved.