Chapter 3
Lily's P.O.V
True to his word, James – Potter – is still sitting there the next morning. He's fallen asleep against the stair rail, and I can't help but notice how cute he looks when he's sleeping. I want to wake him up, kiss him, and beg him to forgive me for what I said, but I simply walk past.
"Hey, Lily," he greets me groggily, squinting at me through barely-awake eyes.
"Hi," I reply as quickly as possible, almost sprinting away from the awkward conversation to follow.
But I'm not fast enough. "I meant it, you know. About staying here until you forgive me. I honestly will stay here until you go out with me again."
"I know. You said." I pause, trying not to seem as if I care too much. "Isn't it uncomfortable?"
"Yeah. But it'll be worth it if it works."
Sirius chooses that moment to come tearing around the corner, grabbing me by the shoulders so I'm facing him.
"Did you open the present properly, Evans?" he asks, still out of breath from his run.
"Like, the box? No. Why would I?"
"Evans, Evans, Evans," he tuts, handing me the box. "Open."
"How did you get this? It was in my room."
"I know. Just open it."
I take in reluctantly, opening the lid. I can spot something glittering... Wait. Glittering?
"James!" I shriek, throwing myself at him. "Oh, James, that's so sweet!"
"What is?" he asks, hugging me close, as though afraid it's his last chance.
"This!" I exclaim, pulling the ring from the box. "Well... Sort of. Um, why is it plastic?"
I see James glancing at Sirius with a 'what the hell?' expression. Then Sirius explains.
"Well, Miss Evans, when he was five-ish, he bought this from a Muggle shop. For his wife. Who, just by the way, didn't exist at the time." Obviously. "So we thought it would be vair vair romantic -" This part is said in an Italian accent "-to give it to you."
"Aw, that's so cute!" I exclaim, pulling James closer, and kissing him. "Of course I'll marry you!"
He kisses me back softly, putting the ring on my finger.
"I love you, James."
"I love you too, Mrs Potter."
