Heartcatcher:

Chapter Nine: Facing James's Ring

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Titanic. But I do own the original story, Within the Heart of the Ocean.

Beta read by CloSalvatore.


I heard the kettle go off, but no one took it off the stove. I got up, and walked into the kitchen, just as Lily pushed past me, crying.

I whirled to stop her, but she was already gone, and from where she vanished, came Sirius.

Remus was nowhere in sight.

I suspected that he had gone after Lily.

" What happened?" I asked, as Lacey poured out tea.

Sirius must have been wondering the same, but he didn't say anything for once.

" We had a talk," she replied shortly.

" What was it about?" I asked, pushing her for information.

" You."

Sirius raised an eyebrow and finally spoke. " Was it about how Lily still loves James? How she wishes that James never married you? Or was it that you really don't love him. That you're broke."

I looked at Lacey, who's mouth hung open, and her eyes were wide.

" My guess is that Lily does love James. And that James loves her back, but he's loyal to his ring. What about you Lacey? Are you loyal. Or have you been lying from the start? I know for a fact that you don't love James. I can see it in your eyes, you're loyal, for the money, but you don't love him. Lily does, didn't you see her tears? That's proof that she loves him." Sirius, he was so serious for a change.

Maybe it was our brother bond. He was defending me, against a girl who I hardly knew, and didn't love.

" Is it true?" I asked quietly. " That you don't love me?"

She shook her head. " I did love you. I did. But, now, that she's back, it's like I don't exist anymore. We've fallen apart. And I know you know it too. I did love you, but now you love her. And I know it. I just don't want to let you go."

" Will you sign it? The divorce papers?" I asked.

She looked at me for a long moment. " Do you love her?"

" With all my heart. I promised her eternity."

She nodded. " I'll sign then. You deserve her James, she truly does love you," she seemed to hesitate, but then picked up a thin string, with my ring hanging from it. " Propose to her, now. She's out in the garden," she whispered, turning to where I saw Lily, crying, talking to Remus, who was sitting with her.

I looked at Sirius, who nodded slightly.

I made my way to where the sliding door was, and I opened it.

Remus looked up, and for a moment, his brown eyes met mine, and then he turned, fleeing.

Lily jumped up, and I saw her wipe away her tears.

" What do you want?" she asked, and I noticed a white rose in her hands, which she twiddled.

" I wanted to ask you something," I replied calmly. She looked at me, uncertainly.

" Okay," she agreed finally.

" Walk with me?" I offered.

She nodded, and bent to take off her heels, before she walked.

" Do you still love me?" I asked, looking around the garden

She gave me a quick glance, but avoided my gaze. " Yes."

" Why didn't you marry Lily? You deserve to be happy. I know Severus knew you were alive. Why didn't you marry him?" I asked.

She sighed, and added a red rose to her white one. " We don't get along well. I mean we're friends, best friends, but we don't get along in a romantic sort of relationship."

I pulled my wedding ring off and examined it, and though it was shiny, I pretended to shine it.

She watched the gold flash, but she didn't speak.

" So, are you planning on getting married?"

She shook her head. " I'm not really in love anymore."

I tilted my head, turning so I wouldn't run into a bush. " You don't love anyone?"

" No, well it isn't like I can get married to just anyone."

" No, I suppose you can't," I agreed.

" James, I can't do this."

It hurt to hear her voice break like that.

" Can't do what?"

" I can't keep seeing you, not when you love her. I can't see you. Ever. I love you James, but I can't do this. I'm changing my name. I can't love you James, not when I know you love her."

" Lily wait. Lily-" I grabbed her wrist, and forced her to face me.

" I love you. Marry me Lily. Marry me, and we'll love each other forever. I'll give you eternity. If you'll have me," I said before she could open her mouth.

" What about Lacey?" she asked.

I held up my ring. " It's my choice Lily, not her's. I love you. She can't change that. I want to marry you, I'm divorcing her. I don't love her. I love you. And you're all I could ever want. I'll run away with you if I have to. If I can still have you. I know I'm a year late, but I love you. And I know you still love me. But I'm telling you now, you're all I could ever want. All I ever need. As long as I have you, I'll be happy," I replied.

For a moment she looked torn, but then she answered. " Yes. I'll marry you James. I want to spend my life with you into eternity."

I pulled out her ring, and she let me put it on her finger.

Then she burst out laughing.

I looked at her in confusion. " To think that after a year of mistakes, we're finally together and we're doing something right for once."

I threw my head back and laughed out of pure joy.


Before everyone cheers for joy. I need help finding her a ring, and dress. So if people would like to help, or give suggestions, PM or review with a link or suggestion. Careful because FFNet generally filters websites so you have to space it or put (dot) when there is a dot in the address.

Also, I am going for a heart shaped necklace or ring, something to do with the theme. 'Within the Heart of the Ocean.'