A.N—Not much to say really. ON WITH THE SHOW.

Disclaimer—I own a box of Lindt chocolates.

OoOoO

Chapter Twenty One
Always

Exams were over, summer was here and Belle was excited to be going home. She would miss Hogwarts, like she did every summer, but at least she knew that she could come back. She had a lot of things to do over summer, mainly helping Toby with his wedding.

Dearest Belle,
I can't wait for you to get home so that you can help me with wedding preparations. I'm determined to make this a day none of us will forget in a hurry. I just wanted to write to you to remind you that you need a date to the wedding, because there aren't enough grooms men. Sorry about his.
Lots of Love,
Phoebe.

Belle crumpled up the note and sighed. Where was she going to get a date?

OoOoO

Lily hummed to herself as she walked the stone corridors of school, the heat having no affect on her. It was steaming outside and most students were either packing to go home or down at the lake for one last swim. She wasn't looking forward to this summer. Petunia had moved out and was now living with her husband, Vernon, who resembled a walrus. Lily frowned in sadness at the thought of the sister who hated her, all because of magic. In a way, magic had ruined her life, but it had also made her who she is.

"Evans? Why aren't you down at the Lake?"

She spun around. "Potter." she said, surprised. "I thought I'd take a stroll before leaving."

James smirked. "Meaning you're on your period and you've got too much on your mind."

Lily blushed and shook her head. "How do you know that?"

James smiled a secret smile that made her heart beat faster. "I just know you."

They locked eyes, green onto hazel. Lily wanted to kiss him and it scared her, but also sent a thrill of anticipation through her. He swallowed, his gaze darting to her lips and then back, but he didn't move.

"I know what you're going to say, but I have to ask anyway." he said, slowly taking steps towards her. "Will you go out with me?"

Lily blinked at him and then smiled. She saw him flinch and a wary look appeared in his eyes. Lily looked down, grabbed his hand and then craned her neck to look up at him.

"I'd love to go out with you." she murmured. James blinked.

"I'm sorry? I think I misheard you." he said, sounding dazed. Lily sighed, rolling her eyes.

"You didn't hear wrong." she said, "And you're not dreaming either."

James seemed desperate. "Say it again."

"Say what?" Lily asked and then she smiled, squeezing his hand. "James Potter, I'd love to go out with you."

He grinned, closing his eyes briefly. "Nah, I'm good." he joked and Lily hit him on the arm. "OW!"

"You're a prat." she said to him, making to walk past him, but he grabbed her and pulled her to him, one hand on her waist and the other on her cheek, pressing his lips against hers. Lily kissed him back, her hands sliding around his shoulders and sighing happily. Kissing him was exactly the way she'd imagined it to be. Warm, soft and sparkling with electricity. Fireworks danced behind her eyes and when he pulled back, he was grinning like an idiot.

"So, why the change of heart?" he asked. Lily sighed, stepping away.

"I never hated you James. Never. I thought you were an arrogant arsehole, but I never hated you. I knew you had the ability to be a better person, and when you started to change, I guess I allowed myself to fancy you, after six years. You're the reason that Stefan and I broke up, you know." she said, walking over to the wall and sitting down, leaning against it. He looked stricken. "Don't blame yourself. We both knew that it wouldn't work between us."

"You were still upset." James said, sitting down on next to her and putting his arm around her. Lily nodded.

"I was upset because I couldn't love him the way he deserved, and he's one of my closest friends." Lily replied, looking up at him. "You were always the one. I think I've always known that deep down."

James kissed her again, more deeply and passionately and holding her against him tightly. She seemed a bit surprised, but kissed him back anyway.

"What was that for?" she asked, slightly out of breath.

"For just being you." James replied, getting up and extending his hand to help her to her feet. Hand in hand they walked back to the common room, laughing and smiling at the pure joy on each other's faces.

Belle was there, reading a book next to the open window, a breeze blowing her honey coloured hair around her face. She looked around at the sound of the portrait door closing and she smiled at them.

"Hey you two...wait..." her violet eyes dropped to their entwined hands and then up to their happy faces. "No. It can't be."

"It is." James said, letting go of Lily's hand and putting and arm around her instead, kissing her on the top of the head. Belle squealed and threw her book on the floor, throwing her arms around them both and laughing.

"I knew it! I knew it would happen eventually! Oh, I'm so happy for you both!" Belle said, stepping back and then sniffling. "Oh, sweet Merlin, I'm going to cry."

James looked alarmed. "Why?"

"Because this is just so goddamn cute!" Belle cried, smiling. James laughed, hugging her tightly.

"You're so adorable, Bells, you really are." he laughed and she poked her tongue out and wiped under her eyes.

"Okay, I'm going to leave you two love birds alone. I have to chase down Sirius. He owes me twenty galleons." she said, bending down and scooping up her book, laughing. Lily's face dropped.

"They bet over whether we would get together?"

"Don't take it personally, love. Sirius bets against everybody." he murmured and then he frowned. "I just can't believe that he bet twenty galleons. He really must have been cert if he bet that much against you."

Lily sighed. "He'll come around eventually."

"He'll have to. I'm hanging on to you for a long time and I have no plans on letting go." James said seriously. Lily suppressed a pleased smile and merely squeezed his hand.