Chapter XXXVII - Home for the Holidays

Author's Note: Hi everyone! Sorry I was working on the new chapter and I realized that the last one I posted wasn't actually finished so here it is, new, updated and longer - I hope you enjoy it. Merry Christmas!

Hestia was totally in shock over the castle being invaded by Death Eaters. She was sitting in the library with Ben the next afternoon attempting to work on a project but her mind kept jumping back to the news of the attack. James and Lily had been there and she was so thankful that they were both okay.

Ben took her hand in his and gave her a small smile. "Are you lost in there?"

Hestia smiled at him. "Just thinking about yesterday."

He nodded. "I know, it's scary."

She nodded. Scary didn't even begin to cover it for her. "Ben, I need to talk to you about something."

"Of course, you can tell me anything."

She smiled at him. How she had found such an incredible guy, she still wasn't sure. "You're a really great guy. In fact, I think you are most definitely way too good for me."

He grinned at those words. "I wouldn't go that far."

Hestia smiled. "I've never been a very good girlfriend. I think this whole celibacy bet thing has proven that this is all new to me. The last time I really tried the whole dating thing was with Sirius and I cheated on him with Amos Diggory."

Ben nodded. "I had been told to watch out for that."

The fact that people had warned him about her made her stomach uneasy. "I guess I just never thought this dating thing was serious until I told you about the bet and you asked me again to be your girlfriend. Then I think it hit me."

"Did you cheat on me, Tia? Is that what you're saying?" Ben asked her, his hand still holding hers.

Hestia smiled at him. "No, but I planned on it."

"What?" He asked, letting go of her hand in surprise.

"It's the bet thing," she began carefully. She wanted him to understand before he judged her too harshly. "When Alice and Lily told me about it, Sirius came over and I … er, convinced, I suppose is the word here. I convinced him to be part of the bet too."

"How is that planning to cheat?" He asked, a quick grin appearing.

She smiled. The fact that this voice was teasing was a good sign. "It's just … Sirius and I have always had this on again off again relationship. We'll never be good together. We're good together at sex and we know it, but that's all we have. I think we're kind of friends in an odd way but, we were never good at being boyfriend and girlfriend. When I convinced him of this bet, I know him well enough to know how his mind works so I placed my hand on his crotch. Just held it there to show him that I meant business and I told him that if he did this bet, that on New Year's Eve we would celebrate the end of it together."

Ben nodded, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms in front of him. "I see."

"No, you don't," Hestia said carefully. "I'm falling in love with you, Ben. I haven't even thought of another guy since we've been together. I have dreams at night of you sneaking into my room and making love with me. I see you and I … you're the only man I want. I've never cheated on you."

Ben took her hand in his again, his soft green eyes smiling at her. "Tia, if you've never cheated on me then why are you so nervous?"

"Sirius came to see me this morning and we talked and he told me that he thinks we're great together. He says that you make me happier than he's ever seen me and that because of that he doesn't want to do anything to ruin that. He knows that I want to spend my New Year's Eve with you." She explained.

Ben leaned closer to her, kissing her lips softly. "I am in love with you, Hestia Jones. Been falling more steadily every day. People have warned me that you're not good for me, that you're the bad girl of the school but I didn't listen. I never once thought that you cheated on me. It never even crossed my mind. I don't think placing your hand on another guy's crotch counts as cheating. I get why you did what you did, you didn't think I'd stay with you because of the bet and you wanted someone familiar to be there for you when it was over. I get that. But on New Year's Eve, the only man who is going to have his hands on you, be inside of you, is going to be me. Understood?"

Hestia simply nodded, her insides turning to jelly. "You're in love with me?"

"Hopelessly," he murmured, kissing her softly. "And I don't share."

She grinned widely, moving to sit in his lap and wrap her arms around his neck. "I like a man who takes charge."

Ben merely grinned against her lips and they lost themselves in each other.

Hestia was bubbling when she tugged Alice up to the Head's Dormitory, ringing the bell that was there so students could get a hold of their Head Boy and Girl. James opened the door behind the portrait hole and grinned.

"You look happy."

She nodded and rushed inside. "Lily, I need to talk to you."

James grinned at the excitement that seemingly bubbled up from Hestia. "I think that's my signal to go." He grabbed his books from the coffee table. "See you," he kissed Lily quickly as he left.

Alice took a seat on the chesterfield and grinned at her friend. "She's been bubbling up with something, but she said that she has to tell us both at the same time."

Lily smiled at her friends, sitting in her favourite armchair. "Well, Tia, what is it?"

Hestia grinned widely. "Ben told me that he's in love with me."

"Really?" Alice exclaimed, smiling. "That's wonderful!"

Hestia nodded. "I know! And I totally love him back! I told him about how Sirius and I planned to, you know, on New Year's to celebrate the end of the bet and how I felt so guilty about it. I've never cheated on him and I want him to know that and he did and he does and he forgives me for making plans to cheat. I mean, in my defence, we had only been out together twice when I agreed to this bet so technically I didn't do anything wrong in that sense, but Sirius and I talked and he knows that I'm with Ben and that Ben's in love with me."

Lily hugged her friend and Alice did the same. "It's incredible to be in love, isn't it?"

"I always thought that you two were kind of crazy, going on and on about love and how great your relationships are and … now I'm in the same boat."

"We're really happy for you, Tia. It's about time you get a chance at happiness." Alice said, smiling.

"Thanks," Hestia said, plopping herself down on the couch. "Now, let's hear about your loves so we can all sit here gooey-eyed.

Lily laughed. "Have you heard from Frank yet?"

Alice shook her head, her smile fading. "No. I keep writing him letters and I know that they are being sent to the Academy. He's been on mission for a month now and I still haven't heard anything."

"They say no news is good news when an Auror is on a mission."

"I know," Alice muttered. "But he's not really an Auror yet. This declaration of war only makes me more nervous too. He's out there, in training still, on a mission and now war has officially broken out. I just hope he's okay."

"He'll be fine, Alice. Frank's a strong guy." Hestia told her.

Alice nodded. "I know." She shook the worry from her eyes and smiled at Lily. "And what about you, Lily? We go home for the holidays in three days, are you nervous to tell everyone about the engagement?"

Lily shook her head. "No, not even a little. I'm looking forward to it. I look forward to planning a wedding. It's a bright side to the darkness outside."

"That's a nice way of looking at it."

"I think so," Lily told Hestia. "A bright side is needed sometimes."

Alice smiled, reaching out to take Lily's hand in her own. "How are you doing with … everything else? James mentioned to me about Lucius' threat."

Lily shrugged, tucking her hair behind her ears. "I'm alright. I'm just … trying not to think about it; to focus on more important things and not to let myself be overwhelmed with fear. Don't get me wrong, I know that his threat was serious and that he could do something terrible in the near future and that I need to be prepared for that, but being prepared and being terrified are two different things and I'm not ready for one to dominate the other."

"Good thinking," Alice told her, smiling at her friend. "But being prepared is smart too. As fast as this war has escalated … I mean, the magical world, we've been saying there's a war with Voldemort going on, but we all know that until the Ministry officially declared war yesterday, it wasn't as serious as it is now."

Lily nodded. "I know. And I'll be careful, I promise."

Hestia slipped an arm over her friend's shoulders. "Alice and I are going to worry, Lily. We're purebloods."

"Which unfortunately gives us immunity." Alice said quietly.

"Mostly," Hestia added.

Lily smiled at her friends, her eyes falling onto her beautiful engagement ring. "And I trust you to keep me safe because of that immunity, but I also trust myself as well."

Alice kissed her cheek, hugging her tightly. "Good." She took her friend's left hand in hers and grinned down at the ring. "Now, let's talk wedding plans!"

Lily grinned widely. That sounded perfect.

By the time James returned to the common room, he found Lily and her friends laughing. When the portrait hole closed behind him, the three of them turned as one to look at him.

"Sorry to interrupt. Curfew's in five."

Alice stood up, smiling at James. "Not interrupting. We were just wedding planning. Come on, Tia."

Hestia stood up as well. They said goodbye to Lily and waved to James before heading out of the portrait hole.

James put his books on the table and grinned at Lily. "Wedding planning eh?"

Lily smiled at him as he sat down next to her, slipping his arm around her shoulders. "Yes, wedding planning. September really isn't that far away when it comes to actual wedding plans you know?"

"I know." He kissed her cheek and stretched his long legs out across the carpet. "Are you ready to tell our families the news?"

"Definitely. You?"

"Definitely. Though I wouldn't mind a pass on other holiday plans this year."

Lily chuckled as she rested her head on his shoulder. Her arm moved around his waist and her left hand rested against his stomach. "We have to go. I'm the Maid of Honour."

"Does that mean she would notice if you were missing?"

"Yes," she said, laughing now. "My dress is atrocious, but I think we'll have fun."

James didn't say anything.

"What's wrong?"

He sighed and brought her left hand up to his lips. "I'm scared of Malfoy's threat."

"James, it's the holidays. I'll be surrounded by people. He won't hurt me."

"How come you're the one that's threatened and yet you're calming me down?"

Lily reached up to kiss him softly. "It will be alright." She kissed him again and then stood up, holding her hand out to him. "Come on. Let's go to bed. I'm tired."

James allowed her to help him up and he wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning in to nibble on her neck. "How tired exactly?"

She grinned. "Pretty tired."

His hands lowered themselves onto her behind as he kissed her neck. "Can I change your mind?"

She pulled away to smile at him. "Why don't we go upstairs and get ready for bed?" She headed towards the stairs, stopping on the bottom step, turning and smiling at him. "Then we'll see how convincing you can be."

James merely grinned as he watched her walk up the stairs. But he couldn't shake the worry that he felt over Malfoy's threat. All he knew was that something was going to happen. He didn't know what. He didn't know when. But he knew it was coming.

And he had a terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach that he wouldn't be able to stop it.

By the time the holidays hit three days later, many of the students were actually nervous about going home. Lily herself even felt a bit uneasy, especially with Malfoy's threat hanging over her head. But being with James, no matter how silly it made her sound, made her feel safe. He would protect her, she knew that. And she would do her damnedest to protect him right back.

They arrived at Potter Manor just before lunch time and Lily was surprised when she walked in to be swept up off her feet by James' father, kissed on both cheeks and spun in a circle.

"Merry Christmas!" He declared, grinning widely at them.

Lily laughed when he placed her on her feet and kissed his cheek. "Merry Christmas, Mr. Potter … er, Andy."

Andrew Potter beamed at her and then he grimaced as a loud yell echoed through the house.

"James Quinton Andrew Potter II, what the hell did you to do my kitchen!"

He winced and grinned at Lily and James. "I attempted to try to bake some Christmas cookies to you know, get in the spirit of the holidays but they er … well truth be told, they exploded and then I escaped when I heard you two come in. I was hoping Jonah and Abby would help me out."

James grinned at Lily as they followed their father's reluctant steps to the kitchen. "Mum never calls him by his full name, he's always gone by Andrew. She must be really pissed!"

Lily laughed and then her eyes widened. An explosion didn't quite explain the disaster in the Potter kitchen. Cookie dough was on the ceiling, on the walls, there was eggs splashed all over the floor and down one side of the cupboard and there was a mountain of dishes in the sink. Jonah and Abby were standing in the doorway their mouths open in shock and Gwen stood in the center of the kitchen in navy slacks and a gorgeous gold blouse, her hands on her hips, glaring daggers at her husband.

Lily bit her lip to keep from laughing.

"Andrew … what happened?"

Andy shrugged, moving to take his wife's hand in his own and wincing when she yanked it back. "I was um … I was trying to make Christmas cookies."

"Christmas cookies?" Gwen said, her voice very quiet.

He nodded. "It um, didn't work out so well."

There was an explosion of yellow light and Lily did laugh out loud now as Andy had been turned into a donkey.

"There we go, Andy, now you look like the ass that you are!" Gwen exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. She spotted James and Lily in the doorway then and gasped. "Oh Merlin, Lily I'm so sorry that you had to see this! This place is a mess!" She turned to look over at the house elves. "Don't you dare clean this place, Andy is going to do it with a bucket of water and a cloth." She picked up his wand from the floor and slipped it into her pocket. "He can stay an ass a little longer too."

Lily grinned as Gwen slipped her arm over Lily's shoulders and led them into the common room.

"Now, I heard about what happened at Hogwarts. Dumbledore assured me that everyone was alright, but I need to hear it from the two of you?" Gwen demanded, eyes on her son.

"We're fine, Mum. None of the students were hurt."

Gwen nodded, looking relieved. "It's happening all over again and my heart just stopped when I heard the news. Grindelwald scared so many people and now to have this Voldemort doing the same thing … his manifesto was the most horrifying thing that I have ever read! Being at war seems like the easy way out compared to agreeing to that monstrosity!"

James nodded as Sirius came into the common room. "We agree. But, I do have two things to make you smile, Mum?"

Gwen smiled at her son. "What is that?"

James grinned at Sirius. "Well, first one is that Lily dared Sirius to be celibate for two months and he's almost made it."

Gwen looked over at her adopted son, eyes wide. "And yet you're still alive."

"Barely," he said, making her laugh.

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "I'm proud of you for trying that. Even if it was a bet."

Sirius kissed her cheek. "It's torture, Gwen."

She patted his cheek, laughing. "I'm sure you'll be fine and that I am fairly positive no one has ever died from a lack of sex."

She took her seat and smiled at her son. "So, what is the second thing?"

James grinned at Lily before he turned back to his mother. "I asked Lily to marry me and she said yes."

Gwen's eyes filled up with tears. She stood up, arms wide as she engulfed both of them in her arms for a big hug. "Oh, my, that's wonderful! Oh, Lily, I'm so happy to welcome you to the family in an official capacity that is!"

Lily grinned. "Thank you!"

"Was James romantic?"

Lily nodded. "Very." She held out of her hand to show Gwen the ring and Gwen smiled. "The Potter ring, it's truly beautiful. It was Andrew's mother's ring. Speaking of Andy, I guess I can turn him back now so that he can hear the good news."

When she hurried out of the common room, James laughed. "She hasn't turned him into an ass in a long time."

Sirius nodded. "Last time I remember was back in forth year. I forget what he did."

"He converted her gardening shed into a Quidditch trophy room."

Sirius grinned. "Oh yeah … I believe all of his Quidditch trophies ended up in a ditch."

"Mmhmm," James said, laughing.

Lily smiled at them. "It is an interesting way to punish someone."

James wrapped his arm around her. "I won't ever annoy you that much."

Sirius laughed now. "I doubt that."

"Me too," Lily said, kissing him softly. "But I promise not to turn you into an ass."

"Good."

"I think a mole rat is more fitting."

"Ouch."

She grinned at him as Andy came into the common room, no longer a donkey.

"So I hear congratulations are in order," he tugged Lily up to her feet and pulled her close for a warm embrace. "I couldn't imagine anyone more suited for my son."

"Thank you."

Gwen stepped into the room, smiling widely. "Wonderful news, isn't it, Andy?" When her husband nodded, her eyes sharpened. "Now, you can spend the evening cleaning the kitchen?"

Andy sighed and held his hand out. "Fair's fair, can I have my wand?"

Gwen shook her head as she smiled sweetly at him. "Not a chance. But Jonah and Abby have a bucket of water and some scrub brushes and cloths for you to use." He pouted and grumbled quietly as he made his way into the kitchen. Gwen smiled at the three of them. "Now, since Andy is obviously going to be busy for the foreseeable future, why don't we discuss wedding plans?"

Lily smiled, her hand tightly in James'. "Okay."

"You've set a date already?"

James nodded. "First of September, the day we met."

"That's soon."

James nodded. "Mum, we want to be married before the war escalates and before I go to the Academy and … well before all hell breaks loose."

"I think that's a good idea. September is a beautiful month to be married in as well. Any news on the Academy?"

James shook his head. "Mum, you know I won't find out until March."

"You never know," she said, smiling now. "Lily, why don't you come upstairs with me? There's something that I would like to show you."

Lily nodded as she left James and Sirius in the common room and followed Gwen up the stairs all the way up to the attic. Gwen dusted off a large trunk in the center of the room and carefully unlocked it. She pulled out a large red box as she spoke.

"I knew you were going to marry my son from the moment I met you. James has been in love with you for years and I could easily see that you were just as much in love with him, which is why I was kind of planning for this. This is something that has been passed down in my family for centuries. My mother gave it to me to wear on my wedding day and I promised that I would give it to my daughter when the time came, or in this case, my daughter-in-law." She opened the box and carefully peeled back the tissue as she tugged it out.

Lily's eyes widened. It was beautiful. Ivory cream coloured lace, beautifully stitched and about forty centimeters long. It was rounded at the bottom and the top of the veil was covered in tiny ivory pearls that sat on the top of the head like a jeweled band. "Oh my …"

"The veil has been in my family for centuries, like I said, and on my wedding day I was offered by Maria Potter, a Potter heirloom as well." She reached back into the box and pulled out a magnificent gold tiara outlined in rubies. "I wore them both on my wedding day and I can promise you, I looked stunning."

Lily accepted the tiara, her eyes still wide. "I don't even know what to say. I've never seen anything so incredible in all my life."

Gwen smiled and carefully took the tiara from her new daughter's hands. She opened the veil and carefully hooked the combs in place so that the pearled band sat on her forehead and then she took the tiara and sat it in place. She took Lily's hand and led her over to a full length mirror in the corner of the room. "You look like a princess."

Lily touched her cheek and watched in amazement as the image in front of her did the same. She had never felt so amazing in her entire life. She did look like a princess. "I … I don't know what to say, Gwen. They're so beautiful."

Gwen slipped her arm around Lily's waist and sat her chin on her shoulder, smiling widely. "You say that you'll wear them on your wedding day."

Tears welled up in Lily's eyes as she nodded. "I will. I would be honoured."

Gwen smiled at her. "Good." She kissed Lily's cheek, smiling warmly. "Come on; let's put these away and see what kind of trouble our men have gotten themselves into."

Lily could only nod. She hadn't expected such a wonderful gift and she was in awe. It looked like the good news was definitely continuing. Just the way she liked it.

As she had a feeling that good news wasn't going to last very long.

Life at Potter Manor was great. Lily was still surprised by how much at home she felt in the huge spiraling mansion. Gwen and Andy were just so welcoming and so nice that she felt more comfortable there then she sometimes did in her own house. But despite how good it all was, she was ready to go home and see her own parents.

Christmas Eve, the house elves prepared a wonderful feast for Sirius, James, Lily, Gwen and Andy. They ate and laughed and Lily learned that Andy was just as entertaining as his son and his best friend. Sirius left them after dinner to finish wrapping his own presents, as naturally Christmas Eve was the time to do this, so talk turned to wedding plans. Gwen was thrilled that they were getting married in September. She was full of ideas of autumn colours and an outdoor wedding and Lily couldn't believe how incredible it all sounded. She found herself nodding along more than coming up with her own ideas.

"It's okay to say that idea sucks, you know," Andy told her as he sipped his wine in the common room later on that evening.

Lily blushed as Gwen turned to glare at her husband. "Oh no! The ideas are wonderful. It's just a little … overwhelming. I don't really know what I want."

James reached over to squeeze her hand gently. "We still have plenty of time. It's not like all of these decisions need to be made right now. We haven't even told your parents yet."

She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I know. Gwen, these ideas are great. I really do love the idea of an outdoor wedding. But … I'm still fairly indecisive on everything else."

Gwen smiled warmly at them. "I can make a masterpiece event overnight. So don't you worry about a thing. You take all the time you need in making this the wedding you always wanted." She put her wine down and headed over to the massive Christmas tree in the corner. "Well, since you two will be leaving us tonight I think its time for some presents." She picked up a small box and handed it to James. "This is for both you and Lily."

James nodded as he carefully untied the ribbon. Lily placed her hand on his knee as she leaned closer to see what was inside. To their surprise, it was a silver key.

"A key?" She asked, looking up at Gwen and Andy.

Andy nodded, leaning back in his seat and crossing his ankles. "Gwen and I bought this three years ago and have been fixing it up in the mean time hoping to find the right person to keep it together. We decided in the summer that when James proposed, it would be yours."

"A key to what, Dad?" James said carefully.

Gwen smiled, tears in her eyes. "Your first home."

Lily's eyes widened and her grip tightened on James' knee. "You bought us a house?"

"I know, I know, it's ridiculously extravagant but we have the money and we found this cottage and … its perfect. You will both love it and if for some reason you don't, I can promise you that we will not be offended if you want to find your own place." Gwen explained, smiling at them.

"C-c-can we see it?" James asked, still completely dumbfounded. Of all of the gifts that he had expected from his parents for Christmas, a house was not one of them.

Andy nodded. "Of course. We'll meet you there in fifteen minutes. The address is Number Five Willow Lane, Godric's Hollow in England."

James looked at Lily and when she only nodded at him, he squeezed her hand and together they disapparated to Godric's Hollow. The village was quaint and Lily held her breath as she held his hand.

"Jamie, it's … adorable."

He grinned at her. The village was a small community. It was covered with old fashioned street lamps and was coated in a beautiful layer of snow. The church at the head of the street was gothic and magnificent. The post office was in between a bookstore and a grocer. Next to the church was a graveyard and then a small park. On the other side of the grocer was a women's clothing store, a pub called Godric's Grand Glass and the last building was currently for lease. The shops surrounded the church in a cul-de-sac on Main Street and the road that lead out of the cul-de-sac was called Willow Lane.

James and Lily made their way down the Lane to Number Five and found themselves staring up at a beautiful two-story cottage behind a half stone wall and wooden gate. The cottage was old and well-kept and looked like it had been in the village for a hundreds of years. It was all made of stone with beautiful French windows and matching French front door in light green trim. The bushes out front were covered in a light coating of snow and the light was on over the front door.

James led the way through the gate and he unlocked the front door. They stepped into a a tiny entranceway with a coat stand and some cubbyholes for shoes. The common room was on the left and painted in a soft green. Hardwood ran through the house. The common room led to a good sized kitchen with lots of cupboard space and a large pantry. On the other side of the kitchen was a tiny wash room and a door that led to the backyard. The yard was empty but for a picnic table but the stone half wall surrounded the yard. There were two huge oak trees in the back yard and Gwen had taken the time to surround them with beautiful landscaping that would obviously be blooming in the spring.

They walked back through to the common room and went up the hardwood stairs that were directly across from the entranceway. At the top of the stairs was a linen pantry. On the left was the master bedroom, front windows overlooking the street. It was very large and already held a queen-sized four poster and some dressers. The walls were a soft lavender. The room next to the master was the bathroom containing a large claw tub as well as a stand-up shower. The room at the end of the hall was small and the ceiling sloped with the arches of the house. There was a slightly bigger room on the other side.

"I'm in shock," Lily said quietly.

"It's pretty great, though."

She nodded, moving to tug James forward for a kiss. "I want this to be our first home. I want to furnish it and paint it and make it ours."

He kissed her deeply, hugging her close as he buried his face in her hair. "I want that too. It's ours, Lily. I felt it, as soon as we walked in. This is our home."

They heard the front door open and they hurried down the stairs. Lily threw herself into Gwen's arms.

"It's perfect. It's too much. It's wonderful!"

Gwen smiled and hugged her future daughter-in-law tightly. "It's yours. Andy and I would like nothing better than to see the two of you make this your home. Together we'll make sure its ready for September as there is very minimal furniture in here."

Lily nodded, tears in her eyes. She felt so overwhelmed by this. Her and James had a house. A beautiful cottage in the sweetest little village she had ever seen. "This place is wonderful, Gwen. Thank you."

"The tiny room upstairs too … well, I mean … not to … it would make a wonderful nursery."

Lily blushed as she felt her eyes fill up with tears again. This was a gift that she would never forget. "Thank you both so much." She moved to hug Andy and he smiled back.

"You're more than welcome. This place is really special. It was founded by Godric Gryffindor and contains both wizarding families and a few muggles."

James' eyes widened. "Muggles live in this neighbourhood too?"

Gwen nodded. "They do. It's been like that since Gryffindor first founded the town. It's very special. We thought you and Lily would enjoy having the best of both worlds."

Tears rolled down Lily's cheeks and she laughed as Andy used his thumbs to wipe them away. "This was … thank you."

James tugged Lily towards him and kissed her. "Welcome home."

By the time they arrived back at Potter Manor, Lily was practically gushing as she told Sirius about the cottage. Sirius was really impressed and told Gwen and Andy what a great present it was.

Lily sat on the bed in the guest room afterwards, double checking that she had all of her things. She smiled at James when he stood in the doorway.

"I can't believe that they bought us a house."

James nodded, moving to sit next to her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and she rested her head against his chest. "Me neither. It's truly perfect for us. The village is … and everything about that place. I can't wait to move in and start my life with you." He kissed her forehead and she smiled at him.

"I can't wait either."

James kissed her again, lingering just a little over her lips before he pulled away. "I wanted to give you my present now too, if you're up for it?"

"I'm definitely up for it," she told him, smiling.

He pulled out a long thin gold box from his pocket tied with a red ribbon. "Merry Christmas, Lily."

Lily accepted the box and slowly untied the ribbon. She lifted the gold lid from the box and when she tugged back the cotton her eyes widened. It was a white gold necklace that said LILY and her named was outlined in diamonds.

"James …" she breathed, touching the letters carefully.

"Do you like it?" He asked, taking it out of the box for her. "I wanted something simple but elegant and your name is so beautiful." He undid the clasp and carefully slipped it around her neck. It settled just above her breasts and she touched it carefully.

Lily kissed him, quick and fierce all over his face until he was laughing. "I love it and I love you!" She exclaimed.

He grinned back, kissing her chin. "I love you too."

"Since we're exchanging gifts now," she unzipped her suitcase as she spoke and tugged out a small gift red bag. "Merry Christmas."

James grinned at her and carefully untied the ribbon keeping the bag closed. He pulled out a black leather bound book and opened it to find it was blank. "A diary?"

She nodded. "I was thinking to all of those crazy adventures that you and you're friends go on and I thought that it would be a really nice memory if you were to write them all down. Maybe one day, when we have children, we can read them like a story."

"That's a great idea, Lily." He said honestly, rather surprised that he had never thought himself to write those memories down. He reached back into the bag and pulled out a rather flat square-shaped box. He opened the lid and his eyes widened in surprise.

"It's a hundred and fifty years old," she said carefully. "I saw it at this auction thing that Alice does every month through the Daily Prophet. It's encased in crystal so it doesn't fly away and the glass ball sits on this stand here."

"The snitch that won Puddlemere United their first title win in a hundred years … 1816 … wow," he turned it carefully in his hands. "This is amazingly brilliant, Lily." He kissed her quickly and grinned. "Really, really brilliant! Dad is definitely going to try to take this bad boy."

"I'm glad you like it."

James carefully wrapped it back into the box and placed it back in the bag so that it would be protected and frowned when he saw something else in there. "What's this?"

Lily blushed scarlett as he tugged the tissue away. "Hestia's idea …"

His eyes widened when he turned it over. It was silver picture frame and inside was a photo of Lily lying on James' bed in the Head dorm. Her red hair was wavy and draped over her shoulders like a goddess and she wore nothing but a plum coloured lace bra and tiny plum coloured lace panties with a transparent black nightie over top.

"Um … I mean … um … Fuck me, Lily, I'm hard just looking at this."

Lily turned an even darker shade of red when James grabbed her and kissed her deeply, his tongue thrusting into her mouth to meet hers. When he tugged away she was out of breath. "So you … like it then?"

He grinned at her. "Like isn't quite the word."

She bit her lip as she grinned at him. "I'm wearing that outfit under my dress."

His eyes darkened as his gaze swept over her body and over the black velvet dress she wore that had a scooped neck and went just below the knee. "Oh really?" His hand slid gently over her leg and she grinned at him.

"Really. But we have to go to my parents' house now."

"That's just cruel."

Lily stood up, patting his cheek gently. "No, it only makes the want more potent and the wait that much better."

James watched her step into her heels and grab her stuff.

The night had never been so long.

When they arrived at the Evans' household it was just after eight. Petunia and Vernon were in the common room sipping wine when they came in. James carried their belongings upstairs, putting his own bags in the guest room and looking at the clock wistfully. He was going to be counting down the minutes until he could get Lily out of that dress.

Lily took a seat on the loveseat and accepted the glass of wine that Vernon handed her while James was upstairs. "How's the wedding plans coming along? Is everything ready?"

Petunia nodded. "Naturally, there are still a few things to stress over. You need to try your dress on again right away in case any changes need to be made. James has a tux?"

James nodded as he came back into the room. "I am tux ready."

He took Lily's hand in his own as he sat next to her. "Are you two ready to tie the knot?"

Vernon nodded, gruffly speaking. "Of course we are! I wouldn't have asked her to marry me if we weren't ready!"

"Oh Vernon, I think James means are we ready to do it in a few days, all prepared and everything! And yes we are. Everything is coming along beautifully!" Petunia said, smiling when Deacon and Cecilia came into the room.

"Lily!" Deacon exclaimed, lifting his daughter up from the couch in a big bear hug. "I didn't even hear you come in! How long have you been home?"

"Only a few minutes, Dad!" She said, kissing his cheek. She hugged her mother tightly. "Merry Christmas, Mum!"

Cecilia held her close, rocking her back and forth for a minute. "Merry Christmas! Oh, honey, you look wonderful! And what's this?" She asked, touching the necklace she wore.

"My Christmas present from James."

Cecilia hugged James. "You have excellent taste, Mr. Potter."

"I try," he said, kissing her cheek. "Merry Christmas." He shook Deacon's hand before they sat back down.

Deacon looked around at everyone beaming. "It's so great to have everyone here for the holidays! How has school been, you two?"

James shrugged as he accepted the glass of wine. "It's been school. Head duties are a lot of work but Lily's keeping me in line." When she smiled he continued. "It's been a little … crazy lately, considering what's going on but …" he eyed Lily. "We were safe."

"Safe?" Vernon exclaimed. "Why on earth wouldn't you be safe at school? Unless there's an oil crisis on school property! Bah, hahahahaa!" He laughed awkwardly as Petunia giggled at his joke and everyone else stared at him rather incredously.

"You have no sense of humour," Petunia said stiffly, crossing her arms in front of her. "We have to head out anyway. Vernon's work was having a Christmas party tonight and we wanted to pop in for an hour or so."

They said goodbye to everyone and when the door closed behind them, James looked at Lily with his eyebrow rose. "Worst joke ever."

Deacon busted into laughter as he placed his wine down. "Oh no, you missed the worst one. It came at dinner. What was it, Lia? Something about the pie?"

Cecelia rolled her eyes at her husband. "He commented on how much he loved my apple pie and then said, what's the difference between apples and worms?"

"OH!" Deacon exclaimed, slapping his knee. "That's right. The difference is you wouldn't eat worm pie. Then he proceeded to laugh so hard he choked on the damn pie."

James smirked. "Merlin that's terrible. If I was going to make a joke about pie I'd say something like, what pie do you prefer, cherry or apple?"

"And if I said cherry?" Deacon asked.

James grinned. "I'd push it in your face. That's a pie joke."

Cecilia laughed, "Oh Lord, I would have loved to see you push a pie into Vernon's face tonight!" She laughed harder the more she thought about it until the four of them were all laughing at the image.

Lily kissed James' cheek and touched his hand with her ring. He nodded and smiled at her. "Mum, Dad, while we have you alone. James and I would like to tell you a few things."

"A few things?"

James kissed their joined hands and smiled at her parents. "Two happy things and one thing we just think you should be made aware of. Which one would you like to hear first?"

Cecilia crossed her arms in front of her. "The bad news first."

"War has officially broken out in the magical world. Voldemort is at war with everyone and it's a very dangerous place for anyone that is not one hundred percent magical blood." James explained, squeezing Lily's hand in reassurance. "In fact, Hogwarts was attacked last week and one of the professors was killed. No one else was hurt, but Lily was threatened by Malfoy."

Deacon's eyes darkened and he stood up. "The one that raped my baby girl?"

James nodded. "It's getting scary out there, Deke, no joke. I promise I will protect Lily with my life and I won't let anything happen to her. But I thought that you should know what's going on."

"Thank you for being honest with us, James," Cecilia said quietly. "It's hard for us not to know what's going on in your world."

"Mum, I'll be fine, I promise. Hogwarts is the safest place in the world and they won't attack there again. They were making a point and now they know that they would never be able to get into the school a second time. Dumbledore has fortified the defences." She told them.

"Lily was incredibly brave," James said, smiling at her now. "She can definitely take care of herself."

"Yes, I can." She said making Deacon smile.

Deacon reached over and touched his daughter's knee. "Honey, we just want to know that you're safe, that's all."

"I'm safe. James and I both are safe."

Cecilia nodded, sighing in relief. "That's wonderful to hear. Now let's move onto this good news. Does it have anything to do with that rather magnificent ring on your finger?"

"What ring?" Deacon asked, his voice rather higher than usual.

Lily held her hand out to her parents so that they could see the ring in question. "Mum, Dad … James and I are getting married."

"Married?" Deacon spluttered, spitting out his wine. "But, but … you … but … married? You're still a baby!"

Lily smiled, standing up to hug her father. "I'm going to be eighteen, Dad. I've been an adult in the wizarding world for almost a year. I want to get married."

He tugged her down into his lap and buried his face in her shoulder. "When did my girls grow up on me? First Petunia's getting married in a few days and now you're getting married."

"In September," James added as Deacon pouted.

"September is a beautiful month for a wedding." Cecilia said, hugging James. "Welcome to the family, dear. We couldn't imagine a more perfect choice for our daughter."

"Thank you." He said, hugging Deacon while Cecilia engulfed her daughter in a hug and carefully studied her ring. "We're really happy."

Once they were all seated again, Cecilia spoke up. "You said two happy things? What is the other one?"

"You're not pregnant, right?" Deacon said, eyeing James rather darkly.

Lily laughed. "No, Dad. I'm not pregnant."

"Good. I'm not ready for that yet." He admitted, taking a large sip of his wine before simply finishing the glass.

James grinned. "Actually, my parents are the reason for the second one."

"They gave us a house."

"They what?" Cecilia asked, her eyes wide as she looked between her daughter and her future son-in-law.

Lily nodded. "Uh-huh and it's so beautiful, Mum. It's in Godric's Hollow in the West Country and its perfect! It's a two story cottage, two and half bedrooms. It was made for us!"

"It really was. We were completely blown away by the gift. My parents surprised us both."

Deacon simply stared at them. "A house? Wow. That's … incredible. Congratulations."

"Really, Dad?" Lily asked, moving to hug him again.

"Really." He kissed her cheek. "I think its time we pop open the champagne! Wine just isn't the right beverage for this kind of celebration!"

Cecilia jumped up, grinning widely. "I'll get it and Lily, then we're going to talk wedding plans."

It was almost two in the morning by the time James and Lily made their way upstairs. Lily carefully opened her suitcase and unpacked her things. She had just finished and went to clean her teeth when James apparated into her bedroom.

"I thought maybe you forgot," she said, smiling at him.

He made a growling sound in his throat as he tugged her towards him. "I've been working to push the image from my mind all bloody night so you're father didn't kill me." He carefully unhooked the buttons in the back of her dress and slipped it down to the floor. He swallowed slowly at the vision in front of him. "You're truly trying to kill me," he whispered as he carefully touched the black transparent nightie.

She smiled up at him and kissed his cheek. "Only a little bit. I was going more for a heart attack."

He pressed his lips to her shoulder. "Doing a pretty damn good job of it."

Lily wrapped her arms around his neck. "I bet I can do even better once you get out of those clothes."

James picked her up and carefully placed her on the bed before he tugged off his clothes so that he was in nothing but his underwear. "Mmm, I'll hold you to that."

Then he covered her lips with his