Rooftoppers
26th March 1979
"I think I could jump that," James said, peering over the edge of the rooftop to the top of the next building on the street.
Lily didn't even look at him before replying. "Absolutely not. Do not do that."
As usual, his wife was following the mission exactly as instructed, not tearing her eyes away from the hotel window they were supposed to be watching across the street.
"It's not that far," James said. "I really think I could do it. Wouldn't that be impressive! Something to be remembered for. The man who leapt between buildings."
"James Potter, we've been married less than three months. If you die this early into our marriage because your years of Quidditch have made you think you're capable of flight even without a broom, I swear I will never forgive you."
"I can imagine my gravestone. James Potter. Beautiful creature. Human bird. Magical man. Wondrous being."
"You'll be lucky," Lily said, lips curving into a smile. "I'd be the one carving that gravestone. It would say James Potter. Gravity got him in the end. It was only a matter of time, with that enormous head."
James laughed and grabbed her, pressing a kiss against her neck. She was warm and smelt like lavender, as she always did.
Lily reached back to ruffle his hair, then pulled away. "We're on duty. We need to concentrate."
"On what?" James yawned, then sat down at the edge of the rooftop, letting his legs dangle off the edge of the building in front of us. "Malfoy's not even doing anything. We should have known as soon as Narcissa turned up. They're just on a date. A sexy date."
Lily sighed and sat down next to him. James cast a netting charm on the edge of the roof, making sure the magic would catch her if she slipped. He held out an arm and Lily tucked herself in at his side.
"I think you're right, actually," she said. "Moody's intel must have been off. Look at what Narcissa's wearing. She's not wasting a lace bodysuit like that on nefarious dark deeds."
"I'd do nefarious dark deeds with you in that bodysuit." James nibbled the skin behind Lily's ear.
Lily's breath hitched and for a moment James thought he'd successfully distracted her, but then she tucked her hair over her shoulder, creating a barrier between his mouth and her skin.
"Later," she said with a small smile. "When the others take over."
"Who's taking over? I thought we were on all night."
"Dorcas and Fabian. I called in a favour. I haven't forgotten what day it is, birthday boy."
"Not until tomorrow."
Lily finally looked away from the window to give him a mischievous grin. Her eyes sparkled. "I thought I'd get some early gifts in later. At midnight. To help you start your 19th year on a high."
"Ooo what sort of gifts?"
"You'll see."
"Sexy gifts?"
"Perhaps."
James looked back at the window. "As sexy as the gift Lucius Malfoy's giving Narcissa right now?"
Lily burst into laughter. "You'll be lucky. I just don't know if I can bend like that."
"Are we really just going to sit here watching this?"
"I think we have to. If we abandon our post now and something happens…well, you know how it is. We need to stay and do our bit."
"Okay. But while we're here we might as well have some fun."
"Later, James. We're on a public rooftop! And it's not your birthday yet!"
"I wasn't talking about that! Honestly, get your mind out of the gutter, Lily. No. I'm talking about something better! Something extraordinary!"
"I swear to Merlin if you still think I'm going to support you jumping off this building I will cancel all of your birthday surprises."
"Even the sexy ones?"
"Especially the sexy ones."
"Oh, fine. I'll keep my feet safely on the ground. I don't need to be a human bird anyway."
"You've done plenty of being a human bird. I've seen you on the Quidditch Pitch."
"That's true. I am magnificent."
Lily squeezed his hand. "I know you miss it. You hardly get to take your broom out these days."
James shrugged. "It's okay. I don't need a broom."
"Please don't say it's because you'll be able to leap to that building without one."
"I wasn't going to say that!" James pressed a quick kiss against her freckled nose. "But I don't need one! I'm always flying, now. All the time. Every minute of every day. Because I've got you."
A/N: My other story is an angsty Marauders fic where they're all destined for unhappy endings, so here's some joy! Leave me a review to let me know what you think! Jem xx