The full moon was drawing nearer. Remus had been so caught up in everything, especially Ari, that he hadn't even noticed. But it was two days until his transformation and he hadn't come up with an excuse. The only solution was to tell her, but that seemed like the hardest thing he would ever have to do in his life. He tried to think of all the things to say to her as he walked down the dark corridor to where they had arranged to meet. She was sitting on the steps with tears in her eyes. Remus ran to her and pulled her into his arms. What's the matter, Ari?
Nothing. It's just that you wanted to meet me alone in this deserted corridor. Usually that means either you have something extremely bad to tell me or you're breaking up with me and I just thought I'd get all my tears out now.
Remus laughed and wrapped his arms around her waist. He lay his head on hers and inhaled, breathing in the scent of her hair.
said Ari, chuckling as Remus smelled her hair again, what did you want to see me for?
I – er – have to tell you something.
Ari's periwinkle eyes locked with Remus'.
I like you a lot and–
Ari looked away and lay her head against Remus's chest as if expecting the worst.
Remus took a deep breath and continued, I like you a lot and I don't want to loose you, but there's something you should know about me.
Ari looked up at him again her eyes sparkling with watery tears.
I– I'm a– I'm a–
What Remus? she spat out suddenly. What are you going to tell me that will break my heart?
I'm not trying to break your heart. I care about you, but I have to tell you what I am before it gets too hard.
Ari's voice softened.
He took another deep breath.
I– I'm a werewolf.
Oh, all right. She leaned up and kissed him gingerly.
You don't care?
Why would I? She kissed him.
I don't know. I guess that's why I love you.
You love me? Ari gazed at him. She looked perfectly content.
I suppose I do. He tightened his grip around Ari and sighed. I wish things could stay this way forever.
Me too.
I just met you and I have to leave.
I know, but we have all summer. I'll come visit you, all right?
I would love that.
Me too.
Remus crawled in the portrait hole very late that night a smile plastered across his face. He was in love and no one could take that away from him. No one.
*****
The 7th years laughed. There was always laughter when James Potter talked. The fact that this was their graduation didn't change much. Every year the Head Boy and Head Girl made a speech. Lily was next. She fidgeted and shuffled her note cards. Marty leaned over and whispered, Don't worry, you'll be fine. Lily gave her a weak smile. What did Marty have to worry about? She was perfectly content sitting with her hand in Sirius' (they had become an shortly after the ball).
James wrapped up his speech and smiled down at Lily from the podium. And now I would like to welcome this years Head Girl and Valedictorian, Lily Potter. Lily had already started making her way up to the podium when she realized what James had said. Oh, sorry, Lily love, I meant to ask you. Will you marry me?
Lily panicked. Never in her life had she been proposed to. She didn't know what to say so she turned and headed for the door. The Great Hall never seemed bigger. Her dazed walk soon turned into a sprint as she tried to reach the exit before James stopped her. She was too late. James had already pulled out his wand and locked the doors. Lily turned around and faced James who had run after her.
he whispered, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You know that, don't you? Lily nodded. James continued, I knew I loved you the first time I laid eyes on you. You were so quiet and shy when you walked into our compartment and asked if you could sit with us. Do you remember?
Lily nodded again. Y-You said, Sure thing Carrot-top.'
Yes, you were so angry. You said If you ever call me Carrot-top again I'll use the leg-locker curse on you.
Then you said, I bet you will, Carrot-top.
So you used the leg-locker curse on me. How was I supposed to know you could do magic already? Lily laughed and kissed James lightly. It took four years for me to forgive you for hexing me.
And four years to forgive you for calling me Carrot-top, Lilzy, and Peaches the Green-Eyed Monster.
Four years we could have spent together. He pulled her close. Lily rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Don't you understand, Lily? I don't want to waste anymore years. It took me four years to admit I loved you, and now that I have I can't keep it in. I need you Lily. You're the only person that has ever made me happy.
I love you, James.
He took her hand and led her up to the podium. He lowered himself on one knee and pulled out his wand. Lily, will you be my wife? She nodded. He muttered something else. Out of his wand came a stream of gold light. It wrapped itself around Lily's finger. The light glistened and became the most beautiful ring. Look at the inscription on the inside, he whispered. Lily pulled off the ring slowly and read: Forever and Always the Flower and the Stag
Lily wrapped her arms around James' neck. The two shared the most passionate kiss in Hogwarts History. Soon everyone in the hall stood. They clapped and Sirius let out a low whistled of approval before he kissed Marty. The cheering didn't stop until they heard a high-pitched scream coming from the corridor.
A/N: Thougt I'd end it with a cliffhanger. I wish people actually read my fic. Oh well, at least some people do. By the way, if you review you get a cookie : ) I just have to figure out a way to send it to you...