AN: Sorry for the late update, people! I had a huge computer project to do and exams to study for these past two weeks. I hope you haven't decided to abandon me yet. :)

This one's for Stardrops: No, I am not confused on how to end the story. I have always known how this was going to end. I'm just dragging it out to torture you guys¡Kmwahaha! Enjoy! :)

Disclaimer: Common knowledge

Chapter 22: The Love You Want

"Okay, James, concentrate," Remus ordered. James did as he was told, taking deep, steady breaths.

"See the stag. Be the stag," Remus continued. James closed his eyes, imagining a graceful, powerful animal. He could feel the strong legs as though they were his. Then he heard a sudden muffled squeal and opened his eyes. His now-large, doelike eyes. He glanced down and realized that the springy legs were his! Amazing. Through the stag's eyes, he saw Remus's proud face, and Elsa's wide-eyed expression. He morphed back to human, not even needing to meditate like he had done before. "Well?"

Remus pretended to wipe mock tears from his eyes. "I'd, uh, like to thank my loyal fans¡K"

His girlfriend, Phoebe, rolled her eyes but smiled affectionately all the same. "Goof." She turned to James, beaming. "That was great, James!"

"Great? Great? You have just successfully performed the single biggest Transfiguration feat ever!" Remus broke in excitedly.

"Wow," Elsa sighed wistfully. "I'd love to do that."

Phoebe got up and brushed herself off. "Why not? Come on, I'll help you."

"Isn't it supposed to be really difficult?" Elsa inquired, brow furrowed.

"Animagus transformation is complicated, but please, you're brilliant. I'm sure you can do it," Phoebe replied. "We can get started in the next room."

Remus gaped at her.

"What?" Phoebe raised an eyebrow. "You honestly didn't think you guys were the only unregistered Animagi, did you?" She led Elsa out of the room.

"What can you turn into?" Remus called to her retreating back.

"A frog!" was the reply, which was followed by laughter.

James laughed at the expression on his friend's face. "Awww, you guys are so cute, it's sickening."

Remus flopped back down onto the floor and grabbed a couple of bottles of butterbeer. He tossed one to James. James caught it and twisted off the cap, gulping down the tasty drink. "She's really great," he mused.

Remus smiled as he sipped his butterbeer thoughtfully. "She is a piece of work, isn't she?" He traced the rim of the bottle with a finger, gazing contemplatively into the golden depths. "Can't believe I almost lost her."

James raised his eyebrows.

"Back then, I absolutely hated her," Remus explained. "My mom set us up¡Xshe always does that, setting me up with prissy rich girls so we could get an in into the higher society. Then, I would've done anything to get her off my back." He shook his head.

"Then?" James prodded.

"I fell in love." Remus leaned back on his elbows.

James thought for a moment. "Hey Remus, what do you think of Elsa?"

Remus shrugged. "She's the smartest girl I've ever met. She's really nice and kind, and pretty to boot." He cast James a sly grin. "You know, just put me out of my misery and ask her out already."

James felt a slow smile spread on his face. "Will you and Phoebe be alright here?"

Remus rolled his eyes. "Hello? We get to be alone for the first time in days and you ask if we're OK with it?"

Sirius felt glad. For the first time in so many days, Lily was smiling happily. She had convinced him to go to Muggle Paris for their date¡Xno magic whatsoever. While Sirius had had an uneasy time adjusting and Lily had had to pay for everything, the evening had gone quite well. They'd enjoyed French cuisine on top of the Eiffel Tower, and afterwards had gone to see a play at the theater. Now, they were back in Muggle England, (Lily had allowed the use of magic to transport them to Paris and back to England) and strolling through a park Lily knew of.

"It's so pretty out here," Lily commented wistfully. Her fingers played with the necklace Sirius had bought her. It really did look amazing on her, like it was made for her. Gently, Sirius leaned over and brushed her hair out of her eyes. She gazed down at the beautiful heart pendant, dangling from its silver chain.

"Alice told me the meaning behind the necklace," she said softly. "It's supposed to be a reminder for people to find their own true happiness." She looked up at him. "What's your true happiness, Sirius?"

Sirius considered. "My true happiness? Well, it would be now. What we're experiencing, the beauty of all the nature surrounding us¡Kit's my true happiness."

"That's a beautiful thought," Lily mused. She took a deep breath. "Sirius, I know I haven't been a good girlfriend lately. I hope you understand that right now, with James coming back and everything, I'm really confused about where my heart truly lies."

Sirius smiled in understanding. "Lily, I would wait for you forever."

"Thanks Sirius. Thank you so much."

Lily and Sirius had gone from sitting in the park to strolling in the streets of Muggle London. Lily clutched his hand, grateful for Sirius's support. He'd made it clear that no matter which one she chose, he would always still be there to be her friend. And that was exactly what Lily needed now: a friend. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, Lily spotted a flash of golden-brown hair. Lily craned her neck to catch a better glimpse. Sure enough, it was Elsa. With James. Out on a¡Kdate. Lily felt a piercing pain in her heart. She tried to remind herself that he had every right to go out with Elsa. She¡Khad no claim over him anymore. As she watched James laughing with Elsa, Lily finally realized that. It hit her full blast: it was over. Her story with James had reached its conclusion. She had to make a new beginning, as James was doing. "Sirius," she called, stopping suddenly.

He turned to face her. "Yeah?"

"You won't have to wait forever," she said, stepping closer. "I've made my choice. And I choose you."

Sirius was so startled, he actually stumbled. "W-what?"

Lily repeated her statement. "I choose you."

Sirius planted a gentle, passionate kiss on her lips and swept her up into a big bear hug. Lily smiled sadly as the figures of Elsa and James moved farther away. It was the most painful decision she had ever made. But she finally let James go.