Chapter 6- A walk along the beach

over the next few months Remus settled in well. It seemed that he ACTUALLY enjoyed housework. He was good at it too. He helped a great deal, as Lily's training was getting longer and more extensive. It was her final terms and she needed all the spare time she could get. She was also doing allot of over time at work. It was getting neared to Christmas and even the Hogshead was getting busier. But this also meant that she was spending allot less time with James. She decided that she needed to do something special for him this Christmas. She had finally graduated Healer training with distinction, she had quit her job and she had a new job lined up for her after the holiday season. This left her with some spare time and galleons.

The week before Christmas James took Lily out for a special meal to celebrate her new job (head nurse on the magical incidents ward). It was such a romantic place. The walls, floor and ceiling looked like the night sky, all the stars floating around them as the only source of light. Music was playing softly in the background and all the waiters were ghosts giving off a pearly white glow. "Lily it feels as though I haven't seen you for ages." James said taking her hand across the table.
"I know, I'm sorry. But it's over now. I have 2 weeks off then I start my new job and I'll be working a normal 5 day week, 9-5. Just like you." She replied.
"Thank merlin." James grinned.
"Anyway MR Potter, I have a Christmas present for you." She smiled.
"But Christmas is a week away yet."
"I know but... well open it and you'll see." She passed him a small oblong box, which he opened. Inside was a letter. He picked it up and read it aloud. "Dear Miss Evans, I am writing in confirmation to your reservation at Farmleys bed and breakfast..."
"It's a holiday to Cornwall!" Lily cut in excitedly. "We go on Wednesday and come back the day before new years eve!" He started to talk but again she cut across excitedly. "Don't worry about your work, I've sorted that out with Moody for you. I'm soooooo excited. What do you think?" James smiled at her euphoria. She seemed so cute.
"Our first holiday together." He stated. "Thank you soooo much, it's great!" The rest of dinner flew by and they ended back at Godric's Hollow hand in hand.

By Wednesday James and Lily had packed and were on their way. James had borrowed Sirius' motor bike (He was the only person Sirius ever lent it to) Lily had shrunk their luggage to fit on the back. James had told his mates and sister that he had a special mission to go on over the holidays- they had complained about it (and made him feel extremely guilty) but they accepted the reason. Lily told Remus that she would be visiting her sister over Christmas. She didn't want him to be alone over Christmas though, so she told him he could have someone over to stay if he wished. So he invited Clare Potter, as she would be alone too, what with James gone too. Sirius and Andi were to be staying with Jonathan Black. And Peter was staying with his girlfriend's family.

Devon was an 8-hour drive from Godric's hollow- on ground. By air it was 2 hours max. Lily and James landed safely in Cornwall just after lunch that day. Lily had gotten a map from the ministry and was directing James to their bed and breakfast. She could say any destination and the map would guide you instantly. James however wasn't too good at following directions and managed to add another hour onto the journey before they finally reached the small guesthouse in Bude. They went in the main entrance and were greeted warmly by the smiling faces of Mr and Mrs Farmley. They were an elderly couple and the decoration of the house surrounding them mirrored this.

"Mr and Mrs Evans?" Mrs Farmley questioned. Lily blushed.
"No Miss Evans and Mr Potter." She said.
"Oh my, I'm afraid there's a mistake in your booking. We only have one room prepared."
"That's ok, we're a couple- we only ordered one room." Lily replied.
"Oh… you're a couple?" Mrs Farmley seemed a little shocked. She was quite set back in her old fashioned views. "Well Timothy here will help you with your luggage and show you to your room. Feel free to call on us need be." She warmed up smiling, as she watched the young couple follow her husband up the stairs hand in hand. Their room was allot bigger then they had expected. It had a big double bed, attached ensuite bathroom and it even had a small Christmas tree in the corner. After Timothy had left Lily chucked her case to the floor ran and jumped on the bed and began bouncing up and down. James folded his arms and smiled at her as she laughed like a child.
"What are you doing?" He asked coyly.
"Bouncing silly!" She exclaimed.
"You'll break that if you're not careful!" He replied.
"Nah, I won't. Come and join me!"
"Nope, you couldn't pay me to look that stupid!" He teased, a big smile playing across his features. All of a sudden Lily took a flying leap forwards and onto James sending them both hurtling to the floor.
"Thanks for being my cushion." Lily giggled as she laid on top of James.
"No problem." He replied slyly. "Only… now it's your turn to be my cushion." He flipped her off himself, pinning her to the ground, by sitting on her legs and holding her hands above her head. She took a deep breath as she looked up into his eyes.
"James." She whispered, as he engulfed he in kisses. He started at the base of her neck, using his tongue to set her off in giggles, tickling her as he worked his way up to her lips. As the kisses deepened, James released Lily's hands and they wound themselves around his neck, bringing the 2 bodies closer and in a more passionate embrace. As things got hotter and hotter they were suddenly disturbed by a knock at the door. Thus bringing them away from each other's thoughts and back to the fact they were laying on the floor on top of each other. James grinned at his breathless little red head then got up off her and answered the door. It was Mrs Farmley.
"Hello dear, I just wanted to know what time you wanted breakfast tomorrow?"
"About 9 o'clock?" James said turning to Lily who was now off the floor. She nodded.
"What paper would you like?" She asked.
"The daily Phr.."
"Mail. The daily mail please." Lily quickly cut in. The Farmleys were Muggles and James was about to ask them for a non-existent paper.
"Are you alright? I heard a loud bang about 20 minutes ago." Mrs Farmley asked. Lily giggled remembering what she had done.
"James fell off the bed. Don't worry about it, he's fine." Mrs Farmley didn't know quite how to take this comment. So she ignored it.
"Ok then dears. Call me if you need me." She said as she trotted off.
"Now where were we?" Lily asked as she shut the door. James smiled as he began to approach her. "Ow yeah. I was going to unpack." She exclaimed pleased with herself.
"WHAT?" James questioned. "That's what my mind was last on!" Lily smiled at him innocently, which just made him want her more.
"Come on, you helping or just watching?" he sighed laying back on his bed.

"Watching." So he sat watching Lily unpack. Every now and again he would add in a comment like; "I don't see why you have to unpack- we could just live out our trunks." Or "This would be much more interesting for me if you stripped down to your underwear." He got a slap for the last comment. At one point when Lily started unpacking his briefs, she began waving them around teasing him with them. It ended up with her hanging one pair out of the window threatening to drop them, and then actually dropping them by accident and being made by James to retrieve them out of the bush that they had landed in. Lily did so then ran back through the guesthouse blushing like mad with her boyfriends underpants in her hands. Anyone who saw must have thought she was crazy!

Once Lily had finished unpacking (Not daring to tease James again) they went and got fish and chips, then walked along the sea front eating them. They sat late into the night watching the tide come in rather gently considering it was mid winter. It was the first night to a magical holiday and their first as a couple.

The next morning after breakfast, Lily and James went up to their room to get ready to spend the day at the beach. They were going to sandymouth one of the most popular beaches to visit in Southern England. They were and odd couple. James had piled as many clothes onto himself as humanely possible, where as Lily had stripped down to a tee shirt and shorts over her swimming costume.
"What are you wearing?" James asked her. "It's got to be about 5 degrees out side!" He exclaimed.
"What are you wearing more like? We're going to the beach not the Antarctic!" She grinned.
"But it's cold!"
"Aren't you coming swimming in the sea then? I heard the surf in this part of England is excellent." James had always loved his sports. "We're going to get wet anyway. And it's tradition. You can't seriously come on a traditional English holiday without wearing the traditional English beach wear!" She waved he wand and muttered a carefully chosen spell and James was standing in a tee shirt and shorts also.
"You know what, Lilikins, you are crazy. And for that I love you!" He smiled. "But that doesn't mean I plan on freezing my butt off!" He reached for a jumper.
"We're gonna take coats!" Lily said

If anyone had been on the beach that day, they would have seen 2 20 year olds running along the golden sand in shorts and tee shirts. This wasn't normal behaviour on the 22nd of December. It was bitter cold and rainy. the sea was choppy and only Lily's childish mirth and James' love of her and happiness could be heard. They had attempted to put up and umbrella over their picnic blanket, but had ended up chasing it down the beach. The wind had made it impossible even when using magic. They ate a small, wet picnic and then commenced in making sandcastles together. Just as they were leaving Lily wrote in the sand LE 4 JP 4EVA and James encircled it in a giant heart. James looked at Lily, she looked so sexy. Her hair was wet and fell shaggily round her face. Her tee shirt was soaked through and clung to her enhancing certain parts of her figure more. Her lips and nose were redder then normal and her eyes stood out more than he remembered, glowing with her excitement and happiness. He was getting those thoughts more often. He felt that in the last month their relationship had been reaching levels of closeness that it never had before. That now they loved each other and were content in what they had mentally, they were ready for something more physical. He knew what the next step was in the relationship and he knew he had to make it special.

Lily and James returned to Sirius' bike and wrapped big coats around themselves (Which lily had placed a warming charm on) and headed for the guesthouse. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve Lily decided that their guestroom wasn't festive enough. So she dragged James out to shop for some decorations. They returned with arms full of tinsel, fairy lights and strips of paper. First Lily, with a little help from James, redecorated the Christmas tree. They piled it high in tinsel making it look traditionally tacky. They then magically hung decorations from the ceiling, intertwined them into the bedposts and hung mistletoe from the doorframe. Finally they sat down and Lily showed James how to make paper chains- the Muggle way. They sat there for a good part of the day making and hanging the chains and by teatime, Lily had succeeded in making their room look as good as Santa's grotto. That evening they went to the local midnight mass ceremony at their local church. Singing hymns, praying for those less fortunate and joining together in the celebration of life and happiness.

James knew Lily was thinking of her parents. It was this night 3 years ago they had shared their last meal. This time 3 years ago they had been murdered. James had seen a definite change in Lily since that day. She had always been more confident in herself, more determined to prove herself to the world.

They had truly made her a better person.

The next morning James woke to Lily bouncing on their bed again.
"Merry Christmas, sleepy head!" She smiled jumping on top of him.
"Lily, what time is it?" He yawned sleepily, trying to get up but failing as he still had the little red head weighing him down.
"Just past eight. I've been waiting for you to wake up for over an hour. But... well I got bored of waiting." She grinned.
"I gathered." He said dryly.
"Santa's been." She said as she pulled them both into a sitting position. He looked over at the tree, which had a small pile of presents at the bottom.
They went over to the tree, still in their pyjamas and sorted the presents into two piles.
Lily started unwrapping the first. It was a cute Heffalump stuffed toy. Obviously magical. It was changing colour and moved occasionally. attached was a thick letter, which lily scanned through quickly, smiling at a couple of what seemed to be photos.
"Who sent you that?" James questioned.
"You remember Crystal." She replied.
"Oh you still keep in touch with her." He said dejectedly.
"James I asked her not to tell you where I was. I'm sorry, I know you tried." He smiled in response.
"So what's she up to these days?" He asked.
"She works in a magical toy factory, well actually, she runs it. She's second in command at humbard's toy's. She's also married and her first child is on its way. See." She held a photo in front of James' eyes showing him a very pregnant Crystal, arm around a handsome looking man.
"So she's well over Peter then." James stated.
"Very."
"Good, cause he's kinda going out with Hayley." James said nervously. Lily did not seem to fazed. And went back to presents. She got a small box of sweets from Remus. She hadn't expected anything, so this was nice.
And Alice had gotten her a beautiful night-dress. It was short and frilly. And laying under the nightdress was a pair of handcuffs with a note attached saying 'have fun with James this Christmas' Ha, Lily thought dryly. She had to get her friend back for that. She quickly stowed the handcuffs out of sight, so James wouldn't see, but when she looked up him, he was blushing and holding a small tub of chocolate body paint.
"Franks work?" She said knowingly. James just nodded glumly. She smiled back at him holding up Alice's handcuffs.
"Snap. You know were going to have to get them back!" He just nodded.
Lily smiled and gave James his present from her. He unwrapped it swiftly revealing a box. Inside the box was a purple letter.
"It's a purple letter day (the magical version of a red letter day) You will spend the day working with the creators of things such as 'The all so mighty DUNG BOMB' and the all so mighty "Wet start fire works" They will let you choose and create your own prank item." She finished. James sat there mouth open wide.
"Yo.. really? I can't believe it! Thanks Lily." He kissed her on the cheek as she blushed.
"Well it's nothing really, I know it's not what you would choose for a career, but it sounded right down your alley." She stuttered.
"No really, I love It."
"Ok here's your present." James knelt down in front of Lily and pulled a small jewellery box out from under their Christmas tree. He passed it to her. She held a baited breath as she opened it to reveal... a beautiful necklace.
"Ow it's lovely." She said hugging him, trying to hide her disappointment. She had known what she had hoped for.

They spent Christmas morning stuffing themselves with sweets, talking, laughing and having a good time. They were going to spend the evening with the Farmleys as Mrs Farmley was making Christmas dinner and asked for their company.
"Heaven knows it'd do us some good having youngsters among us once again." She had said. It appeared that their children had grown up and left home a long time ago.

So before they settled down for dinner, James suggested a walk along the beach.
"Maybe it'll help all those sweets go down before dinner!" He had said rubbing his stomach greedily. So they set off out the guesthouse to the beach which was just opposite. Lily made sure that their attire was correct as usual (Shorts and tee shirt). She was skipping and singing and jumping around as if it were nobodies business.

Lily flung her sandals on the sand and went bounding into the sea splashing as much as she could, not a care in the world. She got about knee deep when James called her. She whirled around to face him and made her way back.
He came out towards her and they met about ankle deep. He looked scared, scared as if she were a three headed monster. As their eyes met, he dropped to one knee and she too felt butterflies fill her stomach. This was it, one of the happiest moments of her life.
"Lily, You make me the happiest I've ever been. When you left me I didn't know what to do, I was lost, had no meaning in life. I never want that to happen again. I love you. Lily I would love for you to be my wife." He held out the beautiful diamond ring that he had produced those 2 and a half years back. Lily was speechless. She couldn't believe that her dream was finally coming true. She still hadn't answered and James was beginning to freak.
"Lily will you marry me?" He asked again.
"YES! Yes of course I will, James I love you so much!" He smiled happily as he slipped the ring on her finger and Lily flung her arms around his neck. James spun her round, maybe a little too fast as they both ended up in the sea laughing their heads off.

They didn't care.

They were finally engaged.

On the way back, neither Lily nor James could prevent themselves from grinning at each other. Every now and then they would kiss the other on the cheek or squeeze the others hand. Lily couldn't help but glance at her new ring every 5 seconds. They didn't even realise they were both still soaking wet. Mrs Farmley did though. As they entered the guesthouse, they were still all smiles. The smell of a roast turkey wafted through the corridor. Mrs Farmley rushed out.
"oh dears, is it raining?" They both looked at themselves.
"uh, no." Lily started- still grinning. "We kind of fell into the sea." Mrs Farmley looked confused. She never would understand youngsters these days.
"Well, however did you manage that? Oh never mind you two just run up and get changed, you'll have just enough time before dinners ready. Then you can tell us what happened." Lily and James (guess what...) grinned, and went up stairs. They got changed into formal clothes and returned downstairs into the dinning room. On the table four places had been set out, a turkey the Mr Farmley was currently carving was in the centre and an assortment of vegetables, stuffing, sausages and gravy was surrounding it. Christmas crackers were beside each plate as well as a napkin. Mrs Farmley sat at the head of the table.
"Do sit down dears." She said to them. And they as well as Mr Farmley took their places. As dinner began to be dished out they began also to make conversation. "So how did you manage to fall into the sea and get yourselves so wet?" She asked.

"Well I asked Lily a question and she got a bit excited and jumped on me, sending us both crashing down." James said with a big smile, looking directly into Lilly's eyes.
"And what question was that?" Mrs Farmley prompted.
"If she would consent to becoming Mrs Lillian Potter." He smirked. "That's got a nice ring to it you know." He added.
"Oh my congratulations my dears. That's a definite cause for a celebration. Timothy go and get a bottle of Champagne out of the cellar." Timothy rushed off. "My that does explain why you to can't keep your eyes off of one another and why you can't wipe those grins off your faces."
"This is a lovely meal, Mrs Farmley." Lily smiled. Mrs Farmley beamed at her.
"Now dear, you can call me Victoria. Enough with the Mrs Farmley business. And you may call my husband Timothy." They continued the meal talking pleasantly. Mrs Farmley asking questions such as;
"So what is it you two do as a living."
"Well, I've just qualified as a doctor and James is a Policeman." Lily said describing their jobs as if they were Muggle.
"A poleese man?" James asked with a grin, to receive a glare back.
"Yes James, I still don't know why you find that so funny? It IS your career! He is so weird some times" She added covering with a grin. The rest of the meal went quite smoothly. After they relaxed in front of the fireplace in the living room still just chatting. James was desperately trying to make the set of screwdrivers he got in his cracker move or something, he couldn't contemplate the fact it had been a Muggle cracker. Finally at 9 o'clock they retired to their room.

Upon entering it Lily instantly noticed a difference. It seemed that James still had another Christmas suprise up his sleeve. The decorations they had put up were all gone, the lights were off and had been replaced with floating candles and red rose petals had bee scattered over the bed and around the floor.
"Now I'll understand if you're not ready for this I just made this as a gesture if you felt like I..." Lily cut across him.
"Shut up and kiss me." She stated a different kind of grin playing across her mouth. He consented, planting the most deep and intimate kiss on he lips that they had ever shared. That night, they consummated their love for one another. Ending the best Christmas they had ever shared.

The next morning Lily woke up next to James again, but this time she felt more content then she ever had. She was engaged and had given everything she had to her partner. She was his forever more. He smiled down at her.
"Morning sleepy head." He smiled.
"Morning." She yawned happily back.
"Lily, now we're engaged… will you move in with me? I… I mean I hate not having you there with me everyday, having o wait for you to come round. And… and even though I trust you and I trust Remus, I just hate you sharing your place with another bloke." James got out what was on his mind. Lily smiled at him sleepily.
"Silly James." She said amused at his awkwardness. "Course I'll move In with you. It must be hard- me sharing with Remus, but I'm not kicking him out. I have to make sure he has some place to stay before I announce I'm moving out." She said seriously.
"I'll buy him a place." James stated. "I have enough money."
"James, you know he will hate you for it. We have to find a way to help him help himself."
"I know, your right. I just want you with me now!" James groaned.
"I am with you now!" Lily chuckled.
"You know that's not what I meant!" James said tickling her. "Anyway." He stopped. " I think it's about time my mates knew about us." Lily looked unsure. "Unless you'd prefer we just got married secretly and they will never know." He mocked her. She kept her face as serious as possible and nodded.
"Yes I think that would be best." She said. James didn't know how exactly to take this.
"Lil's I was kidding." He said slowly, causing her to burst out laughing.
"So was I James!" He began tickling her again. Then stopped.
"Ok, so I think we should throw a new years eve party at Godric's hollow. You, me, Sirius, Andi, Peter, Remus and Claire."
"K." Lily replied quietly. "James you will stick up for me right? They all hate me." James smiled down at her sympathetically.
"Course I will, love." They snuggled together and spent the rest of the day talking, discussing wedding arrangements and how their future together would go.

They had no idea how far from the truth they were. But then when you plan your life you hope it will shape out nicely.

On Christmas morning Claire Potter arrived promptly at the residence which Lily and Remus shared, present under one arm, Christmas pudding under the other. She had been ever so grateful when Remus had offered to cook her Christmas dinner. She didn't know what she was going to do. James had gone away for Christmas and she was going to be spending it alone. Remus opened the front door wearing Lily's frilly pink apron. He had forgotten he had been wearing it and as Claire didn't know he shared this house with a woman- it looked rather odd. But thankfully Claire refrained from mentioning it.
"Merry Christmas!" She said cheerily handing him the present in her hand.
"Likewise." He replied. "Come in!" he pushed her into the cosy living room, on the side there were snacks and Remus reached under the tree pulling out the last present.
"For you." He smiled. They both unwrapped their gifts. Remus had gotten Claire a book on hair charms (It had just been in his price range) and she had gotten him a brief case with "R. J. Lupin" imprinted in gold letters on the handle. They hugged and thanked each other just talking until their dinner was ready. They talked all day long, having many things in common. They acknowledged how much happier James had been in recent months and how they were glad to see how he was pulling himself together after so long. Neither thought a girl would have such and effect over him as he had always been such a strong and independent soul.
The subject changed again and Remus asked how Claire's salon had been doing. She smiled.
"It's great. In fact I've been doing so well recently, I'm planning on expanding. Only problem is I need some new stylists. I think I am going to try and find some people to train up. Know anyone who might be interested?" A light bulb switched on in Remus' mind.
"Well actually, I was looking for work. Would you be interested in training up your brothers friend?" Claire grinned at him.
"Remus you're a star, you're hired."

Finally, he didn't have to sponge off of lily anymore. He was grateful for all she'd done for him but he still didn't feel right in it all. He knew perfectly well that she didn't really need him and was just doing in out of the kindness of her heart.

Lily and James enjoyed the rest of their week away together. Lily had taken him to a pier (The only one which was open this time of the year) It wasn't one with allot of rides, just a nice view and a few amusements. James was very pleased with them and Lily had to drag him away. He was spending all her money (He only had wizard gold)
The week drew to a close all two soon for the newly engaged couple and both went home with heavy hearts, knowing what was coming would be hard. But together they would set James' friend right. Only together could they prevail.

I would just like to thank anyone who has read and or reviewed my ficcy.

You don't know how much you mean to me.

I hope you like this chapter, sorry it took so long to come- I've been away.

If u wana read anything else check out a really short one I rote called- "Hello it's me again" It is lily and James again.

It's in my profile.

Thanks to anyone who has reviewed that for me ;)

Luv ya

Jessie xxxx