Chapter Forty Six
"So James is really okay with this?" Travis asked hesitantly. "I mean, the fact that you and I are spending all day shopping for a wedding doesn't bother him in the least?"
Lily smiled up at Travis, his wispy blond hair and intense blue eyes. She pondered for a moment what it was that had made him so attractive to her when she had decided to go out with him back at school. Well, it was obvious - he was perfect. Adorable, popular, athletic, attentive, blond hair, blue eyes - the whole package. But that's why she loved James so much. He was not perfect. He was different. He had flaws. He was always spontaneous and making mistakes. But she loved it. Living in perfection would be entirely too dull for Lily. With James, life would be an exciting adventure.
"No worries, Travis." Lily confirmed. "I simply told him that you and I were going shopping for the wedding." However, she didn't tell him about the fear in James' eyes when she had told him. Or the 'I love you' and the sweet kiss he left her with before they departed.
"He should know that he has nothing to worry about." Travis said nonchalantly. "No offense, Lily, but there's just... nothing there anymore." he said, waving his hands between them.
"I know, I agree." Lily smiled. She marveled at how strange the heart really was. She looked at Travis and was eternally grateful that she had no romantic feelings whatsoever for Travis anymore. A caring and platonic friendship had replaced that long ago. However, she used to utterly despise James Potter, and at the moment, she could suppress how anxious she was to become his wife. Strange indeed are the matters of the heart.
"And besides, you are just four little words away from becoming Mrs. Lily Potter." Travis said with a grin.
Lily grinned at the sound. Lily Potter. "But what about Jenny?" she teased as they entered Madame Belle's Boutique. "Is she any closer to becoming Mrs. King?"
Travis lowered his head and his face flushed. "Well, rather close, actually."
"Really?" said a shocked Lily.
"Yeah..." Travis said, shuffling his feet. "I'm hoping for it to be soon because we're getting kinda... antsy." he chuckled.
"Hot and bothered?" Lily grinned knowingly.
"Something like that." Travis smiled.
"Can I help you with anything?"
They both turned to see a beautiful dark haired witch standing behind a counter with large blue eyes and a kind smile. "I am Madame Belle, what can I do for you?"
"Yes, we're here to pick up some flowers for a wedding." Lily said.
"Oh, marvelous!" Madame Belle exclaimed. "You two are so adorable together. Have you set a date?"
Lily gasped, her ears turning pink, and her eyes widening. "Oh, but we're not the ones getting married." Travis explained quickly. "I'm the Best Wizard and she's the Witch of Honor. We're just here to pick up the Longbottom's flowers." Travis explained, heat rising to his own cheeks.
"Oh, excuse me," she fussed. "I'm so sorry. People just say the word 'wedding' and I get all excited. Now, let me go get Janel - She can help you pick out the perfect flowers for the wedding." Then she turned and was gone.
"It appears that she has the same mind-set as James." said a flustered Lily.
"Don't worry, Lily." said Travis, patting her back reassuringly. "James will ask you any day now to be his and then you'll be Lily Potter for the rest of your life."
"I hope so," Lily said with a weak smile.
---
In the Wizarding World, marriage was a very serious matter. Not only did you exchange vows and rings, but there was also a ceremony that consisted of having the Official Marriage Seal tattooed on the left shoulder of the bride, and the right shoulder of the groom. It was a painless spell, but unbreakable. Wizard divorces were rare and very complicated.
But that was the farthest thing from James' mind at the moment. No way was anyone even fathoming the word. With the vows that had just been exchanged, the love that was emanating in the large dance hall, the way Alice and Frank were eyeing each other... it was almost sickening...
Yes, on this the 1st day of July, Alice was now Mrs. Frank Longbottom.
James was watching as the newly joined family taking pictures... with the Witch of Honor and the Best Wizard. Lily and Travis were standing side by side, rather close actually, posing for the photographer.
It's too close, James thought. His Lily, standing in the arms of that... Travis King. Once one of his finest Quidditch team mates, now the cause of one of his biggest insecurities. James told himself that Lily loved him and that Travis was just a thing of the past. But still... there they were, standing in each other's arms. James was ashamed of the uncertainty that filled his heart. With one more cold glare at Travis, James sighed.
James turned his back to the busy family and friends that were working with the photographer. He rather grouchily marched over to the drink counter, pouring himself a large glass of champagne. After taking a long swig, he glumly patted the large lump in his pocket and sighed again helplessly. He had brought the ring, just in case he felt the urge to pop the question. But how could he even consider asking Lily to marry him when he was so full of doubt? Lily - the very essence of h is dreams, the love of his life - his Lily.
He didn't want to turn around and see them, standing happily together. It only brought torturous thoughts to his mind, letting his imagination run free. Not to mention that he had a growing hate and resentment towards one of his former friends.
As James took another long drink of the intoxicating liquid, he wondered if Lily would even notice he was gone, should he decide to leave early. It was becoming too much for him. The thought of Travis made him queasy, sick and angry. He didn't want to be in the same room as him, breath the same air...
It was then that James realized what a dangerous thing liquor really was. He was beginning to think of things like hot searing blades, voo-doo dolls and the giant squid back at Hogwarts - each scenario consisting of Travis giving his last breath. But James was now in control, his clouded mind was now clear, and he places the drink back on the table.
But he still didn't want to breath the same air as Travis King.
"Hey, James."
Speak of the devil.
Damnet.
James sighed and turned around. There was Travis, the epitome of everything James despised.
"Travis," James said in greeting. He tried to force his voice to be friendly, but it was colder than he had anticipated.
"How have you been?" Travis said, patting him on the back, making James stiffen. James then picked up his glass once more, downing the last little bit and turned to Travis.
"I've been busy," he responded. "You know, working at the Ministry, Auror training, dating Lily," he said pointedly.
Travis' eyes fell. "Yeah, about that..."
"About what?" James dared.
"Lily." he said. James felt his chest tighten again.
"What about her, Travis?" James said with a frustrated sigh.
"Look, James, I just want to make sure that there are no hard feelings between us about Lily."
"Why would there be any hard feelings regarding Lily, Travis?" James said sarcastically.
"Oh come on, James. I could be dead and buried the way you were glaring daggers at me." Travis chuckled. But James was still serious.
He sighed. "I don't know what to say, Travis. I haven't seen you in years, and you used to be one of my good friends. But I love Lily and I... I am shamed in hesitating when I say that I know Lily loves me. Just seeing her with you makes me..."
"Want to ring my neck?"
James smiled. Maybe a little bit more, he didn't say.
"Well," Travis continued, "to cease these tempting thoughts of me and to help you feel better, I'll tell you something..." then he leaned in and whispered, "I'm thinking about running off with Jenny."
James raised his eyebrows. "Really?"
"Well obviously, it's nothing official. But I've been thinking about popping the question sometime soon."
"Well congrats, Travis." James said, relief flooding his being. "That does make me feel better."
"You should know by now that I have no romantic intentions towards Lily. You, me, Lily, Jenny... we're all great friends with quite a humourous past, when you think about it."
James chuckled after a moment. Yup, James had Lily's disgust before he had her love, and poor Jenny went through years of unrequited love until Travis came out of his ignorance. Each had dated the other and ended up with the opposite person. How odd...
"And I don't know what you're worried about anyway. All Lily talks about is you and how perfect you are and how in love she is, anxiously waiting to become your bride..."
James raised another eyebrow at Travis. "You're joking."
"Nope." Travis smiled. "Just don't let it go to your head, big guy."
Perfect, James thought.
"So we're good? No bad blood?"
Hehehe... Travis' blood... James thought, but only for a moment. James blinked and looked at Travis, who used to be a former threat and mental meal for the giant squid. Now nothing more than a good friend.
"Sure, Travis." James shook his outstretched hand firmly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to have a little talk with Lily."
"Good. You go get her," Travis smiled encouragingly.
"You don't have to tell me twice." Then James took off.
—
Lily's eyes scanned over the crowd, searching for James. Here she was, at a bloody wedding. Her best friend was getting married, her ex was holding her for photographs - why could nothing go as planned? At the moment, she just craved to be held in the arms of the man she loved and tell him just that : that she loved him. Just being around a wedding made her want it for herself and James even more. But how could she help him understand that?
Finally, she spotted him. He was hard to miss, actually. That he was rather tall with raven dark hair, and those intense hazel eyes she could pick out of any crowd. She quickly made her way to him and tapped him on the shoulder.
"There you are." she said. He turned and grinned at her, a familiar twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
"What are you up to?" she asked as his arms snaked around her waist.
"Nothing, Lily flower." he said. When Lily raised an eyebrow at him in disbelief, he chuckled. "Well, nothing life threatening, I assure you."
Then he kissed her. Lily closed her eyes and cupped his face with her hands, pulling him closer. She reveled in his kiss, wanting nothing more than to lose herself in the euphoric rapture he engulfed her in. There was nothing in the world but James and his kiss. No sight, no sound. Only the taste of his perfect mouth, the sound of her own steady heartbeat, and the feel of his loving arms around her. She could stay there forever, in that warm loving bliss...
James smiled as he pulled away, kissing her nose gently and pulling her close to him. Lily sighed contentedly as she laid her head on his chest.
"I can't wait for our own wedding, James." she whispered, not even realizing she was saying it.
Suddenly, James pulled back. "Well, lets take care of that right now," he muttered. Then he took her hand and began pulling her away.
"Excuse me?" Lily asked incredulously, not sure she heard him right.
James only grinned and continued to guide her through large crowd to the edge of the dance floor. He opened the balcony doors, inviting her out by bowing gracefully and Lily apprehensively walked out. What was going on? She wondered.
James then led her to the edge with his arm around her waist. Lily looked over the marvelous forest, the moon and the stars shimmering over a grand lake.
"It's beautiful," Lily said breathlessly.
"Perhaps," James said, though he was only looking at her. "But so are you."
Lily's face flushed and James chuckled. "After all these years, I can still make you blush." Then he pulled her closer to his side.
"Hopefully, we'll have many more, Lily flower. Many more years of love and laughter, and a happily ever after, right?"
Lily smiled at his sorry attempt for comparing muggle fairy tales. "Exactly."
Then he kissed her again quickly, but so tenderly it melted her heart instantly. Then he pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes.
"I love you, Lily. I love you. I love you more each and every day. I don't know how I go on without spending my day with you. Just talking to you, going on dates, it's not enough for me. I need you in my life, every minute of every day, to give me strength for the next day, knowing that you will be there for me through everything, to raise our children, to love me despite all my imperfections. I need you there to love me, Lily.
"We've been through so much, together and apart. But from now on, I want to make sure that we are side by side... through thick and thin, good and bad, sickness and health, for rich or for poor, forever and ever, no matter what."
Lily's emerald green eyes were now pooling in tears. I want that too!! She wanted to shout, but she couldn't swallow the lump in her throat.
Lily then held her breath as James bent down on one knee and pulled out a black velvet box. He opened it and Lily gasped, as he revealed the most perfect beautiful ring Lily had ever seen.
Then she looked into his hopeful hazel eyes and her chin quivered slightly when he said, "Lily Evans, will you marry me?"
Lily felt her heart wrench in happiness, the word 'Finally!' flashing through her mind. She began nodding emphatically, and almost yelled "Yes!" Then he stood, grinning like a fool, and slid the silverband onto her dainty ring finger. Lily admired it through her teary eyes before throwing her arms around his neck and laughing merrily as he spun her around. When he finally put her down, she kissed him. And this time, she had no intention of ever letting go.
"Woo hoo!!"
"Great job, Prongs!"
"Finally!"
Lily and James pulled apart to see not only the three other Marauders, but also Alice and Frank, the newly weds, and Travis and Jenny, all applauding in the doorway of the balcony.
"So you finally got her, Prongs?" Sirius grinned. "After almost eight years of coaxing and convincing, you finally got your girl?"
"Yup," James said, smiling down at Lily. "I finally got my girl."
Lily turned in his arms and stuck her hand out, examining the ring in the moonlight. She felt her hear melting at the sight and she felt so happy she thought she might die. "Mrs. Lily Potter." she said smugly.
James chuckled.. "Mrs. Lily Potter."
Finally, Lily thought.
"Finally," James muttered.
"Finally." Sirius said loudly.
—
Two Months Later
Lily was letting out heavy breaths, sweat dripping down her face as she ran through the familiar halls of Hogwarts once more, thinking, This is not the way I wanted to come back.
It had been reported that three Aurors-in-training had been kidnapped by none other than Lord Voldemort himself. After extensive and desperate research, Lily found them being held on Hogwarts grounds. The three Aurors-in-training? Frank, Alice and James.
So exactly how many times would she have to defy him, the damned Voldemort that just wouldn't die?
Lily did her best to hide her fear as she rounded a corner, but it was easily overcome with anger. How dare he. That damn Voldemort had the nerve to steal away her fiancé, just to torture him to death and to force him into giving away vital Ministry information about Godric's Hollow, or some crazy thing. 5 weeks before her wedding? He dares to try to kill her fiancé, 5 weeks before her bloody wedding?! Not bloody likely! The bastard! He obviously didn't know who the bloody hell he was dealing with.
That's right, little Lily Marie. And she was furious.
When this fiery little red head was upset, you'd better watch out...
It was only a week before the start of the term, so Lily thought at least Dumbledore or Filch would have been around somewhere. But it was also a weekend. All the crazy old nuts were probably drinking it up at Hogsmeade. So Lily had no back up, no help whatsoever. She was running blindly into a trap, but she didn't care. She had waited her whole life for James - no way was she giving up now. Shewas ready tofight for him, just like he always fought for her.
Lily suddenly stopped, as she ran past a supposedly empty classroom. But that's where she heard the voices.
"I know you know where it is, young Potter." said a cold familiar voice that belonged to Lord Voldemort.
"I told you a dozen times that I don't." she heard James say as she leaned closer the door. Relief flooded her. He was still alive. "The damn Mininstry wouldn't let me have the job at Godric's Hollow. I was turned down, rejected. Why can't you understand that?"
"What you don't seem to understand, young Potter, is that I need to know where that place is." said Voldemort in a slow shrill drawl.
"So when I say I don't know... are you saying you want me to lie to you? Make up some crazy location? Is that it?" James said angrily.
"Smart mouth, this one." said a hostile and haughty voice that could only belong to Bellatrix Black.
"Oh, I know, Bella." Voldemort chuckled. "Maybe... we could use his friends as leverage, what do you say to that? Maybe that would ease his tongue a bit..." Then Lily swallowed hard.
"I don't know anything, damnit!" James yelled. "What more do you want from me?"
"Nothing," came an evil cackle from Bellatrix.
"No, leave them alone! Don't -"
"Crucio!"
Lily covered her ears as Frank let out a howl that pierced her to the soul. She couldn't let this continue. They were ruthless killers, but she couldn't let anyone die on her watch.
"How'd you like that, Potter?" Bellatrix laughed.
"Damn you, devil woman." James said in a wavering voice that broke Lily's heart.
"Aw, wittle Potter's gonna cwy?"
"Still refuse to speak?" Voldemort inquired.
"What more can I tell you except for I don't know?!"
"Very well. How about you, Mrs. Longbottom?"
"No," Lily whispered. Not Alice! She knew she had to do something, but what? All she had was her wand and her brains...
"Crucio!"
Alice was shrieking at the top of her lungs andjerking aroundon the floor when Lily threw the door open. The spell ceased immediately and Bellatrix looked up.
"Evans," she muttered.
"Ah, Lily Marie, what a pleasant surprise!" Voldemort greeted her, grinning wickedly.
"Lily, get out of here..." James whimpered.
But Lily didn't hear any of them. She only lifted her wand, staring down the deadly red slits of eyes that belonged to Lord Voldemort. Then with her voice gradually growing louder,
"Finite Tormetne Engorgio!" she yelled.
Immediately, the spell was cast, a large beam, almost like a giant gust of wind, sending both Voldemort and Bellatrix smashing through a window andmiles away.
"Lily," James said, taken aback in shock.
Panting heavily, Lily marched to where Alice lay, tears gathering in her eyes. "Alice? Are you all right, dear?"
"Lily?" Alice said quietly, not opening her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Alice." Lily whispered as she brought Alice's hand to her cheek.
"Might I inquire as to what happened to this room?"
All four students, regardless of how painful or rough it might have been, turned to see the beloved Headmaster Albus Dumbledore standing in the classroom doorway.
"It was Voldemort, Professor." James barely breathed out.
"Impossible. Tom would never..." Then, over his half moon glasses, his eyes drifted to Alice and Lily, on the floor in tears.
"Come, all of you. To the hospital wing. You look simply ragged." Dumbeldore said, opening the door wider. With Frank and James leaning on each other for support, Lily lifted Alice to her feet. But as they walked out the door, Lily thought she heard, Dumbledore say,
"Tom Riddle? He wouldn't dare..."
—
"Lily?"
"Hmm?"
"Where the bloody hell did that spell come from?"
Lily giggled and snuggled closer to James. All four of them were laying on beds in the Hospital wing, though Frank and Alice were completely out. Madame Pompfrey had just returned from last minute medicine shopping for the year. After giving all of them sleeping drafts, they all picked beds to rest on. Lily and James just managed to pick the same bed. Come on, it's not like it hasn't happened before...
"I learned it in my Ancient Charms class." Lily answered quietly. "I had no idea if it would really work, but I couldn't think of anything else to do."
"Well, you are just the cleverest little witch, aren't you?" James chuckled.
"I'm nothing special, James." Lily said humbly. "Just a muggle born witch."
"With a mind and a wand and a mouth for magic." James said with a smile. "You are so special, Lily. Blood has nothing to do with it - that's just the point. You are so rare. I'll bet you all the money I have in Gringott's that there's no other muggle born witch or wizard that could have come off conquerer in that situation that you just saved us all from. No average witchcouldhave donewhat you did. Becauseyou are no average witch, Lily."
"Oh, James, hush." she said, blushing again. "I'm just glad you're okay. You are always there to save me, I thought I would just return the favor."
"Well, the roles were indeed reversed tonight, Lily flower." he kissed her gently on the side of the head. "You were the hero this time. And I'm so glad you were."
Lily sat in the silence for a moment, the sleeping draft beginning to cloud her head, though one memory that stuck out in her mind kept her awake.
"James?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you know what I'm thinking about?"
"Of course I do. I was always a pro at Legimency." James said sarcastically, earning a playful smack from Lily.
"Don't you remember that one night after I discovered you and Sirius with Remus, thenwe all slept here to recover?"
"Ah, yes." James said smugly, pulling her closer. "And you spent that one heavenly night in my arms."
"Indeed." Lily smiled sleepily. "But don't get any ideas now, either." she told him warily.
"You mean, I still have to wait another month?"
"Yup."
"Damnit," James grumbled.
"Stop swearing," Lily chided quietly.
"Yes, Mrs. Potter."
"Mmm, Mrs. Potter." Lily yawned. "I do like the sound of that." She patted James hand softly as it rested on her stomach before gently whispering, "I love you, James."
She could almost hear him grinning as he said, "I love you too, Lily flower."
"Good night."
"Goodnight, love."
—
A/N: -Drumroll-
It is official. I have received my laptop. Hallelujah chorus
I typed up this whole thing on my brand newlaptop that I am just crazy about. It's a beautifulsilver Dell Inspiron 1150. I simply love it - and the great thing is Idon't have to share!! Yes!!It came from UPS like 5 seconds after I put up my "Apology." Go figure, right?
Well, now I'm back and I can post whenever I want to. I hope you all enjoyed this nice LONG chapter, and this will more than likely be the last post of the year. Enjoy all the fluff and drama. This was prolly my fave chappie to write, not only because of all the wonerful fluff -giggles- but because I think I did a better job as a writer. I'm hoping that I've been improving in my writing skills through this big 50 chapter story. I simply love this fic and I don't know what I'll do when it's over... I guess I could write the sequel... lol!
And you can expect "Daring Destiny" to begin before Valentine's Day, I'm assuming. I don't have much written yet, and I'm debating about changing it considering... HP and the Half-Blood Prince is coming out July 16th!! -grins- I'm stoked about that too. But there's just so much to consider in writing the bloody fanfiction... -sigh- We'll all just have to wait and see.
Hehehe.... and for those of you who remember the Torture Travis thread, well, I found Kaci's old webbie with all the first ideas... wow, did that make me laugh. So I had to include that somewhere for you all to enjoy... lmao!! Good times, good times...
Well, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone! I love you all!
(::) -hugs and cookies for everyone- (::)
Till the next update...
Over and out. Mucho Amor.
