Chapter 35: Sweet Goodbyes
A/N: I give credit to these last five chapters to Jennifer Cole, who had an unsigned review. I know most of you think the death is sad, but I promised to go until the end. And that's the end of our favourite couple. This will end right where the first book picks up. If you think the last chapter is too sad, I will understand if you want to not read it. But some of my one shots are aimed to make you cry; so why not have some of these chapters do the same?
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Sweet Goodbyes
James took my hand in his as we ran through corridor after corridor, leading towards the Great Hall. I was laughing, though I didn't know why, and James kept smiling back at me. Parents, students, and teachers were filed in the hall; Professor Dumbledore was at the podium.
"I've never had a group of Head's late but I've never had them get this close before—Ah, there they are. May I introduce Lily Evans and James Potter?"
I smiled as James pulled me up the stairs and towards the podium. He cleared his throat, awaiting me to start the speech.
I nodded towards the crowd. "James and I decided that the first part of our speech would talk about our past years. When I was in first year, though there was prejudice that I have never heard before, there was also this boy there. He had messy hair that I would never admit to be adorable; but I thought it. If you know us, you know I was in no hurry to admit that James Potter had caught my eye. Over the next to few years I decided that being an enemy was the way to go. And I ignored him when he told me about his feelings.
"But now, as you can possibly guess... I can't imagine living life without him. He's been there when nobody else could have been. He's been my rock; and my love. In sixth year I never would have imagined him coming towards me, like he had. I remember him walk towards me and tell me he loved me. And I remember thinking it was a joke. Nobody had ever told me that, nor did I expect them to; least of all, James Potter was telling me he loved me! And as the thought sunk in, I decided it would be better if I just started acting nice. And the next thing I knew it was Christmas... I was in his arms... and we were a couple."
I leaned up to kiss James' cheek as he smiled down at me. "I, on the other hand, never ever thought Lily to be an enemy. I had been smitten with her for so long that I knew somehow I'd have to win her over. Throughout seventh year, we became friends, having our ups and downs. And in the end we ended up being more than friends. But that's not the thing I love Lily for the most; I love the fact that she gave me a chance, but I love her for something way more important.
"Many of you know that I was never one for serious relationships, which is probably why Lily didn't believe me when I told her I loved her. And because of the fact that I've never had much of a relationship... I never really minded listening to the girl, that much, really. But things changed when I started dating Lily. Most of my other girlfriends loved the fact that I could play Quidditch and I could kiss. Lily looked beyond that. She made me show a part of myself I never knew I had. She made me understand that we are only as good as our words. She wanted to know everything about me; help me with any problem instead of trying to kiss them away. And though I probably changed for her... I know it was for the better."
Applause was heard throughout the hall and James and I shared a loving smile. "I think that's enough about our love life, James."
"I agree," he said smiling. "We just wanted to tell you about Hogwarts. Maybe it will remind you about your Hogwarts years. Or maybe it'll make you look forward to Hogwarts a little bit more if you're not old enough yet."
"He's right. Hogwarts not only prepares you for future, it allows you to meet extraordinary friends; life-changing teachers and love far beyond I could explain. It took me a while to find James, but believe me, he isn't going anywhere if I can help it."
James laughed. "There are so many opportunities you could do; so many things you could try here. Everything from Charms clubs to Quidditch teams. You can have the honour of being a Prefect or a Head. You can join in on decorating the Great Hall for holidays. You can tutor a student that needs to get back on track. You can play pranks and not get into too much trouble—"
"What James is going on about, is that you're going to have the best years of your life here, like we had. We had so much fun and met so many extraordinary people. And we'd just like to thank you all for being there for us. Thank you all."
As I was about to walk down the stairs with James I heard him yell to the crowd. "GRYFFINDOR QUIDDITCH RULES!"
The crowd went ecstatic, except for the Slytherins of course, as I lead him downstairs. I laughed pulling James into a seat next to mine.
"Wow that was certainly a very interesting speech. Very original. Good show," Professor Dumbledore said clapping as he made his way towards the podium. "I know, of course, that valedictorian usually gets to give a speech; but since there has been a tie between the Head Boy and Girl I'll just congratulate them for an outstanding seven years at Hogwarts!"
The crowd cheered loudly as James stood up and bowed repeatedly. I laughed pulling him back onto the chair with a kiss. He smiled kissing me back.
"This is the life."
I laughed, watching Dumbledore clap along with everyone else. "Congratulations Graduates! You've done it!"
Everyone in our year stood up cheering loudly as Dumbledore congratulated everyone individually. After I got my congratulations I waited in the back with my parents. James was the last of our group to get congratulated and he came back to join our group. I introduced all my friends to my parents, but after they held a light conversation everyone scattered to talk to their own parents. James stayed with mine and we lead them around the castle.
"James, Lily? Can I speak with you two?"
James and I walked away from my mother who was talking to Marlene's mother while we followed my father up the stone steps.
"I know that my blessing doesn't count for much—"
"Yes it does!"
"It does, sir."
He paid no mind to our interruptions. "But as I saw you two up at the podium giving that speech of yours... I realize that if you are happy with each other, then I want you two to be together. You have my blessing."
I hugged him and James shook his hand. But I saw the look on my father's face that made me think that he was wondering if we were going to break up now that we had his approval. He looked like he was waiting for us to say, 'April Fools!' a couple months late. I smiled as we walked back down the stairs. I was a graduate now. James and I were able to go out into the world.
When we walked down stairs we saw Sirius waiting for us. "Dumbledore's meeting with all the parents and students that came to that meeting about the Order," he said solemnly.
I took a deep breath, nodding and leading my parents to Dumbledore's office; which I thought would be the last time I will ever step in the magnificent office again.
"Congratulations again... I want to speak with all of you about joining the Order. You all understand that this is very important to have the entire family behind you whilst you join so you know you're not alone."
I shot a look at my parents, ignoring what ever other family was doing. They exchanged looks then looked at the hopeful look on my face. I stared ahead to see the families share comments. Dorcas mother was for it all the way. John's parents were staring at him deep in thought. The Bones' were shaking their head at Amelia and Ed was agreeing. Peter's parents, I noticed weren't there, and Remus was talking quietly to Mr. Lupin. James and Sirius nodded to each other before nodding at Professor Dumbledore. Marlene and her father were sitting quietly, looking as though they had already discussed it.
"I've met with these students before. These are the people that were interested in joining: Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Dorcas, Edgar and Marlene. John and Amelia were only going to do it if each other was—but Edgar went against Amelia going. That sounds about right, does it?"
"I want to join!" yelled Amelia indignantly.
"That's right, Headmaster," agreed Amelia's mother.
"I think John would help her," said Marlene quietly.
"John isn't joining," shrieked Mrs. Abbott.
I help my head in my hands, praying my parents wouldn't say anything. James rested his arm around my shoulder before whispering he loved me in my ear.
"Though you don't have to have your families consent to join, I like it when my members have their family behind him. I'll give you a moment to discuss it; when you're sure you can tell me your answer and be on your way. I'll be in contact with you."
I looked up at my parents, "I'm doing it."
They stared at each other for a second before nodding their understanding. I lightly hugged my mum as I walked over to join James and Sirius who were already talking to our old Professor.
"I'm joining," I said softly. Behind me I heard Amelia walk past quietly, going towards the door. Edgar showed up to my right.
"I'm here, but Amelia's not. Nor is John."
"You could always let her join," James said solemnly.
"It's not your place," Ed said. "You don't have a sibling to look out for."
Edgar followed his parents out of the room and my eyes followed. When I saw him leave, I hesitantly looked back up at James. He looked unaffected but I knew otherwise when Sirius muttered, "He doesn't know. Don't take it to mind, James—"
James walked towards the door and I shot a look at my parents before following him. Sirius was right beside me.
"I'll go, you can stay."
"No, no, you can stay with your parents."
"I guess we'll both go," I smiled sadly, following James down the stairs case. "James!"
"Prongs!"
"Wait up!"
"Slow down!"
James stopped right near a window. When we approached him he was staring out it with a far off expression covering his handsome face.
"Edgar doesn't know," I said quietly. "He doesn't understand—"
"I could have saved him."
"James," Sirius said shaking his head. "You weren't there, you had no clue—"
"Sirius is right."
"No, none of you guys can say that. You don't understand. He asked me to go with him but I said no. I told him to get lost; I told him I never wanted to hear his annoying voice again."
I stared at James, trying to stop my mouth from dropping open.
"He knows you love him," I said quietly. "He knows you were just upset—"
"I could have gone. I could have saved him. He could still be here—"
"James," Sirius put his arm around James' shoulder. I heard footsteps behind me and I saw my parents, Mr. Lupin, Dorcas, Peter and Remus walking towards us.
"You once told me that what's right isn't always easy; and what's easy isn't always right. That's what happened, James. He knows you love him. He knows you care. And not once did he think otherwise."
"How can you be sure?" he asked innocently.
I sighed. "My sister's never been nice to me. I know that she may be jealous; she may be scared. But I know that she doesn't want me dead. That deep down she loves me, no matter what she said. Harry knew you loved him; as I know my sister loves me. It's just something we know."
James stared at the window again and Sirius sent a sad smile my way. "She's right, you know. I'm not always the best brother to Regulus... and he choose a different path than I did. I understand that I still care... I still wish that he could see the error; I would have loved him regardless. Don't hold all the regret. You didn't send that curse..."
James wiped a tear from his face and pulled both Sirius and I into a hug while joining the group that was walking towards the Hogwarts thresholds.
Sirius and I kept our eyes on James for the rest of the two days that we spent at Hogwarts. And though he was quiet throughout the rest of our seventh year, I knew that he was thinking and I knew he'd be all right. As we stepped out into the world hand-and-hand I knew that whatever life threw our way, we could face it. As long as we have each other.
A/N: I give credit to these last five chapters to Jennifer Cole, who had an unsigned review. I know most of you think the death is sad, but I promised to go until the end. And that's the end of our favourite couple. This will end right where the first book picks up. If you think the last chapter is too sad, I will understand if you want to not read it. But some of my one shots are aimed to make you cry; so why not have some of these chapters do the same?
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Sweet Goodbyes
James took my hand in his as we ran through corridor after corridor, leading towards the Great Hall. I was laughing, though I didn't know why, and James kept smiling back at me. Parents, students, and teachers were filed in the hall; Professor Dumbledore was at the podium.
"I've never had a group of Head's late but I've never had them get this close before—Ah, there they are. May I introduce Lily Evans and James Potter?"
I smiled as James pulled me up the stairs and towards the podium. He cleared his throat, awaiting me to start the speech.
I nodded towards the crowd. "James and I decided that the first part of our speech would talk about our past years. When I was in first year, though there was prejudice that I have never heard before, there was also this boy there. He had messy hair that I would never admit to be adorable; but I thought it. If you know us, you know I was in no hurry to admit that James Potter had caught my eye. Over the next to few years I decided that being an enemy was the way to go. And I ignored him when he told me about his feelings.
"But now, as you can possibly guess... I can't imagine living life without him. He's been there when nobody else could have been. He's been my rock; and my love. In sixth year I never would have imagined him coming towards me, like he had. I remember him walk towards me and tell me he loved me. And I remember thinking it was a joke. Nobody had ever told me that, nor did I expect them to; least of all, James Potter was telling me he loved me! And as the thought sunk in, I decided it would be better if I just started acting nice. And the next thing I knew it was Christmas... I was in his arms... and we were a couple."
I leaned up to kiss James' cheek as he smiled down at me. "I, on the other hand, never ever thought Lily to be an enemy. I had been smitten with her for so long that I knew somehow I'd have to win her over. Throughout seventh year, we became friends, having our ups and downs. And in the end we ended up being more than friends. But that's not the thing I love Lily for the most; I love the fact that she gave me a chance, but I love her for something way more important.
"Many of you know that I was never one for serious relationships, which is probably why Lily didn't believe me when I told her I loved her. And because of the fact that I've never had much of a relationship... I never really minded listening to the girl, that much, really. But things changed when I started dating Lily. Most of my other girlfriends loved the fact that I could play Quidditch and I could kiss. Lily looked beyond that. She made me show a part of myself I never knew I had. She made me understand that we are only as good as our words. She wanted to know everything about me; help me with any problem instead of trying to kiss them away. And though I probably changed for her... I know it was for the better."
Applause was heard throughout the hall and James and I shared a loving smile. "I think that's enough about our love life, James."
"I agree," he said smiling. "We just wanted to tell you about Hogwarts. Maybe it will remind you about your Hogwarts years. Or maybe it'll make you look forward to Hogwarts a little bit more if you're not old enough yet."
"He's right. Hogwarts not only prepares you for future, it allows you to meet extraordinary friends; life-changing teachers and love far beyond I could explain. It took me a while to find James, but believe me, he isn't going anywhere if I can help it."
James laughed. "There are so many opportunities you could do; so many things you could try here. Everything from Charms clubs to Quidditch teams. You can have the honour of being a Prefect or a Head. You can join in on decorating the Great Hall for holidays. You can tutor a student that needs to get back on track. You can play pranks and not get into too much trouble—"
"What James is going on about, is that you're going to have the best years of your life here, like we had. We had so much fun and met so many extraordinary people. And we'd just like to thank you all for being there for us. Thank you all."
As I was about to walk down the stairs with James I heard him yell to the crowd. "GRYFFINDOR QUIDDITCH RULES!"
The crowd went ecstatic, except for the Slytherins of course, as I lead him downstairs. I laughed pulling James into a seat next to mine.
"Wow that was certainly a very interesting speech. Very original. Good show," Professor Dumbledore said clapping as he made his way towards the podium. "I know, of course, that valedictorian usually gets to give a speech; but since there has been a tie between the Head Boy and Girl I'll just congratulate them for an outstanding seven years at Hogwarts!"
The crowd cheered loudly as James stood up and bowed repeatedly. I laughed pulling him back onto the chair with a kiss. He smiled kissing me back.
"This is the life."
I laughed, watching Dumbledore clap along with everyone else. "Congratulations Graduates! You've done it!"
Everyone in our year stood up cheering loudly as Dumbledore congratulated everyone individually. After I got my congratulations I waited in the back with my parents. James was the last of our group to get congratulated and he came back to join our group. I introduced all my friends to my parents, but after they held a light conversation everyone scattered to talk to their own parents. James stayed with mine and we lead them around the castle.
"James, Lily? Can I speak with you two?"
James and I walked away from my mother who was talking to Marlene's mother while we followed my father up the stone steps.
"I know that my blessing doesn't count for much—"
"Yes it does!"
"It does, sir."
He paid no mind to our interruptions. "But as I saw you two up at the podium giving that speech of yours... I realize that if you are happy with each other, then I want you two to be together. You have my blessing."
I hugged him and James shook his hand. But I saw the look on my father's face that made me think that he was wondering if we were going to break up now that we had his approval. He looked like he was waiting for us to say, 'April Fools!' a couple months late. I smiled as we walked back down the stairs. I was a graduate now. James and I were able to go out into the world.
When we walked down stairs we saw Sirius waiting for us. "Dumbledore's meeting with all the parents and students that came to that meeting about the Order," he said solemnly.
I took a deep breath, nodding and leading my parents to Dumbledore's office; which I thought would be the last time I will ever step in the magnificent office again.
"Congratulations again... I want to speak with all of you about joining the Order. You all understand that this is very important to have the entire family behind you whilst you join so you know you're not alone."
I shot a look at my parents, ignoring what ever other family was doing. They exchanged looks then looked at the hopeful look on my face. I stared ahead to see the families share comments. Dorcas mother was for it all the way. John's parents were staring at him deep in thought. The Bones' were shaking their head at Amelia and Ed was agreeing. Peter's parents, I noticed weren't there, and Remus was talking quietly to Mr. Lupin. James and Sirius nodded to each other before nodding at Professor Dumbledore. Marlene and her father were sitting quietly, looking as though they had already discussed it.
"I've met with these students before. These are the people that were interested in joining: Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Dorcas, Edgar and Marlene. John and Amelia were only going to do it if each other was—but Edgar went against Amelia going. That sounds about right, does it?"
"I want to join!" yelled Amelia indignantly.
"That's right, Headmaster," agreed Amelia's mother.
"I think John would help her," said Marlene quietly.
"John isn't joining," shrieked Mrs. Abbott.
I help my head in my hands, praying my parents wouldn't say anything. James rested his arm around my shoulder before whispering he loved me in my ear.
"Though you don't have to have your families consent to join, I like it when my members have their family behind him. I'll give you a moment to discuss it; when you're sure you can tell me your answer and be on your way. I'll be in contact with you."
I looked up at my parents, "I'm doing it."
They stared at each other for a second before nodding their understanding. I lightly hugged my mum as I walked over to join James and Sirius who were already talking to our old Professor.
"I'm joining," I said softly. Behind me I heard Amelia walk past quietly, going towards the door. Edgar showed up to my right.
"I'm here, but Amelia's not. Nor is John."
"You could always let her join," James said solemnly.
"It's not your place," Ed said. "You don't have a sibling to look out for."
Edgar followed his parents out of the room and my eyes followed. When I saw him leave, I hesitantly looked back up at James. He looked unaffected but I knew otherwise when Sirius muttered, "He doesn't know. Don't take it to mind, James—"
James walked towards the door and I shot a look at my parents before following him. Sirius was right beside me.
"I'll go, you can stay."
"No, no, you can stay with your parents."
"I guess we'll both go," I smiled sadly, following James down the stairs case. "James!"
"Prongs!"
"Wait up!"
"Slow down!"
James stopped right near a window. When we approached him he was staring out it with a far off expression covering his handsome face.
"Edgar doesn't know," I said quietly. "He doesn't understand—"
"I could have saved him."
"James," Sirius said shaking his head. "You weren't there, you had no clue—"
"Sirius is right."
"No, none of you guys can say that. You don't understand. He asked me to go with him but I said no. I told him to get lost; I told him I never wanted to hear his annoying voice again."
I stared at James, trying to stop my mouth from dropping open.
"He knows you love him," I said quietly. "He knows you were just upset—"
"I could have gone. I could have saved him. He could still be here—"
"James," Sirius put his arm around James' shoulder. I heard footsteps behind me and I saw my parents, Mr. Lupin, Dorcas, Peter and Remus walking towards us.
"You once told me that what's right isn't always easy; and what's easy isn't always right. That's what happened, James. He knows you love him. He knows you care. And not once did he think otherwise."
"How can you be sure?" he asked innocently.
I sighed. "My sister's never been nice to me. I know that she may be jealous; she may be scared. But I know that she doesn't want me dead. That deep down she loves me, no matter what she said. Harry knew you loved him; as I know my sister loves me. It's just something we know."
James stared at the window again and Sirius sent a sad smile my way. "She's right, you know. I'm not always the best brother to Regulus... and he choose a different path than I did. I understand that I still care... I still wish that he could see the error; I would have loved him regardless. Don't hold all the regret. You didn't send that curse..."
James wiped a tear from his face and pulled both Sirius and I into a hug while joining the group that was walking towards the Hogwarts thresholds.
Sirius and I kept our eyes on James for the rest of the two days that we spent at Hogwarts. And though he was quiet throughout the rest of our seventh year, I knew that he was thinking and I knew he'd be all right. As we stepped out into the world hand-and-hand I knew that whatever life threw our way, we could face it. As long as we have each other.
