A Legacy of Love
Chapter 11: Here For You
Troubles and heartaches were never meant to be avoided. They were meant to be faced and solved. If we they were not confronted, the pain would just keep returning, each time harder and harder to bear, until, at last, we would explode at the sheer force of the suppressed emotion. Pushing it aside merely gives the illusion of a trouble free situation, which is not the case, and not for long. Like alcohol, numbing the pain for a little while will only bring it back double fold. They, too, learnt that lesson. And they moved on.
Having no where else to go, due to the actions and decisions of her terrible elder sister, Lily was surprised but pleased, happy and gratified when James renewed his invitation to return with him to Godric's Hollow for the Easter holidays. She didn't want to stay at Hogwarts all alone, not when next to no one was staying during these terrible times, not even the Marauders, who had originally promised their parents to return for the holidays. And, try as she might, she couldn't keep down the thought that James was the real reason she didn't want to stay at Hogwarts alone. He made her smile, he made her laugh, he made her life worth living. She needed him now as never before, like oxygen to a drowning person. He was the last person she had, now that her parents had passed on. She was almost ashamed to admit that she would ever need someone so desperately, like she needed James right now.
Though all the seventh years and half of the sixth years knew how to Apparate by now, they must still ride the Hogwarts Express back to Platform Nine and Three Quarters on the Headmaster of Hogwarts's order, not so much so for their own benefit, but for the protection of the younger students. In any emergency events, they were to duel with any Death Eaters that might infiltrate the train while organising their younger counterparts' escape. "Better be safe than sorry," he had told the two Heads, "you might never know what is lurking in the shadows before you, therefore it would be wise to be cautious and to be put on your guard rather than run the risk of losing more lives than necessary."
The entire school obeyed the order without question. Albus Dumbledore wasn't known for being the wisest wizard for nothing. He was the only one Voldemort was afraid of, and he had strengthened the protection the founders left upon the school which Voldemort, with his vast skills and knowledge in the Dark Arts, still could not penetrate. They were safe, so long as they had Dumbledore to guide them. Or so they wished to think, for no one was truly safe during times such as this, when war was raging right before their eyes. Not even if they had the most powerful wizard fighting for their sakes.
Luckily, the journey towards King's Cross Station was uneventful but colourful. The five seventh year students began to appreciate the journey back, as it gave them, more than anything else, a chance to catch up with each other, which they neglected to do a little at the castle because of the four recent deaths, which had affected them very badly, and also the stack of work which the pressure of N.E.W.T.s made the professors give them "for practise". They were now fast approaching the most important exam of their magical education, which would dictate their future job opportunities once they've graduated. Though many of their classmates voiced out the opinion that, with the current war going on, there seemed little choice in terms of occupation, but their parents would counter back, "Always keep for a rainy day." And so, grumbling and groaning, the seventh years were glad to have a two-week break before lessons began their final pace of intensity and they were thrown into full steam mood towards N.E.W.T.s.
The Marauders and Lily, along with the Prefects, were the last ones to leave through the magical ticket barrier, transporting them back into the Muggle world at King's Cross. After greeting "Happy Easter" to each other, the fifth and half the sixth year Prefects strolled towards their respective parents waiting anxiously beyond the barrier. The rest of them journeyed a little further serenely, until they reached a deserted back lane where no Muggle was in sight.
"Do you prefer Side-Along Apparition, Lily? You've never been to my place before so you might get lost." On Lily's energetic shake of her head, James nodded. She was always independent, wanting to try everything herself first before accepting help. "OK then, just focus on 'The Potters' residence, Godric's Hollow' as your destination, Lily. Don't worry, we'd be there in a jiffy," he assured her as the rest of the party Disapparated to their destinations with a faint 'pop'.
"We?" Lily's curiosity piqued up at once at the mention of another person.
"Yes. Sirius and I. Didn't I tell you he'd be coming to stay with me too? Oh…" comprehension dawned on his face, which turned sheepish a second later. "It probably slipped my mind then. Sorry I didn't inform you earlier. Well, Sirius said it would be the last time he stayed with me. After all, he's got his own place now. You probably know that, right?" Lily nodded at that. She'd heard them talking about it during the Start-of-Term feast last year. "He just doesn't want to stay by himself this time, and with the both of us, it would be just nice. Remus said he'd pop around often too, as often as his parents can spare him. Peter won't be around that often, though. His mother loves him too much," he chuckled at that. Lily joined in.
"Right then, we shouldn't keep Sirius wanting. He'd be so worried about us, especially in dangerous times like this… Come on, then," James beckoned Lily, wanting her to Disapparate first, to make sure that she was safe. She did, and James followed immediately.
Sitting down after an early dinner by the roaring fire, James, Sirius, Remus and Lily were talking lightly as they relieved their burden of responsibilities behind for the moment, relaxing and enjoying the times they had together. They knew that soon, they would be graduating and moving on into the adult world, and they would scarcely see each other again. The last of their school days were dwindling before their very eyes, yet they could do nothing to stop it. Therefore, they chose the next best choice, to seize the day as it came. Carpe diem. They might never be able to duplicate the moment again, and quality time together was more precious now that their lives were constantly under threats.
Remus was looking pale and peaky, as was usual when full moon approaches. Nevertheless, he participated in their conversations normally, never letting his lycanthropy disable him in any way, except the once a month visit to the Shrieking Shack. Other than that, he dreaded adult life. He was able to attend Hogwarts because of Dumbledore's goodness. Would Dumbledore's goodness still be able to provide for him once he had graduated and left Hogwarts, the only place he had real friends? Friends who truly cared for his well-being, friends who didn't shy away from him because of his problem.
He knew that the relationship between the Marauders was forever, but he also knew that adult life meant they couldn't be together as they were now. Looking at James and Lily, they'd most likely be as engrossed with each other as ever. Not that James had neglected him, Merlin, no. It's just… It'd be… different. For all he knew, James and Lily might even end up married and start a family of their own! They were certainly acting like an old married couple by now, the way they were hanging all over each other. Remus smiled lightly at that thought. And Sirius… Well, Remus didn't know, Sirius never talked about the future. He seemed to take life a bit too easy. And Peter was unsure too. But Remus couldn't blame Peter. He was about as fast as a snail, and not as smart as the three of them. It took both James and Sirius to teach him the complex Animagus transformation, which even they mastered with difficulty, but it was still an amazing feat, considering the magic involved. It wasn't surprising that Peter was focusing more on N.E.W.T.s than future prospects.
As for himself, he didn't know. His condition will most assuredly handicap him wherever he go, except Hogwarts. He was a werewolf, a creature of the night. Who would employ him? He felt trapped. He was possibly the only werewolf that ever attended Hogwarts. A unique case. Sadly, he was able to complete his schooling, but unable to use his skills for the greater benefit of the wizarding world. Maybe, just maybe, Dumbledore might have something in store for him. He was kind, considerate, and wise. He'd find a way.
His eyes strayed away towards the window and saw the crimson sun setting. Getting up, he walked across the living room and looked out. James, Lily and Sirius silently filed up behind him. It was a beautiful thing, sunset. Its red rays splayed out like a fan from a red hemisphere before dipping slowly down the horizon. A second before it completely vanished, the sun looked like a glimmer of hope to all, calling, "I'll be back tomorrow. For now, let the darkness ensue." And then, darkness covered the earth. It was an inevitable cycle, but light would come again, as promised. It never failed them before.
Remus gave a sigh, and turned back. He was not at all surprised to see the occupants of the house behind him, three pairs of eyes transfixed at the same image that played before his just moments ago. He held out his hands, with an odd half-smile on his lips. The others copied him. It would be a sight to see if any visitor came across the four adults in a circle, joining hands, standing beside the living room window in silence, looking at each other in turn.
The moment broke when Remus cleared his throat and said, "Well, I'd better be Apparating to Hogsmeade now, before the moon rises. See you in a bit," he added to his fellow Marauders. And with a "See you tomorrow, Lily", he exited the house, turned gracefully a few paces away from the Potters' door and Disapparated.
Sirius turned and spoke, "Well, James, we must get ready. I'll see you in the morning, Lily. Excuse me." He hurried upstairs to prepare himself before departing for tonight's full moon, leaving the two Heads behind. They followed him upstairs slowly. On the way, James caught sight of a moving black-and-white picture of the four Marauders when they were sixteen, just before Hogwarts released the fifth years for their summer holidays. A smile curled on his lips as he strayed into his memories.
"Remember fifth year, Lily?" he asked with a grin. "You shouted at me like there was no tomorrow. 'I don't want you to make him apologise! You're as bad as him!'" he mimicked perfectly. Lily smiled and squeezed his hand. "Merlin, Lily, was I really so bad?"
"Nah. I was just angry about how you treated him like dirt under your shoes. And how you treated me like some kind of damsel in distress. I like to fight my battles alone first. I thought I had the last word there. Then you came along and butted in. Besides, I was also only sixteen then. Fiery tempered, as I once heard Sirius say vaguely. Plus you didn't show your caring and compassionate side to anyone outside your circle of friends."
"True. But I think I deserved that. If it weren't for you, Lily, I might have gone on to be an 'arrogant bullying toerag', eh?" his playful tone earned a reproachful and painful "James! Is it your mission tonight to quote what I said two years ago?"
"Probably," he replied to his girlfriend cheekily. Lily slapped him lightly on his arm. James laughed lightly as he continued, "Now where was I? Oh yes…"
"Down memory lane now, are we, Potter?" she smirked impishly, as they entered the room they both shared. "Go further back, to first year, when you accidentally-on-purpose hexed Snape for calling me a Mudblood so that you could be my hero and hope that I'll say yes to you asking me out about five seconds afterwards… only to get hexed in return by Snape when I stunned you with my answer. You couldn't even react in time to block his curse and protect yourself. I thought that you would be kind of used to casting a shield charm by then."
"Oh, come now, Lily," James protested loudly. "At least I've never manhandled you before, not like some other boys who'll never grow up. My dad taught me not to. Besides, that curse used by Snape was really advanced Dark magic. As far as I saw, only seventh year Slytherins had that proficiency in the Dark Arts before Snivelly… Sorry Lily… Snape came trudging along."
"I agree on that, which… is probably why I hated it when you duelled him so often and so determinedly with him over and over again. Not to mention two-on-one. That's… not very nice."
"Well, considering his capabilities in the Dark Arts area, I'd say that we're evenly matched," James told Lily stoutly as he changed into a robe that clung to him loosely, one he had been donning ever since he started transforming into Prongs. It was much more comfortable walking in them too. "The Dark Arts knows no bounds, Lily. If Voldemort was outnumbered twenty-to-one, it'll still be a fair fight. They use anything and everything it takes to become all powerful and immortal, while we know our limits, and stay our ground. It doesn't take a lot to succumb to the Dark side. Once you're there, you'll find out that you're so unstoppable and invincible, but you never stop to think what you have lost. Humanity. Compassion. Forgiveness. Mercy. Humility. Love. Dark powers are like a drug you are bound to be addicted to."
"How I hope now that you've shown this side of you sooner. You could have just possibly saved six years of fruitless attempts and broken hearts. The good side of you is what we all wanted out of James Potter. Instead, he became the biggest troublemaker in the history of Hogwarts!"
"But of course! That was my cover. Agent Potter at your service, ma'am." He kissed her hand gallantly, much to the amusement of both, then straightened up. "And now you just couldn't stop liking me the way you do, can you?" he teased.
"I don't like you anymore, James," Lily suddenly voiced out, looking straight at James.
A long pause ensue. When James found his voice, it came out as a slightly strangled "Oh?" All the colour left his face. It was a totally out-of-the-blue response. He had only meant it as a joke. And now, after all they've been through, she…
Lily came up to him, touched his cheek and whispered softly, "I love you."
It was like fireworks exploding in front of his eyes. Whatever he expected, it certainly wasn't this. Damn, and I thought I wanted to say it first! But now that I know how she feels, I can finally say the same without fearing the consequences, James thought vaguely. Lily, on the other hand, was closely observing James's face for a reaction to her confession. She was relieved when James hugged her to his chest tightly.
"Merlin, Lily, you stole my line," he said cheekily, happy that she felt the same way. He then embraced her tightly. "And I love you too," he added quietly, before kissing her, full on the lips.
"It's such a relief to say the word, to be quite honest," Lily returned quietly when they broke the kiss, her emeralds shining sparklingly. "I've realised for the past few weeks that 'like' is becoming a weaker and weaker word to describe how I feel about you. We've been through so much, and we've thrived and the bond between us grew stronger with each trial. I love you so much, James Potter. Would you object if I say that I want to be with you forever?"
"Reading my mind, Lily?" James grinned happily. He kissed her temple before continuing, "Merlin, I've been dreaming of this day for ages. I always thought I fancied you a little, but when you let me in, I couldn't help but love you. Who could, when you're such an angel?"
She smiled glowingly at him. "Flatterer. Sweet words don't work on me."
"I am being quite truthful. You are my world, my everything. You are all I want, and I want it forever, if you let me."
"Yes! Yes, James!" she whispered energetically. Both of them were beside themselves with felicity flowing through their veins. They remained locked in a tight embrace for quite a while, until Sirius knocked on the door and said through the wood, "James, I'm ready. I'll be going to Moony first, OK?"
They broke apart, each looking at the other intently. "Sirius is pretty sensitive now," Lily smirked, then whispered, "Go on, James. Remus needs you. I shall be up till you come back, to make sure you are all right. You won't blame me for being silly, will you?" Lily asked, unwilling to let him go but knew that she must.
"No, love, just as you didn't blame me for doing this for Remus," James answered lovingly, brushing a strand of her crimson lock back from her face. "You complete me, Lily Evans, like no one else does. I love you."
And there they stood, two young adults who not only understood, but also respected each other's decisions, trusting one another to do the right thing. At that moment, they realised, just as James said, that they completed each other. It was the most magical moment of all.
"Be safe. I'll always be here. For you," were her parting words. "And I you," James replied. They shared a deep kiss before James descended the stairs and Disapparated with a 'pop' to the Shrieking Shack. James was glad that he finally had the love of the woman he adored in return.
– To Be Continued –