A Legacy of Love
Chapter 13: I'll Love You Forever
Sirius let out a whoop of joy all of a sudden. "N.E.W.T.s are over at last! At long last, I could breath the fresh air, I could taste the delicious adrenaline in my blood, I could live life as it could be lived…"
"Heavens, Sirius, N.E.W.T.s ended a bloody two weeks ago. Must we be reminded every single day of our subsequent life?" Remus told him exasperatedly, rolling his eyes. "And I thought Lily and I were thestudious and geeky ones, eh Prongs?"
Over his shoulder, James rolled his eyes at Remus. "Do you have to quote that, Remus?" amidst Sirius's protests of "Hey, watch who you're calling studious and geeky! You're insulting my Marauding pride!" Lily cut in, "Yeah, yeah we all know that Sirius's Marauding pride only involves not studying at all and getting the most detentions at Hogwarts. Going to miss Filch any time soon, Sirius?" Remus, seizing the chance, told her mysteriously, "He always had a thing for Filch, that's why he likes annoying Madam Pince so much, cause he knows they have something going on." Lily laughed out loud at that 'incredible' idea.
James pushed Remus away jokingly while putting a protective arm around Lily, "Moony, my friend, I absolutely forbid you to poison my girlfriend's mind. She's so so innocent you know." "Ooo, doing the knight in shining armour act yet again? James, my friend, drop it," Remus mimicked him perfectly. James scowled.
Lily only laughed off the James-Remus verbal lolly and suddenly sighed, "I just can't believe that today's the last day of Hogwarts. We've spent seven years of our lives here, and it's about to end. I'm going to miss Hogwarts terribly. It just won't be the same again even if we ever come back." The others nodded solemnly. They were leaving Hogwarts. They were closing the chapter of their school life and starting their adult life. It never felt more real than now, when they were all on the brink of graduation.
The Leaving Feast took place as usual, with red and gold decorations inside the Great Hall. Gryffindor had won both the Quidditch Cup and the House Cup, just as two Gryffindors had managed to snag the Head Boy and Head Girl positions that year. The Gryffindor table, indeed, were the most raucous table of all, partying and celebrating their double victory a la Marauders, which obviously meant making as much noise and commotion as possible. Even McGonagall tried but failed to put on her famous death stare at her House table, for want of stopping herself bursting out grinning in the middle of handing out punishments, as she was, after all, really glad that her House came out victorious this year, in spite of housing the four Marauders. Many would hear her chuckle about "those trouble-makers" as she recalled fond memories of them later in life (remember the scene where James had had to confess his "undying love" to McGonagall in sixth year? Yep, that was her favourite moment, actually). They were the only ones who could battle through and shatter her strict and emotionless demeanour. They were the only students who could make her laugh, not merely smile. And anyway, what was the use of handing out detentions to seventh years who were already going to leave the school?
"Here's to a brilliant after-school life!" Sirius roared, being the most energetic and hyperactive one, as usual. A good many seventh years toasted to that. "And here's to the most brilliant Headmaster of Hogwarts ever existed, Albus Dumbledore!" Up at the high table, Dumbledore heard this. He smiled and raised his glass in acknowledgement as the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws raised their glasses, even the once timid looking first years, and shouted together, "To Albus Dumbledore!" and drank their pumpkin juice deeply.
"And here's to Minerva McGonagall -"
"Black, that's enough toasts for the day, don't you think? Who, may I ask, laced Black's drink with Firewhiskey?" the sharp voice of the Deputy Headmistress rang through the Great Hall, and everyone laughed appreciatively at McGonagall's rare humour. Slughorn even leaned over and boomed, "Good one, Minerva! Good one!"
"Aww, man… What is a man going to do if he isn't allowed to toast?" Sirius pretended to pout like a small child. "Minerva, sweet, you're no fun," he said under his breath so that only the Marauders and Lily could hear him. As one, they burst out laughing uncontrollably at the way Sirius whispered, "Minerva, sweet."
"Merlin, I can't believe that my best friend is going for older women. Even worse, he's hitting on the strictest Professor at Hogwarts! Mate, must it be McGonagall?" James pretended to pat Sirius's shoulder sympathetically. "You could always switch your attention back to eating your heart out, you know."
"What? NO! I DON'T WANT TO EAT MY HEART OUT! I'LL DIE THAT WAY! NO WAY ON EARTH! PLEASE!"
"Padfoot,calm down! It's just an expression, for Merlin's sake. You are so clueless sometimes. I wonder if McGonagall was right and someone actually spiked your juice with something sinister. What I meant was you could always eat to… err…"
"…your heart's content?" Lily supplied. James nodded with thanks. The effect obviously wore off on Sirius because he came out of his 'cowered' state and commented briskly, "Now that's more like it. 'Eating your heart out.' Hah. Didn't make any sense why I would want to eat my heart out. OK, wait… What's on the plates in front of me? Food! Woohoo! There's food! Look, Peter, food! Whee!" He quickly piled so much food on his plate that he vanished from James and Lily's sights. They were sitting opposite him, and could still hear tell-tale sounds of Sirius's jaw working frantically through the heap/mass he collected on his plate several seconds before, for all it was the last thing he was going to be granted to do. Shaking his head, James went back to his dinner, all the while pondering how best to get Lily alone so that he could speak to her concerning a matter that he had been thinking about a lot lately. He had to get it out before they had officially left Hogwarts. He somehow had the nagging feeling that his victory in this mysterious mission could only be made possible tonight, of all nights and of all days that they had had. A gut feeling, if you will. Deep breath, James, deep breath.
Opposite him, Remus and Peter had apparently gotten into an argument with Sirius because his mountain of food had crashed into both their plates when it tumbled down the heap or mass or whatever you call it. The three of them, or, at least, Sirius and Remus, were arguing about who's fault it really was, and Peter merely chirped in a word or two between every two or three sentences, making himself scarce in the two friends' argument. James smiled at his friends' behaviours. They weren't his good friends for nothing. But when it comes down to one of them, it would definitely be... Sirius, definitely Sirius. He is my best mate. Hell, he is almost my brother, the brother I never had. It must be him then. Remus and Peter can be the other two, But Sirius will definitely be the principal one.
He blurted out quite suddenly and out-of-the-blue, "Lily, come for a walk with me after the feast? I need to tell you something important." Lily looked at her boyfriend curiously. He seemed nervous, unsure, but pleading at the same time. She couldn't help but grin at him.
"Merlin, James, you look so cute when you do that," she said, laughing, before she continued in an inquisitive tone, "OK, I'll come. What's it about, though?"
James hesitated. He didn't want to spoil his perfect plan. Unconsciously, he put his hand into his pocket and felt the hard box still secured in it. Stop worrying, and stop being so nervous, goddamn it! Just ask her out already. It's not like you've never done it before… and suffered six years of rejection for it. Loads of experience you have, he scolded himself. "Um… Can I tell you after this? I sort of… well, just come with me, all right? I'll tell you everything afterwards, outside."
"OK," Lily replied automatically, putting all her faith in him. "Good, now let us finish our last feast at Hogwarts as students. I can't believe Hogwarts is over for us already!" James exclaimed. "Me personal favourite roast chicken! Only the House-Elves of Hogwarts could get it to taste so… so… chickeny! Well, apart from my mum, at least."
"Hang on, hang on. Is that even a word? Chickeny?" Remus asked dumbfounded. "Where the heck did you get that from? That just sounds so wrong! Chickeny. Hah."
James retorted back, "Can't a man invent a word? Besides, I can't find another word that fits so well. Tasty and yummy and nice are just so… general. I want a special word for this flavour. So, there!"
All too soon, the last course of the meal disappeared away, and everyone looked expectantly at their Headmaster as he got to his feet and made his end-of-year speech.
"Another year has passed. I hope that your brains are a little fuller than it was last year. To the seventh years, I wish you good luck in your journey henceforth. Though the Professors and myself will no longer be there to guide you, we trust that you all have grown into matured and able adults. We hope that, with your education at Hogwarts completed, you will be able to not only exercise your magical abilities, but also to control it. Your abilities are not to be misused into most grievous accounts, and, with the rise of Voldemort, such assets are more important than ever. Let us, therefore, use what we have to fight for and maintain a peaceful world, where everyone will be able to live in harmony and not in despair."
"To the younger years, I hope that you all will have a nice summer, or as nice as you can get, to get your brains arranged and compressed so that when you return next year, hopefully you'll have room for more lessons but still keep your previous knowledge. The main point of Hogwarts is, after all, education, and we sincerely hope that, while we do our part as teachers, you do not forget to play your role as students as well."
"Now, as I understand, the House Cup must not be forgotten. Let me briefly recount the House positions. Hufflepuff in fourth, Ravenclaw in third, Slytherin in second, and, last but most assuredly not least, Gryffindor in first place! Congratulations Gryffindor!" All the students from the three House tables (except Slytherin) stood up and, as McGonagall held up the giant golden House Cup, threw their pointed wizard hats into the air, celebrating Gryffindor's victory. In the flurry of hats, cheers and hugs, James's fingers were interlaced with Lily's. They fitted perfectly, and so did their owners. It was time, time to confront and fight for his destiny.
After the excitement and war cries had subsided, Dumbledore's voice once more resonated through the Hall, "All right, you are dismissed for bed now. Remember that the Hogwarts Express will pull out of Hogsmeade station at exactly eleven o'clock tomorrow. And as I am sure that no one wants to stay at Hogwarts over the summer holidays (not that we have the accommodations to, anyway, but that's entirely beside the point), therefore, off to bed you go! Parties may be held at your own risks. The Hogwarts Express waits for no one. Off you go then."
Benches scraped the floor as the students got up, ready to turn in for the night, except the Gryffindors, who were obviously still very much alert and awake, only waiting for the Marauders' annual end-of-year party at the Common Room. Lily excused herself to go to the bathroom for a while, and not a minute too soon, for Sirius sidled up to him at that precise moment.
"Party, Prongs! Come on now, Gryffindor Common Room!" Sirius called over the deafening dim of the students all walking out of the Hall and to the Grand Staircase as Dumbledore dismissed them. "It's our last night. We're going to have a blast tonight and exit the school with a bang!"
"Erm… No, you go on with it Sirius. I'm sure you can handle it with Moony and the rest. I just, err… need a couple of minutes with Lily. I need to speak to her." When Sirius started to protest that James always "needs a couple of minutes with Lily", James interrupted, "It's urgent. It's… different this time. I'll tell you all about it when I return to the party tonight, all right? I promise it will only take a maximum of half an hour. No more than that, Sirius. You have my word."
Reluctantly, Sirius gave in and trudged back to Remus and Peter. The three of them traipsed down to the kitchens where they planned to nick food for the parties, Lily rejoined James pretty soon after. "What is it with Sirius? He doesn't look too happy when I saw him with Remus and Peter on the way to the kitchens. Were they going to nick food for the traditional end-of-year party?"
James took her hand as he led her outdoors. "Well, yeah. I told them to go on. They'd do fine without me. I just want to steal you away for a while. We'll be back in time for the party, don't worry."
James and Lily strolled towards their spot near the lake, the spot they so often frequented. The sky was littered with stars, glittering like jewels, as it was a new moon day. James guided Lily nervously, all the while hiding his left hand in his pocket, clutching an object that Lily was oblivious to, clutching so hard that his knuckles turned white. Unexpectedly, his father's words came back and haunt him.
When the right time comes…
James was grinding his teeth in his nervousness. Tonight was the big night. The big night that will determine his future forever. One way or the other, he had to know.
I trust you to make your own decisions…
Yes, he had made the crucial decision. For his part, he was ready. Yet, will she accept it?
And take the right steps to secure your happiness…
He would accept her decision, no matter what. He knew that she loved him, the same way he knew that he loved her. If she should only accept it in five, ten, or even fifteen years down the road, he would wait for her.
And I shall accept them whole-heartedly, without question…
He knew that he would have both his parents' blessings in this bravest venture he was about to make. They have always treated him like an adult, and trusted him to do the right things. He will now go forth, and live his life, no longer for anyone, but for himself. They would be so proud. He knew they would. They had always been.
It is your future, so live it the way you want it to be, not how society dictates it to be…
He didn't care what society dictates. All he knew was he had this right, to lay down himself to the woman he loved, and be loved in return. He didn't care one whit about the society's reaction. He only cared about the reactions of those who cared about him, and he knew that they would support his decision, come what may.
They had reached their magical spot, where the stars glowed down at them at their brightest. Its many lights were reflected on the lake, creating an illusion of being in a glittering atmosphere. Lily turned back to James, her eyes now full of curiosity. "James, why did you bring me here? Is there something important?"
James replied seriously, "Yes, Lily, it is something of extreme importance." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Lily, you know that from the very first moment I saw you, I admired your loveliness. Days rolled by and I found you increasingly attractive, not just because of your looks, but more importantly because of your goodness and kindness towards others. That admiration was… never much appreciated as they came out the wrong end of the tunnel and I completely botched up our chance to be together. Yet, you let me into your world this year, and I have found out that, not only are you every bit as lovely as everyone else finds you to be, you are also charming, intelligent, mischievous, loyal and very brave. And, despite our differences, we have managed to conquer the thorns that stood in our way. We are stronger than ever, and I have grown to love and adore you, as I have always suspected that I would."
Lily wanted to ask what he was going at, but was rendered speechless when he knelt down on one knee and produced a box from one of his pockets. In it was a simple yet lovely engagement band, a silver ring with a single emerald set on it. "Lily Evans, I love you. Will you marry me?"
Lily's head was spinning. This was all too much to take. James was asking her to marry him! He was really serious about her. But this soon? Oh Merlin, could this ever have a happy ending? We're too young! We're only eighteen, for Merlin's sake! She thought in panic.
All the same, always think twice, and, if need be, thrice, before you decide to do something. Decisions shouldn't be made hastily.
She was startled as she had heard her mother's voice, so loud and clear, even though she had merely saw those words in the letter she received so long ago. Help me, mom… What do I do?
If it has come, then follow your heart, Lily…
Follow her heart… What did her heart tell her? She searched desperately about her feelings. And her eyes were suddenly filled with memories of the past, oftheir past, to be exact. She saw James soothing her during the train ride to Hogwarts. James walking with her back to Gryffindor Tower. James dancing with her, twirling her around, his hands fitting perfectly in hers. James spinning her around the deserted classroom, glowing with joy. James kissing her for the first time. James tickling her mercilessly under the very same beech tree they were under. James clutching to her desperately as his parents died. James, in turn, holding her as she wept at her parents' funeral. Waking up with James by her side, his strong arms encircling her. James's face as she told him that she loved him. James's and her vision of their future lives together. Finally, James kneeling down in front of her, larger than life, with the ring in his hand.
I hope that, when that time comes, you would also find everlasting happiness with the man you love, as I have with mine…
And she saw clearly what she should do. Life was short, and there's no telling what tomorrow might bring. For the moment, just for the moment, she would live, and live beside the person she loved best.
"Yes." Only one word escaped her lips. James looked frankly astonished that his proposal was accepted. "Yes? For real?"
"For real, James. For real!" she repeated gladly. A look of happiness spread through James's handsome face as it replaced the worry etched into his face a moment ago. He hastily put the ring on her finger before sweeping her off her feet, kissing her as her accepted suitor, her future husband. Lily kissed back, knowing that, for the days to come, she would be able to live it contentedly and fully with the love of the man nestling her in his arms right at that moment. And come what may, in spite of the path stretched in front of the two, they would protect their beloved with all they had, as they knew the other would for them. A glimmer of light shone through the dark wilderness, indicating that, even in the worst of times, there would always be hope, happiness and love for the future of their lives, if they had the courage to seize and live it. And they had it, so they lived and loved, within the embrace of one another, for as long as they both shall live.
– Finis –