How I Knew
Chapter Two: JamesI walked from the window, along the wall, around Sirius, to the door, and then back to the window. It was my six hundredth trip around this stupid little room. I had gotten my coat tails on over three hours ago…the wedding isn't to begin for another hour…what am I going to do?
Sirius is laughing at me. There he is, leaning against the wall in all his self-satisfied glory…he doesn't know what it's like to dream and moon after a girl for years and years! He can (and does) get any girl he wants. And he does it without trying!
How is that possible?
But I finally got her! My one and only. The most beautiful girl in the entire world! AND it only took me seven years! HAHA! Take that! SUCCESS!
Yes, I knew my good looks and charm would eventually win her over…ok, who cares if she really just lost a bet and was forced to go out with me? NOT ME! She fell in love with me. It was just meant to be.
But what if she's having doubts?
Would she actually leave me at the alter?
That would be ironic…actually maybe I should leave her…now THAT is irony at it's highest! Can you imagine…James Potter leaves beautiful bride, Lily Evans at the alter.
… No one would believe it, and rightly so…it would never happen. I would never dream of leaving her. She makes the world go round, when she smiles the sun shines.
Oh how I love her.
Why is Sirius laughing? Do I have dreamy look on my face? I must. The prat. Yeah you! Stop it! It's not to late for me to switch my best man to Remus! Yeah…you know exactly what I'm thinking don't you…git.
"Prongs…relax," Sirius says.
"Yeah yeah…easy for you. You don't have to worry about being turned down!"
"James…She already said yes to marrying you. I just checked on her like you told me too, she's in her room…everything is set, there is no rain, nothing is going wrong!"
"She could still leave, don't let her near the bathrooms. It's good luck if it rains on a wedding day…does that mean we're not supposed to be married? Is the priest here? Are guests coming in ok? Is everyone finding everything?"
"Prongs…you need to stop. You're freaking me out. And I'm not usually the voice of reason here. But, seriously...everything is going perfectly," he smiled. "As it should, I took care of everything."
I sank into a chair. The last time Pads said that…something was lit on fire and we ended up doing maple syrup and fire-whiskey shots. Actually I think that was at my bachelor party two nights ago…
"No it's fine. So just calm down. Lets think," He shook his shaggy head, imitating the dog we all know and love. "When did you first know you loved Lily? Hmmm?" Sirius asked, still leaning against the wall in his annoyingly smooth fashion.
When did I first know I loved Lily? Well that's easy…it was when…no. It wasn't really the first time I saw her. Oh sure, I thought she was gorgeous and the most beautiful creature that I had ever seen…but I didn't LOVE her at that moment. That wasn't it. Um.
Oh I know the first moment I knew I loved her. I close my eyes and smile. There is NO WAY I'm telling Pads this one…oh no. I'd never live it down. He wouldn't let me…
I knew I loved Lily Evans the first time I saw her cry and she took my hand in hers. Yeah I know how that sounds; James Potter is losing his nerve. But oh, it was special.
We were, unfortunately, at her father's funeral. She had had to organize everything, the food, the guests, the plot, the coffin…everything. Her mother had passed a year before and her sister wouldn't come back home, so she had no one to help her.
She still wasn't friendly with me then but I had started backing off and not annoying her as much. So when we, that is to say the Marauders, heard about the funeral, we left Hogwarts and went to be with her.
After the service, we all went to where her father was to be buried. Since she was the only immediate family in attendance, she was standing apart from everyone else, alone. And she was crying. It was the first time I had ever seen the all-powerful, perfect, prefect Lily Evans cry. The tears slowly slid down her rosy cheeks and splashed onto the front of her black dress. It felt as though my heart had dropped to the floor.
I hate it when she cries, even to this day. Not for the petty guy reason that we usually use about how it's annoying; or that girls cry about everything. No. It's because she looks so beautiful, but it rips my heart out when I know I can't make her happy.
So I walked across the great divide that was the family and stood by her side. I just stood there, fully expecting to be beaten to a pulp. She sniffed and looked up at me, her green eyes that I find so entrancing, shining with tears yet unshed. And then she looked back across at the coffin and took my hand in hers. I remember it clearly. Her hand was small, smooth and cold in mine, she squeezed my hand and took a step nearer to me. I gently squeezed her hand in return, felling her body heat infusing with mine and listening to her sniffles.
I open my eyes and Sirius is still looking at me.
"Well?" he asks.
"I'm better now."
"Yeah, great." He says. "Well My Good Mister Prongs. It's time to make a Mrs. Prongs."
I jump up and rush to the door, grabbing a fistful of Sirius' jacket and dragging him with me. We ran to the alter and I stood where I was supposed to, looking down the aisle toward the big oak doors.
God that aisle is long…what if Lily got halfway down and changed her mind? I must have groaned because Sirius asked if I was feeling all right…
Actually he said, "Not having second thoughts are we? Because if you are, I have a broom waiting outback…we can get you out."
I could punch him. Though it does make me feel better.
No I'm ready.
Oh look here come the flower girl and the ring-bearer…bridesmaid…bridesmaid…bridesmaid…bridesm—dear lord! How many of them are there!
And there's a flash of white. It's Lily and Remus. Oh happy day. She looks ravishing. Is she laughing, crying…I can't tell. She's almost here. She's smiling.
My hands are shaking, I hope she doesn't notice.
Remus pushes back her veil and kisses her cheeks. I take her hand and we're at the alter.
Everything is perfect.
Our futures are set.
Nothing can go wrong from this day on.
Yes well there you go.
I love you all.
Until next time
Keep a sharp eye ;)
Ciao, Pupparoux