Seven Months Later - Bonfire Night

The atmosphere in the Peverell ballroom is light and airy, a stark contrast from the last time Lily attended an event at James's family home. It's also the first time she's been back to the estate since that disastrous night in March, but tonight promises to be nothing like James's birthday.

It's a night for celebration, and Lily couldn't be happier as she watches her best friend twirl around the dance floor in the most unique designer gown she's ever seen. It's a mixture of couture and Regency era, with its sheer-paneled corset and full skirt made of tulle, and billowing pleated lantern sleeves that enhance the whimsical, fairy tale wedding Marlene has meticulously planned in only a few short months. Lily is convinced that there isn't a happier couple than Marlene and Sirius, who only have eyes for each other while they dance to Can't Help Falling in Love.

Her vision becomes misty with tears glistening in her eyes as the music fades and the first dance ends. A warm, strong hand slips around her waist as the DJ invites the rest of the guests to join the happy couple on the dance floor. Lily leans back against her date, tilting her head to allow more access as his lips gravitate toward the sensitive spot on her neck, placing a soft, slow kiss on her porcelain skin. His nose grazes her cheek lightly as he moves up to her ear to whisper,

"May I have this dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

She turns and places her hand in his as James leads her out to the floor to the starting chords of Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud. They haven't seen each other much since early that morning due to preparations and fulfilling maid of honor and best man duties. The first time she did see him is when she was walking down the aisle, and though she knew she should be focused more on the groom, she couldn't take her eyes off of James.

From that moment on, every time she sees James, it's easy to imagine the day as their own wedding, and she wants nothing more than for that to happen. It's a massive change of heart from her feelings when she first met him nine months ago, but she wouldn't trade anything for the life she's making with the man currently holding her close.

"Have I mentioned how beautiful you look?" His hand is warm as it splays out across her exposed back, fingers absently playing with the corset detail that holds the sides of her dress loosely together.

Marlene has chosen a stunning berry and gold Faviana gown for Lily that shimmers in the light with its polyester and bonded glitter jersey fabric. The dress boasts a princess-cut shape held by thin straps and a deep V neckline with a long slit up the skirt. It is the perfect balance of elegance and style, yet still manages to complement the whimsy of Marlene's gown.

"You may have said so once or twice." She smiles against his shoulder.

"There's something about the way you look in glitter that continues to take my breath away."

The statement elicits a giggle from her lips. "I wouldn't have the foggiest idea why."

She does seem to have a penchant for dressing up in bright, sparkly clothes. "It wouldn't have anything to do with how you flashed me upon our first meeting."

"Ah, but it still didn't help me win. I believe you were put off by the glitter, were you not?"

"Not anymore." His chest rumbles with laughter as they both recall their first meeting.

It's ironic how the finest of substances can mean so much to them now, including the name of Lily's new—and wildly successful—bakery: Ginger Confections. Since opening that summer, she frequently sells out of her flavors of the day and has had to hire more help to keep the shelves stocked with enough freshly baked treats.

James helps out often when he's not bogged down with his other responsibilities, and one of Lily's favorite things is to create new recipes with him by her side. Now that the grand opening excitement has settled, she's to a point where she doesn't have to be there all the time, and she and Remus split their time managing the business. She eyes the pink champagne cupcakes Marlene requested for the day and the small, two-tiered red velvet cake on the dessert table. Yes, business is going well.

When the song ends, James presses a soft kiss to the top of her head. "I need some air. Care to join me in the garden?"

"You don't think Marlene or Sirius will miss us?"

James cocks his head to the newly-wedded couple. "Do you?"

They're so lost in dancing with each other that Lily's certain they wouldn't notice if the room caught fire around them.

"I suppose we can sneak away for a few minutes."

As James leads her toward the massive French doors that open to the garden, Lily grabs the shawl that is draped over the back of her chair. James may need some air, but he's dressed in a full tuxedo and the crisp night air won't bother him. Lily, on the other hand, knows she'll freeze if she doesn't get something to cover her bare skin.

"Good thinking," James acknowledges as he helps her drape the fabric over her shoulder. "I suppose I didn't take the temperature into account when I asked."

Lily observes his actions as he runs his hands through his hair, ruffling it out of place even more than it already is before jamming his hands into his pockets. He almost looks nervous but she has no idea why he would be. She loops her arm through his as he leads her along the brick path and away from the commotion of the wedding.

"It's peaceful out here, isn't it?" Her ears are thankful for the reprieve from the booming vibrations of the DJ's sound system.

I'd want our wedding outside so the sound could dissipate and maybe it won't feel as loud for our guests.

The thought flits through her mind, one of several she's found herself thinking as the day wore on. From cataloging different shots she'd love to have from her photographer, to how she might like her hair, to whether or not she'd want a first-look—which, she knows she would because having to wait all day to see James was torture. Lily closes her eyes and leans against his shoulder, imagining herself in a billowing white gown, approaching an unsuspecting James before she's meant to walk down the aisle.

If only she hadn't been so stupid back in March. Sure, she needed the extra time to realize she and James were meant to be, but she wants what Sirius and Marlene have after seeing how happy they are today. And she wants that with James.

"Does it bother you how disgustingly happy our best friends are?" James's question comes out of nowhere, yet Lily wonders if he can secretly read her mind, considering how close their wavelengths are.

"Yes and no," she answers honestly. "I'm genuinely happy for them, but it's hard not to be envious."

James turns to her, feigning a stab wound to the heart from her response. The tiniest of smirks is visible in the moonlight. "Is what we have not enough?"

"No! It's more than enough!" Her arm slips through his and she squeezes his hand when he lifts it out of his pocket.

But his hand isn't empty and her heart leaps into her throat when she feels the velvety texture with her fingertips. She wants to admonish him, but can't find her voice.

"Ah, so if it's more than enough, then you're content to remain as we are? Even despite your assurances back in April that you've had a change of heart?"

"I—" Even as she utters the one-syllable, one-letter word, she watches in pure shock as James sinks to one knee. "What are you—"

James cuts her off with a shake of his head. "Maybe this is poor timing given our best friends have just wed a few hours ago, but I don't want to wait any longer. I know I mucked up the first go at this, and I promised I wouldn't do so again. There are so many things I could say, but none of them seem to fit. I love you, Lily. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and it is my greatest hope that you will do me the honor of becoming my wife."

Lily can feel the tears falling down her cheeks as her heartbeat reverberates in her ears. But unlike last time, these are happy tears. Tears of joy, for even after the better part of a year, James still wants her to be by his side through this crazy journey they call their lives. And this time, she's more than eager to answer the question she's waiting to hear as he cracks open the velvet box and a diamond shines back at her.

"Lily Evans, will you marry me?"

This time, she says yes.