James ran a hand through his already wild hair, ruffling it up. He bit his lip hard enough to nearly bleed. The actions disguised the shake in his hands and the chatter of his teeth. His eyes stung and his throat closed up. Tears clung and refused to fall.

James startled at the sound of steps behind, whirling to spot the source. Lily stood, arms clasped around her middle. They gravitated towards each other.

James cupped Lily's face and traced his thumb on her cheek bone. His other hand travelled naturally to her waist. Lily placed her hand on the back of his neck, curling into the wild mane, the other over his heart.

Their eyes met. Both teary.

"Harry?" a waver.

"Safe" a soft smile.

Tears fell. The two clung to each other. Both so young, so fragile, so weary, so lost.

James sniffled into Lily's fire red hair,

"We left him."

"We did," Lily agreed.

"We couldn't protect him."

"We couldn't."

"We'll never see him grow up."

"We won't"

"We never told him how much we loved him."

"We didn't."

A desolate silence rang out.

Lily lifted her head up from Jame's chest.

"But he'll be okay."

"Yeah?" James looked into Lily's eyes.

"Yeah. He's our Harry. Our little boy. He'll be okay," Her eyes showed absolute trust in her words.

James smiled softly, "I guess he will. He's got your smarts after all."

"Hmm. And my temper for sure." Lily grinned through tears.

James mock blanched at her statement, "Oh no! The world is doomed for sure now!"

Lily laughed and lightly shoved James away. James chuckled and drew her into his arms tighter. The two soaked in each other's presence, relishing in the strange peace that hung around them.

"Now what?" Lily asked.

"Now we go," James stated.

"Where to?"

"Anywhere you want to."

"With you?"

"With me."

"Forever?"

"Forever."

"Hmmm. Seems like a long time to be with you."

"I'll just have to make sure it's fun every second of the way."

James broke their embrace and took a step away. He offered her his hand in invitation.

"Shall we, Lily?"

Lily grinned and took his hand.

"We shall, James."

Thank you for reading!