Iris rushed into the pub and collapsed at the table.
"You seem a bit out of breath. And late," James said, a slight smile on his face.
"Sorry. Things have been so hectic with the shop opening next week," she said, pulling off her winter coat. It had been a few weeks since the house party and Iris and George were working around the clock to fill the shelves of the store. They had set the opening date thinking they had plenty of time, but then realized it would be tough. Angelina, Percy and Oliver had taken to stopping by to help when they weren't busy with work or training just so everything would be ready in time.
"Not a problem. How is that going?" he asked.
"Good, for the most part. But I've been up late the better part of the week getting potions and various items ready," she said, grabbing for the pint of beer in front of her quite eagerly. "Oliver and I barely see each other, between his training and my hours." James tipped his head to the side.
"Are things still good with your beau?" he asked. Iris laughed.
"Quite. At least we're so busy that the marriage and baby talk has started to die down among our families," she said, after taking a drink.
"He hasn't even proposed and they are already trying to get you knocked up?" James asked, surprised. Iris shrugged.
"I think they are just too excited for their own good. Bill and Fleur's wedding was ages ago and they are all aching for another. Ginny, Harry, Hermione and Ron are still a bit too young; and George, Percy and Charlie are no where close. Not to mention Oliver's an only child. So they've all pinned their hopes on Oliver and I," she said.
"Well… just make sure you don't rush into anything," James warned. Iris laughed again.
"Trust me. I'm quite ready to marry Oliver. But we honestly just have no time to really discuss it or even really think about it," she said. "Plus, we're enjoying playing with everyone by drawing it out." She had a mischievous glint in her eye. "Every month that passes, George loses another few Galleons to Ron and Harry." James laughed.
"Don't tell me you've secretly bet against yourselves?" he asked.
"We would if we could, but sadly we're not allowed to enter the pool. They've got one going on our wedding date, who has the first baby and I think who ends up having the most children... plus a few more that George refuses to tell me about," she said resignedly. "But enough about me, how's work and the family?"
"About the same as always. Dad is still micromanaging me at the office, then trying to set me up on blind dates after hours," he said with a sigh.
"Must be tough, having gorgeous pureblood witches literally thrown at you," Iris said, smiling. James laughed.
"Please. They aren't all gorgeous. And most seem to only be interested in how well they'll look on my arm," he said. "No, I'd much prefer something like you and Oliver have."
"Well, we are quite the dashing couple according to the latest edition of Witch Weekly. They somehow got a photo of us walking home from George's shop one night, covered in goo from an accident," she said, wrinkling her nose. "I think the caption read: 'Puddlemere United keeper Oliver Wood and girlfriend Iris Evans show that green goo looks good when in love.'"
"But see? You two can do silly things like that and just laugh at each other. Every woman I've met so far doesn't even know how to laugh," James lamented.
"Just tell your dad to sod off and go find your own partner," Iris said. James gave her a pointed look.
"Not that simple. Not in my world at least," he said.
"I'll never understand your world," Iris said with a small sigh.
"Be glad you are not subjected to my world," he said. "Though I do enjoy coming over to visit yours." Iris laughed.
"That's only because you get to hang out with Puddlemere players," she said with a snort.
"Whatever gets me box seats to the first match," he said with a grin. Iris shook her head, a red curl starting to fall out of her ponytail.
"I knew you were only using me for tickets," she said.
"Caught me," he said with a cheeky grin. Iris laughed and took another drink of her pint. "Ehm so… Iris… are you sure about Oliver?" James asked, suddenly turning quite serious. Iris sat up, a bit confused. The question seemed to come out of nowhere.
"Of course. Why?" she asked. James sighed.
"Just, usual big brother stuff," he said. "I know we haven't kept in touch the last few years and there were a lot of secrets back then, but you are one of my oldest, closest friends. I just… want to make sure you're okay." Iris smiled.
"I appreciate the concern, but there's nothing to worry about. Things are good. It's almost like we're back to where we were before… everything," she said. James nodded and smiled.
"Good to hear," he said. "I'm happy as long as you're happy." Iris smiled her appreciation.
"Well, it's a good thing I'm very happy," she said.