It's been a while. Special shout out to Ana who edited this for me (And got it back to me exactly ONE DAY after I sent it to her! WHAT?) and was really just an amazing friend to me the past few months. Go check her out (links in my profile). On to the story!

Dear diary,

Today's Thanksgiving in america. It's not a British holiday, but my mum, who lived in America for ten years, was quite fond of it and I grew up celebrating the holiday every November. Especially since we're in the middle of a war, I think it's important to remember all the things we are thankful for and appreciate in our lives. Even the small things. Especially the small things.

Tonight James and I are cooking a nice meal and it's going to be lovely. I've invited Bathilda, Sirius and Remus over. Peter was invited too, but unfortunately he said that he had somewhere to be (James is saying he's probably out with a girl, Sirius is saying that there's no chance of that happening, and Remus is telling Sirius to shut up. I'm just laughing).

But back to the point, I had thought, like every other year, I'd write a list of things I'm grateful for. God knows how long I'll be here to enjoy these things but, as Remus likes to point out, I've still got today so I might as well enjoy it. This is what I'm grateful for this year.

Harry: He's not even six months old yet but he's what brings me joy in this horrible world. When we hear of another death or really any bad news I swear he knows exactly how James and I feel and how to cheer us up. Just the other day, we heard from Remus that a friend of mine in second year, Elizabeth McHenry, was tortured to death by none other than the Death Eaters themselves. We hadn't talked in years, but nowadays it's so dark that sometimes I feel that all of my joy comes from the good old days, in the first few years of hogwarts, when my biggest worry was the grade I'd get on my upcoming transfiguration quiz (It has always been my worst subject). But when those people, that were a part of that heaven, are taken away, you can't help but feel a little bit of hopelessness. And that's how I felt. I laid my head on the arm rest of the sofa, looking down at Harry, and sighed. And that little angel grinned, the most beautiful smile in the world. His eyes lit up with happiness once he saw me crack a smile and soon enough I could stop smiling. He deserves the world. And though we may not be able to give that to him, James and I will try our very best to make sure he grows up in the safest place possible, surrounded by love.

James' hair: God, it used to annoy me so bloody much. How it would never stay flat and how he'd always run his hands through it. It was so damn annoying. And now it's one of my favourite things to see. And every night, when we're lying in bed, I get to run my hands through it. Surprisingly, it's so silky. You'd expect it to be a bit more... rough, with his hair looking the way it does, but it's so perfect (I tried using his conditioner. Let's just say it doesn't help me at all).

James: I hope James doesn't read this, it'll probably boost his ego up a bit too much. Oh gosh. I was so lucky. I am so lucky. I am married to a wonderful man who loves me, treats me like a queen (Though he acts more king-ly), loves our son and has a horrible sense of humor, but I love him all the same. He never forgets to kiss me on the forehead when he comes home from an order meeting, or visiting someone's place. Every night he makes sure to charm a few colored puffs of smoke for Harry and give him a good-night snuggle right before bed. He's always there for his friends, and would die for them. And me. There's no doubt in my mind when I say we'd both die for Harry. But he's so passionate, open, kind, sweet, adorably pathetic, and everything you could ask for in a man.

My home: When James and I found out I was pregnant with Harry, we moved from our small flat to this two story, wonderful home in Godric's Hollow. It's really quite amazing. I've never lived in a town with just witches and wizards before (Unless you count Hogwarts, which I don't) and it's such an interesting experience. The other day James decided he wanted to fly for a bit and there he was, above the street, zooming around. Bathilda Bagshot, yes her, lives right nearby to us and she's lovely. Quite fond of Harry too. You'd expect her to have so many stories to tell that she'd never stop but really she'll tell James and I a few interesting things then listen to us for over two hours. Mary came over a few weeks ago and nearly fainted when she heard, while I was greeting her at the door, Bathilda call out to me from her doorstep asking me to come over that night to help her with a potion and to make sure to bring Harry. The next night a few death eaters broke into a house in a nearby town and now none of us open our doors more than it's necessary. She's going to come over later today though, which is nice.

The rest of the Marauders: Second year me would cringe if she heard me say this but I really do love them so much. I love how Sirius'll come over to our flat at three in the morning with a bucket of strawberry ice cream and let me cry on his shoulder about how I'll be a horrible mum (this happened multiple times when I was pregnant). And Remus, whose so understanding and calm and has the best advice to give. And Peter, who can always give me a good laugh. I truly can't imagine what I would do without them.

And then there is simply nature. The chirping of birds that wakes me up every morning, the nice, cool October wind, all of the red and orange leaves that Harry likes to stare at. The huge trees in our backyard. It's the most beautiful thing in the world.

And Harry. Oh, Harry. I know I've already talked so much about him. But he's truly amazing. I look forward so much to seeing him grow up and become his own person. I want the first thing I see in the morning to forever be James playing with Harry, the smiles on both their faces visible. And those happy, excited looks in their darling eyes. God, I love them both so much.

Happy thanksgiving.

Lily

It's short but I like to think that it's sweet. Thank you again to Ana and you lovely people who have taken the time to read my story.

I'm grateful for reviews. Not flames though. I'm very thankful for constructive criticism (wink, wink)