Ch. 13 A Wedding and a Tree

James stood on the Evans porch and loosened his tie, then tightened it again. He felt self-conscious in his new muggle suit and he was eager to make a good impression.

"Well, here goes nothing." He muttered, and rang the doorbell. He heard someone come and straightened his posture.

"James!" Grace Evans opened the door. "How wonderful it is to see you. Lily has been so much happier about the wedding since you agreed to come today."

"Thanks, Grace. And I am more than happy to be here." James smiled as he walked through the entrance into the kitchen, which looked like a floral shop.

"Lily is upstairs getting ready dear." Grace sat down to organize a bouquet.

"Okay. Do you need my help?"

"I think I've got this under control." She smiled.

James made his way upstairs and found Lily's room. At first, he thought she wasn't there, until he heard movement from her closet. He made his way over and found her sitting on the ground amongst her shoes, with a bottle of wine in her hand.

"Hello." He chuckled, sitting across from her. "You look quite pretty." She had a purple dress that was fairly conservative for his taste but she looked very classy.

"Hey." She took a big gulp of wine.

"Not that I'm against a little pre-gaming, but don't you think we should save that for the reception?"

"Nope." She took another sip.

"Lils," He lifted her chin so she'd look him in the eye, "what's going on?" He stroked her cheek. He knew it wouldn't be a very fun day for her, but she actually looked sad.

"It's nothing. I'm being silly. I mean, Petunia has been absolutely awful to me this week and that is nothing new. But we had dinner with Vernon the other night and she told him about me being a witch. He was horrible. I didn't know what to expect; I mean I knew he wasn't going to be happy about it. He doesn't like anything out of the ordinary. But he basically said they wouldn't be associating with me once they were married. He even got angry at Petunia for not telling him earlier. He's worried about 'genetics,'" Lily held up air quotes, "and if his children were like me he would send them to the orphanage." She put her head in her hands. "And Petunia hasn't spoken a word to me since that night."

"I'm so sorry, love." James wrapped his arms around her. "That sounds awful." Lily leaned into him.

"Thanks for being here. It means more than you know."

James nodded. "I would do anything for you Lily."

"Yeah?" She looked at him, smiling.

"Of course. I love you." It finally came out. Without hesitation, without worry, he told her how he felt. He knew in that moment she needed to know, and once he said it, it felt so natural.

"What?" She was still smiling. "What'd you say?"

"Lily Evans, I love you." He was holding her cheeks.

"I…I love you too James." They both giggled a little. James let out a huge sigh of relief.

"That's good because I love you."

"You said that."

"I know. But I want to keep saying it. It's your turn." He kissed her cheek and she giggled.

"I love you, James Potter."

Lily held James' hand throughout the ceremony. He had cheered her up immensely, and now everything seemed funny, including the hideous bridesmaids' dresses. She had to cover up her laugh a couple times during the vows by pretending to cough as James patted her on the back.

They kept looking at each other every minute or so, and he gave her that unwavering smirk. She knew exactly what he was thinking. They had made passionate love in her closet about two hours earlier, and had said "I love you" to each other for the first time. Lily felt the electricity between their hands.

As she looked at the bride and groom, she almost felt sorry for them. Almost. They barely looked like a couple in love. It was like a business deal. Sure, they looked happy, but now that Lily knew what that spark felt like, she could tell that Vernon and Petunia would never have that. She came out of her thoughts as James let go of her hand and stood up with the rest of the crowd, clapping.

"I love you." He whispered in her ear as the newlyweds processed out. Lily grinned as her cheeks burned.

Lily and James completely ignored Vernon's attempts to infuriate them at the reception. He was telling people all different stories; James did magic tricks on the street, he had a drug problem, or simply that he was "an unemployed hooligan."

They laughed at these lies or even went along with them, horrifying Petunia's new family further. They danced and drank champagne and ate cake for a couple hours, doing their duty.

After the toasts, Lily grabbed a bottle of champagne and took James' hand. "Take me somewhere." She whispered, feeling a bit drunk but wonderful at the same time. James chuckled as she tugged his arm.

"We have to say goodbye to your mum at least." And so they did. Grace Evans had tears in her eyes as she kissed her mum goodnight, telling her they'd be back sometime tomorrow.

"Ready?" James gave Lily a toothy smile.

"Ready." He took her hand and she felt the squeezing sensation.

Lily felt herself land on cold hard ground. She noticed several things at once. First, it was daylight. Second, it was loud, busy, and crowded. Buildings that were bigger than any she had ever seen surrounded them. Cars were honking and people were shouting.

"Are we…where are we?" She rubbed her bare arms in an attempt to warm herself.

"New York City." He smiled. "Thought I'd change it up this time. Come on," He took her hand. "Let's get a change of clothes."

They went into the nearest department store, as there wasn't really a place on the street for privacy, and found the changing rooms. They transfigured their clothes and shoes to muggle winter clothes. When they walked out, the saleswoman was so befuddled by their change of clothes, she didn't even yell at them for James being in the ladies dressing room. They bought some mittens, hats, and scarves before leaving the store.

"That was way too close." Lily was chewing her lip. Even though they were bundled up, she still decided to put a warming charm on them, covering her wand with her scarf as she pulled it out.

"She didn't see us do any magic. She was just confused by our clothes." James shrugged.

"I suppose. I wonder what would happen if we did break a law here. Would we get in trouble with the Ministry or with MACUSA?"

"Both I think. And Hogwarts."

"Hmm."

The city looked like a Christmas wonderland. There were trees decorated all around and displays in the store windows with giant ornaments and sleighs and presents.

They walked for a few minutes, taking in the skyscrapers and people.

"You can ice skate, right?" He asked her as they walked up to an ice rink filled with families. An enormous Christmas tree stood on one side, right in front of another skyscraper that people were taking pictures of.

"Yes!" Lily squealed.

"Let's go then." Discreetly, they transfigured their shoes into skates and made their way onto the rink.

"James?" Lily asked as he took her hand so they could skate together like the other couples.

"Yes, my love?"

"How is it you know so much about muggle stuff? Besides your mum, I mean."

"Well I did take muggle studies fifth year."

"James." She laughed.

"Okay okay. Well, growing up my parents thought it important that I knew basic muggle history and what goes on in their world. And we traveled so much, so I learned about their cultures. I've only been to New York once, but I remember it being beautiful at Christmastime."

"Hmm."

"Also…I may have done a little extra studying on my own in hopes that I could understand you better… so you would go out with me." James blushed and Lily smiled.

"I see." She kissed him on his burning cheek and he grinned. "You are adorable James."

"No no no. I am sexy and manly and incredible in the sack, but never adorable."

"Whatever you say, cutie pie." Lily laughed and James rolled his eyes.

James enjoyed watching Lily marvel at the sights in New York. They walked through Central Park and went to the Met, then went out to an authentic Italian restaurant.

"I'm exhausted." Lily put her hands on her stomach. "And stuffed." James laughed, but he agreed. It was about 4:00 am in London, and they had just consumed enough food for five.

"Me too. That meal was delicious. Do you want to stay the night here or go home?"

"Do you have muggle money?"

"How do you think I've been paying for things all day?" He pulled out a credit card. His mum had been able to link their Gringotts' vault with a muggle bank account in case she needed to spend money during work. She had made him a copy as soon as she found out he was finally dating Lily. Euphemia got a little over-enthused sometimes, but she meant well.

Lily giggled. "Shall we get a room, then?"

"We shall." He smirked. They paid the check and thanked the waiter on the way out.

He took her hand when they found a dark corner and they apparated to the front of a hotel called The Plaza.

"This is that hotel in all those films!" Lily giggled.

"Yes it is."

"But it must be full, right?"

"We'll figure something out." He held back a smile. He led her inside and smiled as she looked around at the old fashioned lobby. She started to walk toward the front desk but he tugged away her toward the elevator.

"James?"

"Don't worry, Lils. We aren't sneaking into a room. Just follow my lead." They got into the elevator and James pulled out his wand. He gave Lily a wink before poking the numbers 7, 5, 10, 3. Nothing happened at first, and then the elevator slowly started moving upward. He thought he did something wrong when he felt the elevator shoot up then sideways.

"What is going on?" Lily was backed up against the wall but she looked more curious than worried.

"You'll see!" Finally the sideways movement stopped. The doors opened and he heard Lily gasp. The grandeur of this lobby was much more magnificent than the one downstairs. The ground was marble and it had statues of famous witches and wizards. Beautiful flower arrangements were set on tables, and massive crystal chandeliers hung throughout the lobby.

A short, dark woman in a skirt suit approached them. "Welcome to the wizened wing of the Plaza." She gestured for them to follow her. "My name is Toni and I am the manager here. If you need anything, give me a call. There are directions for how to use a telephone in your room. We do utilize some of the no-maj's amenities in the hotel. There is also a television and a radio. Directions for those can be provided." The woman talked very fast and she had a heavy New York accent.

"Great. We won't be needing any directions though, I'm muggle-born." The woman looked up as she stepped behind the counter and smiled.

"Muggle. What a funny word. Can I get your name dear?" She looked at James.

"Yes- er, James Potter." This time she didn't smile. Her eyes grew wide.

"Potter?"

"Yes, my father travels here a lot for business."

"I knew you looked familiar! Joyce! Get over her- look at this kid- its Fleamont's son!" A woman started walking over, then looked at James and laughed as she joined the group.

"We just love your father. And his potions!" The women started chatting with each other. James and Lily exchanged a look.

"Look, I don't mean to be rude, but we are quite tired. It's been a long day. We would love to head to our room if you don't mind."

"Yes of course." He gave her money for one night's stay and she gave them a key to their room. He almost had to carry Lily down the hall to room 17, but when they arrived, she perked up.

The suite was basically the size of an apartment. There was a sitting room, with a TV as promised. There was also a dining area with a table that sat five people comfortably. They walked through the sitting room and opened the door to the bedroom. It had a king size bed with a desk and two nightstands and a radio.

"Let's go to sleep, yeah?" They both stripped to their underwear and James gave Lily his undershirt for her to use as pajamas.

They snuggled under the covers, and as James put his arm around Lily's waist, her heard her mutter, "I love you," before drifting off to sleep.

"I love you too, Lilypad." He whispered into her hair. "Forever."

James and Lily stayed in bed the majority of the next day. James even paid for an extra night so they didn't have to leave for checkout. They had their meals brought to the room so they didn't need to get dressed either.

Finally, at around 5:00 when they felt refreshed after taking a bath, they left the key with Toni and took the elevator outside, apparating home.

Back in Cokeworth things was much quieter than when they left. They snuck inside, trying to be quiet, but it turned out that was unnecessary.

"You're back! Finally; I was beginning to worry." Grace was in the kitchen, stirring a cup of tea and reading a book.

"Mum, what are you doing awake?"

"I was having a little difficulty sleeping, so I decided to come down here and read for a bit."

"Okay." There was a moment's pause.

"I'm going to head to bed. Thanks again for letting me stay, Grace." James said, walking toward the stairs.

"I am so happy you could come, James."

"Goodnight, mum." Lily turned to follow him.

"Wait a moment, Lily." Grace pulled out a chair and patted the seat, gesturing for Lily to sit.

"What is it?" Lily raised her eyebrows. Her mother smiled reassuringly.

"Don't worry, this isn't going to be a lecture. I just wanted to ask where he took you. Was it France again?"

"No. Actually, we went to New York."

"New York? Wow. That must have been incredible."

"It was." Lily couldn't help but smile, and laugh a little at how happy that memory was.

"You love him, don't you dear?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you told each other?"

"Er…" Lily bit her lip. "Well, yes. We have." Tears welled up in Grace's eyes.

"Oh darling, that's wonderful!" She threw her arms around Lily.

"Thanks mum. Can I go to bed now?"

"Yes, you may." Lily got up to leave. "And Lily?" Grace had a funny smile on her face.

"Yeah?"

"Please, be the smart girl I know you are. I hope you are using protection when…"

"MUM!"

"Darling, I'm not stupid. I see the way you look at each other." Lily was red in the face with embarrassment as she ran up the stairs. "Goodnight sweetie!" She called after her daughter, chuckling.