A/N: So this chapter's been a long time coming! Apologies about the delay, it's been a rather mad few weeks.
Here it is, the final installment of Turning Page.
Chapter 21
"Will you hurry up, mum wants us to leave in ten minutes," Rose shouted, banging on the bathroom door.
"I'll be two seconds," I snapped back at her.
"You know no one will be looking at you right, I don't understand why you're going to all this trouble," She moaned. I took one last look at myself in the mirror, taking a deep breath, before stepping out into the hallway.
"Or maybe not, Merlin Hannah you look incredible," Rose gasped, her eyes widening. I felt myself blush and smile at my friend who was dressed in a beautiful yellow dress, her auburn hair curled around her shoulders.
"You sound so surprised," I smirked, moving past her and into her bedroom. I heard her groan and follow me into the room.
"I swear you're spending too much time with Dom," She said sitting on the end of her bed and pulling on her heels.
"We do live together Rose, bound to happen," I smiled, taking in my appearance in the full-length mirror. I had decided to wear a light blue summer dress that was sprinkled in white flowers and flowing around my knees. I had left my naturally curly blonde hair down, pinning it to the side with a white and gold hair piece. Over the past few weeks in Romania, I had gained a rather fitting tan that went beautifully with my dress. I felt amazing and more beautiful than I had in a long time; I couldn't help the butterflies that were erupting in my stomach.
"Are you ready to go?" Rose asked me from near the door. I grabbed my bag and slipped into my heels.
"As I'll ever be," I replied. I had taken a portkey with Dom and her uncle Charlie the day before and had spent the whole time since with Rose, as Albus had been busy with groomsman duties, and Scorpius had only just got home after his holiday. It had been three weeks since I had seen them all and as so Rose and I had ample to catch up on.
I decided to tell her about the letter to James the evening before over a bottle of wine and a hell of a lot of chocolate. I hadn't told anyone before we left Hogwarts that I had read the letter Dom had given me and I hadn't told a soul - not even Dom - that I had written James a letter back. In true form, I had backed out of giving it to him on the train but decided to send it to him after a week of being in Romania, when I couldn't stand having it in my possession any longer. I hadn't told anyone until Rose had got it out of me after a fair few glasses of wine.
"Did he write back?" She asked when I had told her. We were sat on her bed surrounded by hair styling potions and beauty serums she had bought the day before in preparation for the wedding.
"No, I didn't expect him to," I told my friend with a sad smile. I had allowed myself to enjoy offloading my pent up emotions over the past few weeks. Ultimately, I didn't care what James Potter thought or did with the letter, I was happy just having told him exactly how I felt, it was the closure I needed. It didn't mean I didn't stop loving him, it just meant I could love him without needing to miss him every five seconds. Moving to Romania, throwing myself into my work and living with Dom, I felt more like myself than I had in a long time.
"Are you nervous about seeing him?" Rose asked as we walked down the stairs into the kitchen to meet her family.
"I feel like I could throw up any second," I replied, shooting her a worried glance.
"Well you look amazing, he'd have to be blind not to see that," She grinned.
"Are you girls ready?" Mr Weasley called from the living room.
"Yes, shall we meet you there?" Rose called back to her parents.
"Yes dear, just sorting out your dad's tie and we'll be there in five," Mrs Weasley said poking her head around the door, "You both look beautiful," She said with a smile.
"Thanks, mum," Rose grinned, "Okay, let's go," I nodded and we both turned on the spot, arriving at The Burrow in a matter of seconds.
The Burrow had been completely transformed. The usual shabbiness that encompassed the house had disappeared and it looked almost serine amongst the tents and decorations that littered the surrounding fields. There were people appearing everywhere, looking around happily as we moved with the ever-growing crowd towards the biggest tent. Standing out in stark contrast against it's surrounding, the tent was pure white and littered with glistening gold stars that sparkled in the sunlight. As we drew closer my ears were met with the most beautiful music that was pouring through the entranceway, enticing people in. It was so perfect, I could already feel tears in my eyes at the magnitude of what I was seeing. People were laughing and joking everywhere I looked, it was like magic had been cast that didn't allow for people to be unhappy. This was my first ever wizarding wedding and I was already overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.
I felt Rose take my arm and I looked over to her to see her eyes sparkling much like my own. Ahead of us, we spotted Scorpius and Al leaning against one of the many tables that had been set out. Scorpius looked dashing in his deep green dress robes that made his blonde hair stand out more than ever. Albus was clad in the groomsman dress robes that were a deep claret with blue accessories that brought the look together, making him look extremely dapper and grown up. I felt my heart swell as I took in my two best friends, realising just how much I had missed them over the past few weeks. They looked over to the two of us, grinning madly.
"Hannah," Al yelled excitedly when he saw me. He bolted over to the both of us wrapping me in a huge hug and spinning me around in his arms laughing widely, "Merlin I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, now put me down you oaf," I laughed wriggling out of his arms and smoothing out my dress, trying to gain some composure.
"Oh Merlin, you do sound like Dom," He said looking aghast.
"And what's wrong with that Albus Severus Potter?" Dom's voice rang out. I turned to see my friend stepping out of the tent looking stunningly beautiful in her deep blue bridesmaid's dress, "Hey gorgeous," She smiled taking in my outfit and coming over to give me a hug.
"How's the bride doing?" I asked her.
"Nervous as hell but so looks so fucking amazing, Teddy would be an idiot not to marry her," She laughed, "Speaking of which, Teddy is looking for you and James; have you seen your brother anywhere?" I saw Al frown and look sideways at me.
"I think he was with Poppy the last time I saw him," He said quietly. I barely made the connection before I recognised the name of the girl James had lied about. The calmness I had felt for the past couple of weeks was suddenly pulled from underneath me and I felt like a complete idiot. I tried to calm the panic that was rushing through me but knew it was no good. I didn't even want to consider the fact that James could've moved on properly this time; it didn't bear thinking about.
"That girl," Dom growled, her delicate features screwed up in anger, "I swear to Merlin she needs to back off, can she not take a fucking hint," She mumbled. "Go and see to the groom before he has a full blown panic attack," She ordered Al, "I best go and find your idiot of a brother before he gets himself into more trouble. How the hell do you all cope when I'm not here?" Dom said throwing her hands up in the air and storming off around the tent.
"How the hell have you put up with her for three weeks?" Al asked me, looking after his cousin in bewilderment, "I forgot how demanding she can be sometimes. I best go to Teddy before she comes back and rips my head off again," He added before taking off into the house.
"Please don't tell me he is actually dating Poppy for real this time?" I frowned at Rose, hoping my voice sounded calmer than I felt.
"I have no idea," She replied honestly, "From what Dom said, I assume it's not reciprocated. Please don't read too much into it," She said squeezing my hand comfortingly.
"What's going on?" Scorpius asked us looking concerned.
"Hannah read James' letter and wrote back to him," Rose explained.
"Merlin Rose, that was meant to be a bloody secret," I mumbled as Scorpius looked at me hopefully.
"Hannah, that's great. What did he say?" Scorpius asked.
"He didn't say anything. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to find my seat. I'll see you in there," I said giving them a fake smile and moving into the tent before they could call me back. I needed more than anything to just forget about James for the time being. I was already nervous about seeing him and talking about him wasn't helping.
My breath caught in my throat as I stepped inside the tent. Unbelievingly, it was more beautiful from the inside. It had obviously been enchanted to make it even bigger; I would've probably likened the size to a small cathedral. Everything was white and, even though there weren't any windows, the roof had been enchanted (much like the ceiling of Hogwarts) to make it look like the perfect summers day. There were flowers everywhere you looked, all of them glistening delicately. A string quartet was in one corner, the instruments playing themselves, filling the tent with the most alluring sound. I felt at peace in an instant, my worries about James Potter fleeting momentarily from my mind. I saw a few people I recognised from Hogwarts and smiled at them as I made my way to my chair. Before I'd even sat down I was engulfed by a set of arms wrapping me in a hug.
"Lily," I smiled at the seeker as she pulled away.
"It's so good to see you, Hannah," She said beaming as she held onto my arms. She was matching Dom in the same stunning blue gown, looking more grown-up than ever, "You looking amazing," She said taking me in.
"Says the one," I laughed.
"How's Romania?" She asked as I sat down in my seat.
"Brilliant, I'm having the best time. I absolutely love living with Dom and honestly, as much as I miss everyone, I can't wait to get back," I smiled. She considered me for a moment before her face broke into a soft smile.
"You look happy," She said honestly, "It's been too long since you have looked this happy."
"I am happy Lilly," I said with a smile, "Everything looks amazing," I said changing the subject and looking around the room.
"I know right. Dad hired the best wedding organizers for Teddy and well you know what Aunt Fleur and Gran are like. Mum said that they were even worse this time than they were for Fleur and Bill's wedding," Lily explained, "It's been stressful, but everything's coming together. I can't wait for them to get married now; it's been a long time coming."
"Well it looks stunning; I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful in my life."
"Just wait until you see Vic, honestly that girl is so beautiful, Merlin knows what she sees in Teddy," She laughed. We were quiet for a moment before Lily sighed and took the seat next to me.
"Have you spoken to James recently?" She asked awkwardly.
"No, he hasn't written to me since I've been in Romania," I answered with a slight shrug.
"I think he wants to catch up with you today," She said with a smile. I bit my lip nervously and decided to bit the bullet and ask the one question I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answer to.
"Is he dating Poppy?" I asked Lily quietly.
"What?" Lily said her face screwed up in confusion.
"Poppy Smith, Ravenclaw in my year," I explained, "Al said he was with her early and I thought maybe they were together somethinging," I mumbled.
"Wait…what?" She said again, her eyes wide in amusement, "Poppy Smith as in Victoire, Dom, and Louis cousin,"
"I didn't realise they were related," I replied.
"She's Aunt Gabrielle's daughter and she's a bloody nightmare," Lily said with a shake of the head, "I can assure you that they aren't dating or whatever you think is happening with them. The last I knew, she had been getting on his last nerve," She added with a chuckle. I felt my nerves calm slightly, "Hannah, I really don't think you have anything to worry about," She said with a knowing smile.
"Well, why do I feel like I'm going to be sick every time his name is mentioned then?" I frowned. Before she could respond Ginny Potter came storming over to us her face like thunder.
"Lily Luna Potter, everyone is looking for you," She snapped.
"Sorry Mum, I got talking with Hannah," She replied, hanging her head. Ginny turned to me and smiled.
"It's good to see you, Hannah," She turned back to her daughter, "Lily move, everyone is waiting on you."
"See you later Hannah," She smiled, giving me a quick hug, "Please don't worry too much," She added squeezing my arm and giving me a last look before following her mum out of the of the tent.
The tent was filling up now as Rose and Scorpius came and joined me. The music stopped abruptly and the sound of birds echoed around the room. Another song started playing and a group of singers stood up at the front of the crowd singing the most captivating melody. The music reached a stunning peak and everyone stood up, looking at the door of the tent. Teddy came walking down the aisle looking as charming as ever with his signature bright blue hair. His dress robes were the same deep claret as Albus' except they had a golden shimmer to them that sparkled in the sun. He was followed in by Albus' dad who was best man, wearing matching dress robes with the proudest smile on his face as he saw his godson walk down the aisle in front of him. Behind him was Louis Weasley, looking almost angelic as he followed his uncle and soon to be brother in law down the aisle. With him was Teddy's best friend from Hogwarts and bringing up the rear was Albus Potter and the one person who made my heart stop completely.
It had been three weeks since I had seen James Potter, and nothing could've prepared me for the soaring feeling in my heart when my eyes fell onto him. He was more gorgeous than I ever could've imagined and I suddenly realised that I had missed him with every fibre of my being without even being aware of it. Seeing him made it easier to breathe again, seeing him made me realise that whatever happiness I'd thought I had been feeling before was nothing to how I felt when I looked at him. I was so overcome with my emotions I felt tears falling down my cheek and saw Rose glance at me with the biggest smile on her face. She took my hand and squeezed it gently.
My eyes never left James as he followed his family up to the stage. I saw his eyes scan over the crowd before finally meeting mine. I couldn't look away as we took each in, neither of us daring to look away, neither of us wanting to break the spell. He looked so stunning in his dress robes; his hair slicked back making him looking so kept and handsome. After what felt like an eternity his face broke out into the most beautiful smile, one that spread across his whole face. I couldn't help but smile back, the most genuine smile I'd given in a long time. I felt myself blush slightly but couldn't bring myself to look away from him. My heart was banging in my chest; I was surprised no one else could hear it.
"Oh my," I heard Rose gasp from beside me. I tore my attention away from James and back to the aisle. The music had changed and the singers had stopped, instead, the most serene sound filled the tent as Victoire Weasley came down the aisle. Lilly was right, she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen in my life. She was stunning. Her lace white dress was floating around her making her look like an angel. Gold stars speckled the skirt and bodice, glistening in the sunlight making her look like she was actually sparkling. Her blonde hair was pulled back and was adorned with the most radiant gold tiara. But nothing looked more perfect than the smile that was spread across her face when she saw Teddy Lupin for the first time. The way they were looking at each other made me blush, I felt like I was intruding on a private moment. The love they had for each other so apparent to see, it screamed across the crowds. They were stunning and I was so happy for the both of them.
As the bridal party reached Teddy, a proud looking Bill Weasley handed his daughter off to Teddy with a firm hug, wiping his own tears from his eyes. The bridesmaids followed behind, Lily and Dom adjusting Victoire's dress and stood beside her with the rest of the bridesmaids. The couple entwined their hands out in front of them, neither of them pulling their gaze away from each other. The Master of Service took to the front and welcomed the pair to deliver their vows.
"The rings," The Master of Service asked Mr Potter once the vows were finished. He handed them over and the couple placed them on each other's fingers.
"Do you Edward Remus Lupin take Victoire Gabrielle Weasley to be your lawful wedded wife," He asked Teddy who smiled broadly at his soon to be wife. "Do you promise to honour, cherish, support and love her, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do," Teddy smiled; Fred Weasley cheered loudly making a few people chuckle.
"And do you Victoire Gabrielle Weasley take Edward Remus Lupin to be your lawful wedded Husband. Do you promise to honour, cherish, love and support him, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do," Victoire beamed at Teddy. The wizard took out his wand and began to do a complicated spell in the air casting the most beautiful stars around the couple, entwining them in streams of gold and silver.
"Wizards and Witches here present I am delighted to introduce to you, Mr and Mrs Lupin. You may now kiss the bride," The Master announced, stepping out of the way just in time as Teddy all but jumped his new wife, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her passionately in front of everyone. George Weasley set off indoor fireworks around the room, exploding above people's heads as everyone cheered and clapped the newlyweds. With a flick of a wand, the room was transformed into a ballroom, tables, and chairs lining the dance floor. The walls of the tent were opened allowing the cool summer breeze to float through the tent as people hurried to the front to congratulate the new Husband and Wife.
"That was so beautiful," Rose sniffed, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
"They're so lucky to have one another," I smiled looking at the happy couple.
"Shall we move to a table?" Scorpius asked us both, sensing that people were moving around us. We followed him to a table that was already occupied by Fred, Roxy, Hugo, and Albus.
"That was so amazing," I said sitting down next to Al, who was grinning madly.
"It really was, not going to lie though I'm relieved it's over with, mum is not good with stress," He chuckled. The music started to pick up again and Teddy and Victoire took to the dance floor to rapturous applause. They danced effortlessly around the dance floor smiling adoringly at each other and soon other couples started to join, the dance floor filling up quickly.
"Want to dance Hannah?" Al asked me holding out his hand.
"Of course," I smiled taking his hand and leading him to the dance floor, Rose and Scorpius following suit. Al wrapped his arm around my waist and smiled down at me as he guided me across the floor.
"Do you think you'll ever be that happy?" I asked him glancing at Victoire and Teddy.
"I'm pretty happy with you right now if that counts," He winked. I rolled my eyes and chuckled.
"You know what I mean," He considered me for a moment and smiled.
"I'd like to think so," He started, "Whilst I was watching the two of them get married I think I might have realised something," He said biting his lip nervously.
"What was that then?" I asked curiously.
"How much of a twat I was when I found out about you and James," He sighed, a guilty look coming across his face.
"We've already been through this Al," I started.
"I know, I know but watching two people I care about up there declaring their love for one another, it just made me think really hard about why the fuck I was so against the two of you in the first place," He explained, "I love you both so much. Why has it taken me this long to realise that two people I love loving each other, is probably the best thing in the world," He grinned.
"But that doesn't matter now does it," I said sheepishly.
"Come off it," He scoffed, "Don't think I didn't notice how the two of were looking at each other from across the room. Honestly, Lord Voldemort himself could've come back and I don't think either of you would've flinched," He chuckled. I felt myself blush and tapped his arm jokingly.
"You deserve that happiness Hannah," He smiled kissing me fondly on the forehead.
"Thanks, Al," I smiled sheepishly at my friend.
"How's Romina?" He asked changing the subject as we danced around the floor.
"It's amazing, I love it out there," I replied, spinning in time to the music and enjoying the happiness I could feel soaring through me as I danced with my best friend.
"Having Dom there helps I suppose," Al stated, wrapping his arm back around my waist as I twisted into him.
"It really does, I bloody love that girl," I said glancing over to my friend who was talking to her grandparents. She caught my eye and winked as Al spun me back around.
"You're happier than I've seen you in a long time, Hannah," Al stated simply.
"Lily said the same thing,"
"She's right," The music stopped and everyone politely applauded the band. "I think James wants to speak to you," Al shouted over the applause looking around the room for his brother just as a new song came on.
"I'm sure I'll see him later, first I think we need to find our friends and dance like our lives depend on it," I laughed pulling Al through the crowd on the dance floor.
Most of the night continued in the same fashion. In between breaks on the dance floor, the four of us indulged on all the amazing food and drink that was on offer. I found myself surrounded by happy members of the Weasley family all talking to me as if I was one of their own, everyone commenting on how beautiful the wedding had been. I hadn't see James all day and I tried not to let myself be worried about the fact that he might've been avoiding me. At one point during the evening, I was pulled to the dance floor by Dom, who had had far too much to drink and was spinning me around the dance floor laughing her head off.
"You look so amazing Hannah Marshall," She laughed twirling me around, "I honestly think you're the best friend I've ever had," I laughed along with her as we danced with the music. "I can't wait until you are part of the family properly," she said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"You know when you and James get married and we're dancing at your wedding, it will be so amazing," She smiled, "I best be a bridesmaid."
"Dom, we aren't even together," I said shaking my head.
"Yes, but you love each other so so so so much it actually makes me sick," She laughed, "Everyone talks about it all the time; honestly think Nan might have a fit when you two announce your engagement."
"What do you mean everyone talks about it all the time," I asked suddenly feeling extremely warm.
"You didn't hear this from me," She said lowering her voice to a stage whisper, "Some of us have bets on when you two are finally going to sort your shit out," I blanched at my friend who just grinned at me stupidly, not sensing my annoyance.
"How long has that been going on for?" I asked incredulously, stopping in the centre of the dance floor.
"Since January when news hit the Daily Prophet," She replied, trying to get me to move again.
"I am so embarrassed," I said holding my head in my hands.
"Hannah, what's wrong?" Rose asked, appearing as if from nowhere.
"Apparently I'm a hot topic of conversation in your family," I said frowning slightly at my two friends. Dom, oblivious to anything going on around her, continued to dance on the spot, whilst Rose looked worriedly between the two of us, "People have bets to see when me and James are going to get together," Rose's eyes shot open and she turned to Dom looking furiously at her.
"You told her?" She remarked. Dom stopped dancing, her eyes widening as she suddenly realised her error.
"I should probably go," She said disappearing into the crowd.
"Hannah, you know what this family is like, If it's someone else's business it's everyone business," She said pulling me to one side, "They had a bet going with me and Scorpius from the first day we started Hogwarts for merlin sake,"
"I'm just embarrassed that's all," I said folding my arms and sighing loudly.
"There's no need to be," She said offering me a sweet smile.
"But there is, I just don't want to be a laughing stock of your family, I think so highly of everyone. Even to be at this wedding is an honour," I said slumping into a chair.
"I didn't think you were bothered by the fame side of my family," Rose frowned, dropping into the chair beside me.
"No not the fame, I couldn't care less about that," I said quickly. "I mean coming from a muggle family, it's just nice being accepted into a family in a world I actually belong in you know," Rose smiled and threw her arms around me.
"Take it as a good sign they are betting on you, it means they like you," She joked.
"I'll take your word for it," I replied offering her a soft smile and bringing my attention to the dance floor where Al was dancing with Dom and Lily, all of them laughing madly. I felt my heart swell and couldn't help but smile at the sight, I was so lucky to have this amazing family in my life.
"Hannah," Rose said next to me, drawing my attention back to her. Her smile was the biggest I'd ever seen it and her eyes sparkled with excitement, she looked just past my left shoulder and her grin got even wider.
"Rose?" I questioned, drawing my brow in confusion. She squeezed my hand tightly and I suddenly felt my breath catch in my throat.
"Hannah," James Potter's voice said softly from behind me. It felt like an age since I heard him since I had been this close to him. My heart was banging in my chest and I didn't dare move, my nerves getting the better. I looked at Rose who noted the panic in my eyes and shook her head, the smile not leaving her face. She wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly and comfortingly.
"Go be happy, Hannah," She said quietly, just loud enough for me to hear. She pulled away and smiled up at her cousin, before squeezing my hand once more and leaving the two of us alone. I watched her join Scorpius and Albus on the dance floor, the two of them looking over at us with interest.
"Hannah?" James repeated. I took a deep breath and tried to keep emotions in check as I turned to face the boy who had been haunting my dreams for months on end. "Hi," He breathed as I faced him. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes meet again, his gaze so intense I felt a small blush spread across my cheeks.
"Hi," I echoed my voice barely a whisper as nerves took hold of me again. He smiled broadly, looking more dashing than ever.
"Would you like to go for a walk?" He asked after an awkward pause, "I feel like there are too many eyes in here," He said with a knowing smile. I glanced around the room and spotted most of the Weasley clan blatantly glancing in our direction. I felt myself blush again and heard James chuckle slightly. I looked back up at him and saw him holding a hand out, waiting for me to take it. I could barely breathe as I placed my hand softly in his, the shock of the contact sending my heart into overdrive. I managed to smile weakly at the older Potter, whose smile had not faltered once, allowing him to lead me out of the tent and into the beautiful summers evening.
We walked in silence for a while, both of us not knowing where to start. My mind was reeling. It felt like years since I had written him the letter in Gryffindor common room, and even longer since the perfect night at New Years. Everyone was rooting for us now, but I still couldn't calm the fear inside of me. After a year of waiting, we could finally have what we wanted, but I was terrified. After everything we had been through, I was so scared of falling too deeply just to be hurt, completely terrified of giving him everything. It was so overwhelming, especially when he was rubbing his thumb again the back of my hand making my nerves go into overdrive, making it difficult to even think.
I took a glance at the boy next to me as we continued to walk in silence, further away from the party that was in full swing, the sound of the music getting quieter and quieter as we walked through the fields. He was looking straight ahead, his smile still as perfect as ever making butterflies dance in my stomach. He ran his hand through his hair as he looked over at me. I suddenly felt at ease, knowing that he was feeling just as nervous as I was.
"Am I making you nervous?" I quipped, a James like smirk gracing my lips. I wasn't entirely sure where my new-found confidence had come from; maybe I was spending too much time with Dom, but I enjoyed the shocked look on his face when he heard my question. He stopped us in our tracks and considered me for a moment before his face broke into a smirk of his own.
"I do when you look that good Hannah Marshall," He grinned, giving me the once over. I rolled my eyes at his response, feeling more relaxed than I had all day. It had been too long since we had been ourselves around each other. I dropped his hand, somewhat reluctantly, and continued walking ahead needing a moment to collect my thoughts.
"You've been avoiding me this evening," I stated as he fell into step with me once again.
"Yes and no," He said truthfully, "I've been busy with groomsman duties and yes, as in, I have no idea what to say to you," I nodded in understanding.
"We seem to be doing okay so far," I pointed out. He scoffed and shook his head, he hand running through his hair once again. I ignored his reaction, not wanting to bring up the giant hippogriff in the room just yet. I just wanted to enjoy being in his company a little while longer, "How's Egypt?"
"Hard work," He frowned, "But amazing," He smiled softly at me. "How's Romania?"
"Better than I could've ever imagined," I gushed. "I love it there; I love the people and the work. I love living with Dom and being around a completely different wizarding community. It's unlike anything I've ever done before." I gushed in spite of myself. I caught James looking at me, smiling widely as he listened and I felt myself blush once again.
"It sounds like you're having a great time," James smiled. I nodded in reply and we feel into a comfortably silence again.
We came to a clearing, with a lake that I remembered playing in over the many summers I had been to the burrow. James moved us to a bench and cast a charm around; little lights appeared above our heads like stars, allowing a warm glow to be cast over us.
"It's been such a perfect day," I said out loud, looking over the lake into the distance where I could see the outline of the tent and the glow of the light shining across the surrounding fields.
"It really has been," James agreed, leaning back on the bench. I could feel him looking at me and suddenly felt my nerves on edge once again, my heart beating madly in my chest. This was it, what we had been waiting for. I wanted to run but knew that I needed to stay, needed to give myself a chance at the happiness I had been longing for. I turned on the bench to face him and even in the half-light could see how content he looked, his intense gaze pinning me to the spot and his dopey smile making his feelings quite apparent.
"James," I whispered, breaking the silence and bringing us both to reality.
"Hannah," He replied leaning forward and breaking our gaze. He looked out across the lake and was quiet for a moment. "Do you remember when we played Hufflepuff in your third year, my fourth year?" He asked. I was confused at his question but nodded.
"Yes, we lost really badly," I said, slightly cringing as I remembered their seeker catching the snitch within twenty minutes of the match starting. They did go on to win that year but it didn't make the loss any better. James nodded and continued.
"I wasn't used to losing and didn't handle it very well," He said with a slight frown.
"Understatement of the century," I chuckled, "You bit poor Al's head off when he came to the changing room to see if we were okay."
"I know," He said shaking his head. I remembered Al walking into the changing room after the match and giving me much-needed hug, going over to his brother who was beside himself and telling him it was going to be okay. James lost it and pinned his brother to the wall screaming at him, much to everyone's confusion.
"You blasted us apart and stood in front of Al; glaring at me with so much hatred I thought you were going to punch me." He chuckled.
"I was going to punch you," I added. He laughed again, louder this time, his eyes twinkling.
"You shouted at me, wiping the floor with me, quite rightly so to," He said his eyes meeting mine. That moment, after the match, was the moment I realised that I needed to stop the stupid crush I had on the older Potter. I knew I needed to get my feelings in check, and seeing him shout of Al the way he did, for no reason what so ever, was the tipping point,"You had barely even spoken to me before then and here you were, wand pointing in my face yelling at me for treating Al the way I was when all he was doing was making sure I was okay. I was in so much shock as you left, my emotions were all over the place."
"James, what's this got to do with anything?" I asked softly.
"That, Hannah Marshall, was the first moment I knew that I was completely in love with you," He replied, his eyes boring into mine. I felt my heart skip a beat and my breath catch in my throat. "It wasn't long after that that Al told me how he felt about you," He continued, "Not that I wasn't aware of my brother's feelings for you, but having him tell me so openly really put it into perspective. Although at the time, I wasn't really aware of the true extent of how I felt for you, I knew that I couldn't act on anything and besides I wasn't sure you liked me anymore anyway." He said with a chuckle.
"I knew that it was going to be dangerous making you Captain last year," He said with a sad smile, "I knew that being so close to you, allowing you to see the real me and not just the mask I put on for everyone else, I wouldn't be able to resist and I was right," He smiled cheekily and ran his hand through his hair once again, "Kissing you for the first time in that empty classroom Hannah, giving in to the feelings I hadn't allowed myself to feel, I felt like I could finally breathe again Hannah." I gapped at him as the true extent of his words hit me, all I felt was guilt.
"James, I'm so sorry I didn't fight for us," I said sadly, lowering my head in shame.
"Hannah Marshall, don't you dare," He said placing his hand softly under my chin and titling my head slightly to look back at him. "I think we both have a lot to answer for over the past few months. Neither of us acted in our right minds and merlin we gave ourselves too much of a hard time," He said sadly, dropping his hand away from my face and taking my hand in his, entwining them perfectly.
"When I left for Egypt, I thought I had lost you completely," He remarked, "I thought that my lies and my ego had completely destroyed us for good, but then I got your letter," He smiled beautifully me, "Falling in love with you Hannah Marshall, is the most natural, most perfect, most important thing I have ever done. I could never stop loving you. I am yours, unequivocally and completely yours." He reached up and tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear, holding my face gently in his hands.
"Grace," He whispered, kissing my cheek softly, his lips ghosting over my own as he moved to the other side. "Beauty," He whispered kissing my other cheek. "Open your eyes Hannah," I opened them briefly taking in James Potter's beautiful smile that spread across his whole face. His eyes shimmered with tears but held the same intensity they always did when they looked into mine. "You," He whispered leaning in slowly. The smile never left his face as our lips finally met, taking my breath away as we moved perfectly, beautifully with each other; finally giving into the happiness we both deserved.
A/N: And there we have it!
I really hope you enjoyed this chapter and I truly hope I did these characters justice in the end.
I want to say a huge thank you for all the reviews, follows, favorites and to everyone who has stuck with this story and read it all.
Thank you for your time and patience as I've uploaded over the past three months.
Hopefully, I'll have some time on my hands to write another story soon, but until then I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy all the festivities.
Jadeannkneeky