Unofficial Portkey Archive

Chapter 44-Poetic Engagements

About a month later, James could be found sleeping on his desk in the Heads Room. He was exhausted. He and Lily had been working on the upcoming Sweetheart's Dance which was due to occur on Valentine's Day.

Lily was off catching up with Katy and Halle and James was left alone, trying to work on something. He had plans and he wanted to put them into action that weekend.

Sirius and Halle had been enjoying their married life and Remus and Katy had been going on strong. James thought that he and Lily were ready to move on to the next level. At this point in their relationship, there was no turning back, no backing out. It was real. It was the true heartfelt love that many search for but never find.

He sat, planning it out in his head. He had fallen asleep, but only briefly to realize that he needed the Marauders for this one. He needed their brilliant minds. Well, he needed Sirius and Remus's mind anyways.

He jumped up and grabbed his Invisibility Cloak and headed out the portrait hole. He didn't want Lily to see him. It had to be a complete surprise to her.

James waited until someone exited the Portrait Hole to seize his chance to enter the Common Room. He entered, covered by the Cloak to see Sirius and Remus playing Wizards Chess again. He was about to uncover himself when he heard his name enter their conversation.

"Ol' Prongsies doesn't have the time for his fellow Marauders anymore. He's so wrapped up in a girl. I think he and Lily should break it off," Sirius said.

"I know what you mean," Remus said. James couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"It's like we don't matter anymore," he continued to say. James's face felt hot and he was about to exit the Portrait Hole when he heard Sirius.

"Only joking Prongs. Knew you were there the whole time, buddy," Sirius said.

James let out a sigh of relief and took the cloak off.

"How'd you know I was here?" James asked.

"Ever think about lightening up on that aftershave?" Sirius asked.

"So what can we do for you, James?" Remus asked.

"We need to talk. Can we go upstairs where we don't have the chance of being overheard?" James asked.

They all nodded and the four boys walked up the familiar stone steps that led to the Boy Dormitory. James entered and smiled. He missed the dorm where he had matured through the years. It was like a home away from home. As usual Sirius and Peter had a mess near their beds and all over the floor while Remus's small corner was spotless. James's old bed was empty and unused. It made him remember the times when they had talked about pranks, girls, school, and Quidditch. This was where they had grown up and bonded. How he would miss Hogwarts. He didn't want to grow up. What he was about to ask Lily would be another step in the process of becoming an adult though.

James sat the boys down and told them exactly what he wanted to do. They all nodded their heads and smiled.

"About time too Prongs. You guys have been dating for awhile. I remember Halle was all anxious when I asked her," Sirius said.

"Are you sure you're not rushing into it? Girls hate it when they're rushed," Remus said.

"Moony, I wouldn't do it if I wasn't ready," James said.

"I know Prongs. Where do you plan on doing it?" Remus asked.

"I don't know. In Hogsmeade?" James asked.

"No, no, no. That's not special. Students will be there and it's not romantic in the least bit," Remus said.

"Well, there's this clearing in the forest. We could do it there," James said.

"The Forbidden Forest? You have got to be kidding me Prongs. You said you wanted romance," Sirius said.

"So where the hell should we do it?" James asked.

"How about by the lake?" Peter suggested.

"That's great, Pete. We can have a picnic then we can get the show on the road. Start the engine up," James said.

"Exactly what I'm talking about," Sirius said. "Prongs, your charm may be a little rusty."

"One problem though guys," James said, ignoring Sirius' comment.

"What?" the three boys asked.

"I want it to be special. I was going to write a poem. You know how girls get about that stuff," James said.

"Yep. She'll definitely want to do it after that," Sirius said. "You have come to the right people young grasshopper."

"Let's get to work. fellas," James said.

"James, where are we going?" Lily asked. James had put his hands over her eyes and led her out the doors. It was quite chilly but he knew it was a good atmosphere.

He had brought a blanket and a small basket where the house elves had packed them some hot chocolate.

He had taken her to the same place where they had ridden the month before. A small spot near the lake where they could see the beautiful crescent moon and look at the stars. It was romantic. He had gotten what he had needed at Hogsmeade the week before.

"Ok, open your eyes," he said. He lifted his hands from her face and she looked around. She smiled and her bright green eyes were happy.

"What's this about honey?" Lily asked.

"There is something I feel we should do at this point in our relationship. I don't want you to think I am rushing it, we can take it slow. As slow as you want. We can even wait a couple years. I just feel we should talk about it," James said.

"Ok," Lily said, unaware of what he was talking about.

"We have been through so much together Lily. So much. I love you and I want to read you this poem I wrote," James said. "I did get a little help from my other Marauders. I'll admit that."

"He better. We wrote a damn good poem for him," Sirius whispered. He had his Omnioculars and he, Halle, Katy, Remus, and Peter were huddled behind a bush.

"Sirius, don't you think they should be alone for this?" Halle asked.

"No, I want to hear our poem. It's beautiful," he said.

"Whatever you say," Halle answered, rolling her chocolate brown eyes at her husband.

"Ah-hem," James said, clearing his throat and taking out a piece of parchment from his cloak. Lily smiled.

"To my dearest Lily.

That you don't hate my guts"

James opened his eyes hoping to see Lily in happy tears but instead she had tears of laughter.

"That was supposed to be romantic," James said stubbornly.

"It was beautiful baby. But, it was funny," Lily said, wiping the tears.

"I hope you liked it," James said, a little disappointed.

"I loved it. We'll have to save it. But what's with the poetry?" Lily asked.

"There is something I need to ask you," James said.

"Ok," Lily said.

"Lily Evans, will you marry me?"

A/N: Aha, big cliffy. I love doing that. Is it so wrong? It gets an amazing response from reviewers. Cliffy's are my best friends. Well, leave your thoughts.