A few lovely and memorable little moments in the lives of James and Lily Potter. One shot. Fluff ensues.
From the Unofficial Portkey Archive: https://portkey-archive.org/story/5400/
Title: Boats and Birds
Author: lilyheartsjames
Rating: PG
Genre: Fluff/Tragedy
Disclaimer: I basically own nothing in this story, not the song, the characters, etc.
Summary: A few lovely and memorable little moments in the lives of James and Lily Potter.
A/N: Well, this is my first story here on Portkey. I decided to make it a one-shot. So yes, this IS a one-shot. It's based strongly off of a song by Gregory & the Hawk obviously called Boats and Birds. It's one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard in my life; the song itself inspired me to type this one-shot in the first place. Quick little side note, what's in italics is the lyrics. Just thought I'd say that in case it confused anyone. =)
……
Boats and Birds
She looked up at the pale blue sky and reveled in the feel of his hands through her hair. Here they were, at the end of their seventh year, she lying in his lap as they rested lazily near the cool banks of the lake.
Neither knew nor cared how long they had been here. Hours, maybe. It didn't matter much. They had each other.
Her eyes closed and his fingers continued running her hair, and she knew she couldn't ask for anymore than this…than Him.
If you be my star I'll be your sky
You can hide underneath me and come out at night
When I turn jet black and you show off your light
I live to let you shine
Soon the sky began darkening and they remained there underneath its pinkish-orange gaze, the sun sinking behind the faraway mountains. Everything was faraway; Hogwarts, the war, the world, the darkness that loomed over them…over everything.
When they were together it was this way and always would be.
“Lily,” he said in a whisper.
“Mmmm.”
“Marry me.”
Her emerald pools opened once more and a smile formed on her pretty angel face.
“I love you, Lily…be my wife.”
She pushed herself up and met him at eye level.
“I love you, too, James. And, of course I'll marry you.”
Midway they met, their lips touching in a tender kiss and now the sun was completely out of view, and the sky was a velvety purple with stars appearing one by one, each twinkling beautifully.
……
“…Then with the power invested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride!” the minister exclaimed happily as everyone in the background applauded.
He lifted the veil and saw her beaming face staring straight up into his eyes; he kissed her.
Everyone's applause increased as they watched the happy couple, and each and every person thought the same: together they were perfection.
There were joyous tears in Lily's eyes as she looked into his face. And as he stared down at his wife - his life partner - he felt his own joyous tears coming on…
But you can sky rocket away from me
And never come back if you find another galaxy
Far from here, with more room to fly
Just leave me your stardust to remember you by
Later, they would enjoy a dance in the center of the room. He spun her around in a delicate twirl and they laughed at the both of them having two left feet.
All eyes were on them as they swirled and spun in circles to their song.
“I told you vanilla is better than chocolate,” she said with a laugh.
Everyone danced around the centre floor; they had cut the cake together and were of course enjoying a piece together.
James laughed simply because she did. Her laughter was a beautiful sound.
“Chocolate is still better,” he said, grinning at her.
Her cheeks went a faint red. She loved his grin.
……
The light of the morning sun fell into the room, brightening the hotel furniture within it, and casting its rays onto the two lovers lying in bed.
Lily's eyes fluttered open. She looked over to see he was still asleep, his arms wrapped protectively around her. She couldn't resist a smile. He was fast asleep and he looked so peaceful.
She snuggled closer and rested her head on his chest. She could hear his heartbeat.
If you be my boat I'll be your sea
A depth of pure blue just to probe curiosity
Ebbing and flowing and pushed by a breeze
I live to make you free
…I live to make you free
This was the most peaceful moment of her life, lying here in his arms with the morning rays pouring in. The memories of last night were fresh in her mind; it was the most beautiful and meaningful night of her life.
She looked up into his sleeping face only to discover his hazel eyes gazing down at her.
“You're awake,” she whispered.
He smiled and brushed his hand against her cheek. He marveled at how beautiful she was, like the prettiest angel that ever had and that ever would exist.
……
“It's a boy, Mr. Potter.”
He looked up, his stomach full of fluttering butterflies, and couldn't believe his ears.
“I-It's a boy,” he repeated.
The Healer smiled and nodded. She beckoned him to follow and he did, straight into the hospital room where Lily lay on the hospital bed, their newborn son in her arms.
She looked exhausted and tired; her hair was messy and there was sweat on her brow, and she wore an exhausted smile on her face.
He stopped after a few steps into the room. He was a father now.
But you can set sail to the west if you want to
And past the horizon till I can't even see you
Far from here where the beaches are wide
Just leave me your wake to remember you by
Her smile widened as she gently handed their expression of love into his arms, and she'd never forget the look of pure happiness on his face as he held his son for the very first time.
“He's beautiful,” he said in awe; she nodded.
“What shall you name him?” asked the Healer.
Their eyes met, silently communicating with each other. He looked over his shoulder at the Healer.
“Harry,” he said. He looked down at his son and smiled again. “We'll name him Harry James Potter.”
……
Summer nights were wonderful. The three of them spent it serenely together, quiet nights with simple conversation and enjoying the innocence of their son.
Harry liked to laugh. He was a happy baby, always playful and giggly.
“Oh, James, it's time for him to go to bed,” she said.
One pleading grin from her husband and her defenses were down; she was smiling herself and knew it couldn't hurt to compromise a little.
“All right, a bit longer, but that's all.”
“You're the boss, Mrs. Potter.”
“It couldn't be any other way, now could it?” she replied.
Harry giggled as if he understood their good-natured banter.
If you be my star I'll be your sky
You can hide underneath me and come out at night
When I turn jet black and you show off your light
I live to let you shine
I live to let you shine
Lily watched him play with his son. He was the best father in the world. The way he held him, the way he laughed as he played with his son, the way she always caught him watching young Harry as he slept…it brought tears to her eyes.
Their life was perfect. Things couldn't have been better. And if she were to die tomorrow or even in the next second she would die happy with these memories.
……
It was raining the morning after their death. It was raining hard, and the wind was bitter and cold.
Their deaths were quick and painless and they had died with the memories of a lifetime.
But they had left little Harry alone, to live and to grow in a big world without his two loving parents…
A man by the name of Remus Lupin put his face into his hands and cried silently.
The Potters were dead, killed in the night by Lord Voldemort.
He'd regret for the rest of his life the fact that he had been so distant during their last year of life.
And another man, a short and rat-faced one, stood in the darkness of his flat unable to comprehend what he had just done.
Two of his best friends were dead and it was all because of him. James and Lily had put their faith and trust in him, both had loved him - Peter - like a brother, and he was the one that twisted the knife into their backs.
And finally, there was one last friend of the Potter's, their closest friend of all, who collapsed to his knees when he heard the news. And his shoulders shook and he wasn't ashamed who saw him cry loudly like a child.
Sirius Black needed them. They were his best friends, they meant the world to him, and now they weren't there anymore.
He'd never get to call James `Prongs' again; he'd never get to see Lily's beautiful smile again; he'd never get those goosebumps on his arms as he watched them together in their private little world.
But you can sky rocket away from me
And never come back if you find another galaxy
Far from here, with more room to fly
Just leave me your stardust to remember you by
…Stardust to remember you by.
It was a happy and sad day, November 1st of 1981.
It was the day after the death of two fine and noble wizards, but it was also the day that their son became the most astounding person alive. It was their loving sacrifice that birthed the-boy-who-lived.
……