Letters

Lily Evans,

Please accept my most humble apologies for knocking your books out of your hands today. I thought you were that little prat from Hufflepuff and...well, I guess that doesn’t matter. Anyway, because you threatened to hex me if I came within fifty feet of you, I figured a letter was the best way to go about this. I hope you forgive me.

With many apologies,

James Potter

Gryffindor

---

Dear Mr. James Potter,

I regret to inform you that the threat of imminent hexing did not precipitate out of anger towards your boorish display in the hallway yesterday; but rather from your overall oafish ways. Although the apology was warranted, it cannot be accepted in its current, limited form.

Sincerely,

 

Lily Evans

Gryffindor

---

Dear Miss Evans,

I did not realize that you found my behavior that disagreeable. Other girls seem to like me just fine. If this is about how I treat the Slytherin git, then you can just forget any attempts I might make towards rectifying our current predicament. You are not that pretty, anyway. And you scowl too much.

With no regrets,

James Potter

Quidditch Player Extrodinare

Gryffindor Hero

Defender of the Right

Hater of Greasy Gits and Snobby Girls

---

To Lily, with deep sorrow and much scraping and bowing,

Please excuse the last letter you received bearing my name. I’m afraid some of my more...boisterous friends got a hold of my quill and felt obligated to do some mischief whilst I was otherwise engaged. Please know that anything said in that letter did not come from me.

Unless you liked what was said. Then you can ignore the previous paragraph.

Anyway, please, once again, accept my apologies. Can we talk about the rest?

Please, please don’t hex me.

James Potter

---

Mr. Potter,

I will not deny that the forged letter hurt my feelings a bit. However, your quick and most humble apologies have somewhat diffused this.

If you wish to talk about why I think you are a neanderthal, I will be free this afternoon.

Lily Evans

P.S. There is no need to protect the author of the pseudo letter. Only Sirius Black could be that cruel. One thing did throw me off - how did he know such big words? I would have assumed “rectifying” to be a bit beyond him.

P.P.S. Thank you for the flowers.

---

 

Lily,

Thank you for a lovely evening. I am glad we got to talk. I hope to do it again soon.

I am glad you liked the flowers. Remus thought I should get you a lily, but I thought that it would be a bit too obvious. The daisies reminded me of you.

And don’t worry. Madame Pomfrey says that the boils should go down in a day or so.

James

P.S. Sirius had Remus and Peter help him with the big words.

---

James Potter,

I am sorry about that hex. But your refusal to admit that you might be wrong - ever - is a bit irritating.

The daisies were wonderful. I am not sure how they remind you of me, but I’ll take it as a compliment. However, ironically enough, my favorite flower is the lily.

Lily Evens

---

Lily,

Remus says that, thanks to your love for lilies, I must now compose a poem, extolling his prowess with the ladies:

Oh, Lupin is a prat.

Where ever he is at,

Looks like a troll has sat

I wish I could be like Remus,

For you see, Miss,

He’s rather grand.

He’ll hold your hand.

That’s why I want to be like Remus.

Sit with me at dinner?

James

---

Potter -

Dinner was...extremely eventful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen mashed potatoes fly that far.

-Evans

---

Lily,

Who knew girls could throw that hard? And don’t complain - you’re not the one who will be picking kidney pie out of his hair for a week.

Do you want to study for the potions final together?

James

---

Potter -

Ah! Now I see! You were only being all buggerlugs so you could borrow my potions notes.

- Evans

---

Evans -

Not true! I value your body as well as your mind.

Buggerlugs? All right there Evans?

- Potter

---

Potter -

I read it in a book! It’s classic!

Meet me in the library at seven. And bring your own notes!

- Evans

---

L-

I think I passed! You?

-J

---

J-

Of course I bloody passed!

Want to go for a walk tonight?

-L

---

Lily,

I thought you’d never ask.

But what will I wear?

James

---

Potter -

Listen, you cheeky bugger, I am only taking you for a walk because I feel sorry for you.

Meet me downstairs at nine?

- Evans

---

Mr. Potter,

I am not sure what happened last night, but standing someone up is NOT a smart way to get on their good side.

Miss Evans

P.S. Is your bottom lip as big as a cucumber yet? GOOD!

---

Lily,

I am so sorry. I never meant to stand you up. It’s just that I had a previous engagement, and, in the excitement of a prospective evening in your company, forgot about it till the last minute.

Please, let me make it up to you. I’d talk to you in person, but I’m having trouble pronouncing my “S’s” at the moment. Darndest thing.

James

---

Lily,

Right. Well, sending the flowers back, I could see. But really, did you have to curse them? Poor Peter was the first one to them, and he hasn’t stopped hiccupping in days.

Please, please forgive me! My lip-cucumber has even gone down...now I can apologize to you in person. If only I wasn’t completely terrified of you.

Please.

James

---

Potter,

The only reason I will even consider allowing you to speak to me is that I am a nice person. Unlike you, who are horrid.

Meet me in the common room at eight. If you are not there, I will assume you have either died or left the country. You will certainly wish one of these were true if I am stood up again.

Miss Lily Evans

---

Lily,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to apologize for my horrible behavior. I promise to be there.

Early.

And with flowers.

Most sorrowful,

James

---

James,

Thank you for the lovely bouquet of lilies. You really hold on to one thing, don’t you?

I must confess that I don’t understand why you have ‘boy’s nights’ every month. However, you did apologize, and you were in the common room at six (which is nothing if not prompt), so I can accept this.

And yes, I will be going to Hogsmeade this weekend.

Lily

---

Lily,

It would do me a great honor if you would consent to accompany me to Hogsmeade this weekend.

James Potter

---

J-

Of course I’ll go, you ninny.

-L

---

L-

Wear warm clothes.

-J

---

James,

The picnic was beautiful. How did you arrange it all? The floating candles were so wonderful, and the food was delicious.

You know, you’re really sweet when you’re not being an arrogant git.

Lily

---

Lily,

I do believe that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.

Meet me in the second floor corridor in an hour?

James

---

Potter -

What are you up to now?

I’m coming, but don’t forget I can outspell you with my eyes closed.

-Evans

---

L-

Cocky much Evans?

I only let you win because you’re a girl.

Half an hour.

-J

---

J-

Oh sod off Potter.

-L

---

L-

Language! Don’t let Flitwick hear you talk like that or your Head Girl days are over.

-J

---

J-

Have I told you today how annoying you are?

-L

---

L-

Yes.

Corridor. Ten minutes.

Don’t be late.

And stop sending me notes. Are you trying to get me detention?

-J

---

J-

Nothing would please me more.

-L

---

James,

Ok, how did you get it? It’s only sold in muggle shops! And how did you know my favorite perfume, anyway?

Never mind, I’ve given up asking how you manage these things.

Thank you James.

Want to sit with me at dinner?

Lily

---

Lily,

You’re welcome. And, if you must know, I asked one of your mates what you liked. She told me about the stuff your mum got you first year.

And I would love to sit with you at dinner. Let’s not tell Sirius, though, eh? He tends to throw things about when sitting with beautiful girls. He thinks it impresses them.

James

---

James,

How dare you think of not telling your best friend! How absolutely atrocious.

I told him that you would be dining with me this evening, and he took it wonderfully. I really do think that you underestimate your friends, Potter.

Why, he even volunteered to make sure that Remus and Peter left us alone.

He really is quite the gentleman. You should take lessons.

Lily

--

Evans,

Sirius gave up your dark little secret. The only reason he left us alone last night was because you threatened to hex his hair.

Have I told you lately that you’re bloody brilliant? Should have thought of that years ago.

Will you meet me in the common room tonight after dinner?

Potter

---

J-

Why do you insist on sending me these notes when I’m in class? You are going to get me in trouble one of these days!

You have not told me today how brilliant I am. In fact, now that you mention it, that fact does not come up nearly enough in this relationship. I expect you to rectify this immediately.

What, you’re not eating with me tonight? 

-L

---

L-

Sorry. Wasn’t aware I had a standing invitation.

Did you say relationship?

-J

---

James,

Why, yes. I suppose I did. Odd, that.

And yes, until you annoy me again, you are allowed to eat with me.

You will know the invitation has been rescinded if I hex you.

Sound good to you?

Lily

---

L-

Since you put it so sweetly, I’d love to eat with you.

-J

---

Lily,

Forgot, tonight is boy’s night. Rain-check on dinner?

James

---

J-

We can rain-check the dinner, but you’re going to have to tell me about your little ‘boy’s night’.

There’s more going on there than what you’re saying.

-L

P.S. Tell Remus I hope he feels better. He’s looking a bit pale.

---

Lily,

We need to talk.

Meet me in the Library in ten minutes.

James

---

 

James,

I'm sorry I left so...suddenly yesterday. What you said - what you told me...

Thank you for telling me all this. I'm - amazed, really, that you trust me with this.

Please tell Remus that if there's anything I can do - anything that will help him, don't hesitate to ask.

Lily

P.S. Don’t worry, I put a spell on the scroll. No one can read it but you. I think it’ll wear off after a while though.

---

Lily,

Remus says to tell you that he always knew you were too good for me.

There isn’t anything you can do. I just knew that I couldn’t go forward without you knowing that.

James

---

Potter,

Why so serious? Something on your mind?

Want to study for NEWTs together? Peter asked for help on his Defense Against the Dark Arts final. You could round up Sirius and Remus and join us in the library.

Lily

---

L-

Sounds good.

Don’t open the other letter until later tonight.

-J

---

Dearest Lily,

I don’t really know how to go about saying all of this.

You started out as just this girl I had a crush on. You were always stopping my fun, always rubbing me the wrong way - and it intrigued me. And you don’t need me to go on and on about how pretty I thought you were.

But then, somewhere along the line, you changed into this beautiful woman. A woman I very much wanted to spend more and more time with.

I love you. I really think that I do. And I wanted you to know that, just like I wanted you to know about Moony. Because it’s important that you’re a part of everything I am, you know?

Anyway, I just had to tell you that. I guess I’m too much of a coward to try to say it to your face. But, if you feel the same way, I’d show it to you - every day, forever and ever, I’d show you how much I love you.

Yours, always,

James

—

My James,

Meet me in the owlery tonight at eight.

Yours,

Lily

---

Evans,

I like kissing you. It’s ever so much more fun than I imagined it would be.

Can we do it again?

Potter

---

Potter,

You are the most arrogant man I have ever met!

Evans

---

J-

So, are we meeting tonight, or what?

-L

---

L-

Must you ask?

Common room, by the fire. You can help me study.

Snogging won’t get me an Outstanding in History of Magic!

-J

—

Miss Evans,

I would like to invite you to attend our last Hogsmeade weekend as Hogswart students with me.

Mr. Potter

---

Mr. Potter,

I accept your cordial invitation.

Miss Evans

---

L-

Help! I need to study for Potions, but Snivellus Snape ‘accidently’ torched my notes today in class.

-J

---

Potter,

You two need to learn to get along.

Sure, but you’ll have to help me with Transfiguration.

Evans

---

Lily,

Ok, but Sirius says you have to help him with Charms as well. In exchange, he says he’ll go out with you. He claims that this is the only conceivable reason why you’ve put up with me so long.

James

---

 

J-

Drat. Sirius' superior intellect has finally seen through my fiendish plot. I swoon at the sight of his luscious locks of hair.

Peter and I are meeting in the library at seven. You, Lupin, and Black are more than welcome to join us.

-L

--- 

L-

We'll be there.

You were kidding about Padfoot, right?

Right?

-J

--- 

Evans,

Snogging me in the hallway is not appropriate behavior for a Head Girl. You should be ashamed!

See you at dinner.

Potter

--- 

J-

If you keep bothering me during class, there won't be any more hallway snogging in your future, incorrigible prat.

And you weren’t exactly shoving me away, Head Boy.

-L

--- 

James,

 Did you know that your potion in the NEWT practical was supposed to be dark blue, not turquoise?

DADA next - I still have trouble with the Patronus...

Lily

--- 

L -

You'll do fine.

And my potion was a lovely navy blue when I went to the supply cupboard for more dung beatles. And who should be standing next to my caldron when I return?

That grease-infested toerag had better pray that I pass that exam. Otherwise I'm going to hex him into oblivion.

- J

--- 

James,

You have no proof that Severus touched your caldron. Knowing you, the fire was too hot or you put too much bile in the mix.

After all, I was in the room. No, I'm afraid you were simply distracted by my dazzling beauty.

Poor lad.

Lily

--- 

L-

I will never understand why you vouch for that slimy git.

You do look lovely today.

-J

--- 

James,

Someday, I'm sure that you will be sorry you've treated Snape so badly. He's not worth it, James.

Dumbledore wants to see us in his office tonight after dinner.

Lily

--- 

L -

The only time I feel sorry about Snivellus is when I've missed an opportunity to jinx him.

What does the Headmaster want with us? I didn't do it, I swear!

- J

P.S. Padfoot and Moony just said that were summoned as well. What's this about, I wonder?

--- 

Lily,

No. Absolutely not. I refuse to allow it.

Dumbledore has finally lost it. The man has eaten one too many Lemon Drops.

I mean...Lil, you know I hate He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as much as anybody. And what he's doing, what he plans on doing, needs to be stopped.

But not you. You can't get involved.

So just tell Dumbledore that. You won't be joining any secret order, you won't be putting yourself in harm's way.

James

--- 

James,

First of all, that was the worst Unreadable Charm I've ever seen. I barely got through the letter before it conked out and was visible to anyone who happened along.

Don't worry, I've burned it.

And what are you playing at? Oh, sure, it's all right for you and Sirius and Remus - and even Peter, for Merlin's sake! - but not me?

Poor stupid Lily, just have her sit at home and let the men take care of things? Not bloody likely!

You know, you arrogant git, that I can beat you in a Wizard's duel any day. I'm joining Dumbledore's Order. Voldemort (Remember what Dumbledore said last night: "Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself".) must be stopped. Nothing else matters.

Lily

P.S. If you choose to reply to this, let Remus charm it. Honestly, how you managed to get through seven years of Charms is beyond me.

--- 

Lily,

I'm not saying that you're helpless. But this isn't some Wizard's duel or exam. It's not a game, Lily. You-Know-Who...Voldemort (Bloody good for Dumbledore, isn't it? He's one of the most powerful wizards in the world. I'm barely scrapping an A in Potions.) is out for blood.

And you...my darling, you are one of those most at risk. I can face anything, I can handle my own death.

But to think of you...

Please, Lily.

James

--- 

My dear James,

Oh, my love. Do you think I don't lie awake at night thinking about it? Don't you think my deepest fears aren't of my death, but of losing you?

But Voldemort is evil. He is a cancer that will infect everyone, whether they fight him or not. If I stay 'safe', if I run and hide, I may live another day, a few more hours. But, in the end, I will die.

None of us can escape that, James. But we can choose how we face it. So, then, shall I slink towards my inevitable death like a coward, shrinking and begging? Or shall I stride forward and make my death - my life - mean something?

I will stand beside you, dearest. I will fight beside you. Please, don't deny me this.

Ever yours,

Lily

--- 

Lily,

You're right.

Don't get used to me saying that, Evans. Merlin knows you're hard enough to live with without inflating your ego more.

Are we still on for Hogsmeade tomorrow?

James

--- 

J -

Of course.

Will I see you at dinner? Sirius looked rather shifty about it when I asked him earlier.

- L

--- 

Evans,

Er, Sirius and I have some...business to attend to tonight.

Moony says he'd be more than happy to keep you company, though. And I think Wormtail will join you as well.

See you tomorrow morning, at the Entrance Hall.

Potter

--- 

J -

Keep me company, indeed! More like dog my every step all evening.

What is going on?

- L

--- 

L -

All shall be revealed in good time.

Patience, Evans.

- J

--- 

My sweet Prongs,

Over the last seven years I have watched you grow from an reckless, arrogant oaf to a courageous, loving, wonderful man - a man whom I love.

Yesterday, when you told me all those beautiful things, I could hardly believe that I had been given you. That you love me.

And then - oh, my sweet darling, it takes my breath away even now - and then, when you knelt to one knee and asked me to be your wife, your best friend...

My own James, I love you, I love you, I love you.

Forever,

Lily

--- 

Evans,

So, that's a yes, then?

Potter

--- 

Potter,

Cheeky bugger.

I was thinking an August wedding.

Evans

--- 

L -

August? But - but that's the Quidditch World Cup!

How about July?

- J

--- 

Potter,

Please tell me you're joking.

Lily Evans
(The ONLY girl in a million years you could ever con into marrying you, you great arrogant twit.)

--- 

Lily,

Of course I was kidding.

No, he wasn't. Don't believe a word Prongs says, Evans. You'd be much better off marrying me.

Get off, Padfoot!

Or me, Lily. Prongs has the misfortune to be possessed with the emotional range of a broomstick.

I'll give you emotional range, Moony! Stop bewitching my quill!

You could always marry me, Lily. I’m afraid our dear Prongs loses sight of all else when a shiny golden ball flitters past...

Wormtail, I'm warning you!

Lily, an August wedding sounds perfect.

And let's not tell anyone the date, yeah?

James
(And Company...)

 

---

 

J-

Are you kidding? And miss the Quidditch World Cup? Don’t be daft, man.

How about the end of July, then?

-L

---

Lily,

I knew there was a reason I fancied you.

James

---

Darling Lily,

Last night, those things you said - I know you were out of your mind. It’s all right, my love, I understand. After all, the end of term and the start of our new lives must have addled your brain.

I forgive you. I’ll just forget it all, no need to apologize.

James

---

Potter,

You great git, you are going to meet my family. Don’t try to weasel out of it!

I’ll expect you this Sunday at three. Dress nicely - in MUGGLE clothes, if you please.

And try to do something with your hair.

Lily

---

L-

Tell your mum I had a nice time. Superb grub, that.

And your dad was nice too. They weren’t anything like I expected. They’re rather proud of you, though, aren’t they?

But your sister - blimey. She’s...er...nice.

(Two weeks till the wedding. Nervous yet?)

-J

---

James,

Yes, Petunia is...

Well, she’s Petunia. She’s met a ‘nice bloke’ (as my dad calls him) named Vernon Dursley. She had him round to tea yesterday.

I don’t know when I’ve ever met a bigger Muggle.

Has Sirius picked up your new dress robes yet? Tell him if he slacks in his best man duties, I shall be forced to turn his head into a teapot.

(Only a week left! No cold feet here. You trying to back out on me?)

Lily

---

Lily Evans,

I’m sitting on Sirius’ couch, listening to him snore. Peter is sleeping on the floor nearby; only Lupin is keeping vigil with me. He and I were out late last night on Order business.

We were crouched behind a row of hedges, waiting for a signal from Shacklebolt, cold and scared and hungry - all so we could gather some trivial piece of information in hopes that it helps Dumbledore. In hopes that we might gain an edge.

In the few weeks we four have been working with the Order of the Phoenix, I’ve realized something: We have to do this.

Sometimes I feel sad - grieving for a life we may never have. You know the type, Evans - a nice house, two or three kids, a steady job, no chance that myself or my friends will end up dead tomorrow...

But we can’t have that right now. And at first I was angry at the Death Eaters - people like Lucius Malfoy who think that gold and power give him the right to run other people’s lives. I sat there seething, watching his house, watching the people we know to be Death Eaters prance in and out; and then I saw Regulus - little Regulus Black who went to Zonkos with us Marauders during Hogsmeade weekends, who helped us nick food from the kitchen - marching up to the door, proud as can be.

He’s going to be in his last year at Hogwarts, Regulus. He’ll be a useful spy against Dumbledore.

And all that anger I felt at the Death Eaters just...left me. I knew then, Lil. The Death Eaters in their silly robes aren’t the ones to blame here.

Voldemort is. He’s the one - the one ruining all these lives, the one killing all these futures. It’s his fault. And he must be stopped, at any cost.

How many more Reguluses are there, Lily? How many more young wizards are being tricked into believing this snake’s lies?

I love you, Lily Evans. And I would like nothing better than to get that house and have children and watch them grow older with you. I would like nothing more than to be a father.

But if that shouldn’t happen, if fate has something else in store for me, know this: Every second I’ve been with you has been incredible. And I plan on enjoying every single second I’m given.

This fight is worth our lives, Lily. I just hope our lives are enough.

Yours,

James Potter

---

James,

Tomorrow, I marry you. Here I am, in the room that’s no longer mine, and I’m so happy I could burst.

Voldemort cannot take away this happiness. He can’t touch our love. He is weak, really. Because we have each other. We have Sirius and Remus and Peter. And Voldemort can’t change that - not even through death.

So, we will live our lives. We’ll have a house and a family. Voldemort will not take that away from us.

Forever,

Lily

---

L-

How about ‘Rose’ for a girl?

-J

---

J-

I think our first will be a boy. A son, would you like that?

-L

---

Lily,

A son it is. (Merlin knows our child will know better than to argue with you on this!)

How about...Harry? Harry Potter...

You know, I like the sound of that.

(The sun is rising. I’ll have to wake everyone soon if we’re to get to the wedding on time.)

James

---

J-

Harry it is.

And you’d better be there on time. I’ll look rather silly in this dress with no one to marry!

-L

---

Evans,

Well, I’m off. It’s strange, isn’t it - this is probably the last letter I’ll be writing you. We’ll be in the same house tomorrow morning. Waking up together, having a cuppa, off to our jobs...

Do you know, that sounds rather nice.

Potter

---

Potter,

I’m heading out the door now.

I’ll see you in a few moments. My husband.

How did a cheeky oaf like you ever land a prize like me?

I love you.

Evans Potter