The Love That Transcended Time

Chapter 2: Wining, Dining & Spying

"For the birthday girl," said James with a smile, pulling a bouquet of fresh lilacs from somewhere behind his chair.

"How did you know Lilacs were my favorite?" She ran her fingertips over the purple and white blossoms. "I had expected something cheesy, like a bouquet of lilies."

"Oh you know," shrugged James, "I have my ways. These are fresh from my backyard. I've always had Lilac bushes growing up, the smell is intoxicating, and their presence is always beautiful and welcoming...It's not hard to see why they remind me of you."

"Thank you James...even though I think you just had a lucky guess." Lily smiled that beautiful smile of hers, something she hadn't offered up to hardly any boy, especially the likes of James Potter.

Dinner progressed in a haze for Lily. It could have been any number of factors--a very vintage, very good year of Elf-made wine, the stimulating scent of the lilacs, or the tantalizing presence of a Mr. James Potter. Lily couldn't remember the last time she had felt so elated--and the elation was nowhere near finished. Frank and Alice presented Lily with a stack of books she had been eyeing a few weeks ago on a trip to Diagon Alley, and a set of new writing quills.

"This is very generous...Frank, Alice...you really didn't need to get me this much. Just joining me for dinner was enough."

"Lily, you're too modest. I've never been happier to buy a few books and quills for someone--and I've never known someone who loved them more as gifts." Alice smiled, leaned over and hugged Lily, giving her a kiss on the cheek before breaking the hug.

"Thank you. And thank you again James for the Lilacs, these shall flourish nicely in my bedroom window."

James smiled and replied, "You're very welcome, but...I wasn't under the impression that present time was over yet." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a long thin box.

"James, this really isn't necessary, the flowers and dinner were plenty, as I've said..."

"Lily, open the damn box." Alice rolled her eyes, apparently getting sick of the modesty. "It's your birthday, act like it." Lily laughed nervously, reaching her hand out to take the skinny box. It was tied together in thick gold and crimson ribbons. She untied them carefully before cracking the box open, her green eyes widening.

"James, I can't accept this. This is far too generous..." She set the box down on the table. Alice's eyes widened as she saw the trinket inside as well. It was a golden bracelet, encrusted with rubies.

"I realize it's a bit of an extravagant gift. You must forgive me though Lily, when I saw this is in the Muggle jewelry shop a few weeks ago while I was walking down the street, I couldn't stop thinking of you. I believe it was meant for you. You don't have to wear it...I just want you have it that's all. Please." He smiled softly to Lily, and she nodded, closing the box and placing it in the gift bag with her books and quills.

"Thank you." Her eyes lingered on James as she said this, her expression unreadable. When she broke her glance, she reached for her handbag. "At least let me get the check you guys..."

"NO!" they all shouted in unison, all reaching into their pockets to pull out galleons and sickles.

After the wine was gone, and the bill was paid, the group chatted until the candles seemed to be burned down into puddles of hot wax, and the crowd had thinned considerably. Frank stretched in his chair and mumbled through a yawn, "I think they're closing the place down. Alice, are you ready to go?" Alice nodded and everyone stood up in unison and headed out the front door to the street. It was still quite warm outside, and the stars shone brightly. Alice and Frank had a smug look on their face as they turned to Lily and James and waved, "Bye now. Alice needs to be home, so we'll be apparating." Before Lily or James could object, they were gone. Lily and James were quite alone. Lily took a deep breath and checked her watch. It was almost 11, and as it was summer, she had no imminent rush to get home. For the first time in a while, she wasn't itching to be out of James' presence either.

"Did you have a good birthday Lily?" asked James casually in an attempt to break the sudden shock of being alone and in silence. He started walking up the sidewalk, apparently wanting to take a stroll as they conversed.

"Yes it was quite lovely." She smiled at him and looked shyly at the ground, alarmingly aware of how her left hand swung her gifts back and forth, and her right hung to her side dangerously close to James' hand.

James stopped abruptly and turned quickly to face Lily. "Look, Lily, I know I haven't always made the best impression on you. I just wanted to let you know, I wasn't trying to be somebody I am not tonight. It was really me."

Lily took her eyes off the ground to meet his, once again realizing how close he was to her. The potent smell of the lilacs wasn't even enough to stop his strong masculine scent from reaching her nostrils. "James, an apology isn't really necessary. You were great tonight, really."

He leaned closer to her, as though he was coming to embrace her in a hug, although his faced seemed to be rather close for a hug. She could smell his breath, the wine lingering on it still. His arms moved to hold onto her waist, inching her closer to him very slowly. Her bright green eyes closed lazily as she leaned closer towards his lips, feeling an overwhelming urge to taste him...

"WOOF WOOF!!" Bellowing barks filled the street as a big black shaggy dog ran down the street, chasing what seemed to be a rat down the street. James and Lily instantly flew apart, startled. Once James grasped a hold of the situation, he seemed a bit sour. Lily seemed to get the wrong impression.

"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to get so ...uh...close."

"No Lily, it wasn't you really." He put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I unfortunately must be going. My parents are old, and will want me home soon. Would you like me to escort you home?"

Lily smiled and shook her head. "Thank you, but I'll be fine. Thanks for dinner, Potter." She winked and disapparated, the scent of Lilac still lingering in the air.

"Okay Sirius, Peter, get out here." The big black shaggy dog came around the corner from the nearby alley and transformed into a young, scraggily, but handsome male. He looked rather disheveled and breathless, as if he'd just been running a marathon.

"Where is Peter? That was him you were chasing down the street, while trying to COMPLETELY sabotage my perfect evening, wasn't it?"

"Actually, that was a real rat. My doggish urge got the best of me."

"Believe me, my doggish urge was getting the best of me..." groaned James miserably.

"Got any scraps from dinner? I'm starving." James laughed and started heading down the street with Sirius, the direction seemingly unimportant.

"Is that all you ever think about Sirius? Food? You need a girl." James was joking...he knew Sirius had been without a home since he left his parents a year ago. Girls were probably the last thing on his mind. He wouldn't accept James' offers to live with him in Godric's Hollow, and played it off by begging for food like a dog. It was an uncomfortable situation, but they managed to keep it light hearted with their little charade.

"Yes, that's bright... Why would I want a girl? So I can be a big softy like you and go lilac picking and ruby shopping. Don't you think the bracelet was a bit much?"

"Time will tell. Go eat your doggy bag Padfoot." James tossed a small white sack over his back and Sirius quickly transfigured back into the dog, leaped into the air making a spectacular catch, wagging his tail furiously.

"Show off..." and quicker than two shakes of that shaggy dog's tail, James disappeared into the starry summer night.