Wherever Life May Lead Us • A Jily Love Story

chapter nine

James POV

The game was honestly a bit of a blur. The sun was shining from behind a group of clouds, and only a refreshing breeze blew, projecting the most perfect conditions for a game of Quidditch. The grand stands were packed with bustling students; a sea of red and green supporters. Flags, banners and face paint were being thrown around the excited crowd, but there was only one person I sought to find when I had lead Gryffindor onto the pitch, my Cleansweep 12 trailing behind (the best broom of the day, I may add). It only took a few moments to capture the smiling face of Lily, surrounded by the Marauders and the other girls. Each one of them was dancing and screaming, sporting some sort of crazy clothing. I couldn't help but smile heartily as I made my way to centre field to shake hands with the Slytherin captain. He snarled and tried to break my hand, but I remained calm and gave it right back to him. The competitive atmosphere only served to make me and the team more determined. The whistle blew and the rest was history. I forgot everything but the quaffle and the game.

The minutes flew by faster than the golden snitch, which, so far, had nearly been caught twice by our seeker. The score was 80-110 to Gryffindor, and morale was still high, despite the energy we had dissipated.

ooo

'And another spectacular goal from captain Potter, pushing the Gryffindor lead to 100-150!'
The crowds roared to life, but only for a second, as the Slytherin chasers lashed out in aggravation. There was flurry of brooms, bats and bludgers, and I only just found out why, before gravity took hold of my body, and my vision blacked.

'AND RICHARDS OF GRYFFINDOR HAS CAUGHT THE GOLDEN SNITCH, SECURING THEM THE FIRST GAME OF THE QUIDDITCH SEASON!'

Darkness.

ooo

'He looked he was gonna die, I'm not going to lie.' A deep voice expressed.

'Shut up Pads. Dumbledore had it under control.' Another voice said.

My bones ached. My head was burning.

'If this is hell, I was kidding. I'll go to heaven now thanks.' My lips were cracked and my voice was husky as I uttered my whisper.

'He is alive!' I recognised Wormy's excited voice.

'Of course he is, Peter. Did you think Madame Pomfrey would just let him die? She's the best nurse we've ever had.'

'Actually Sirius, a few minutes ago, you said he looked dead.'

'Shut up Remus. I was kidding.'

'Oh my god! All of you, just shut up!! Hey, James? Do you think you could open your eyes?'

Anything for her.

I pried my eyes open ever so slightly before opening fully. I was in a bed in the hospital wing, with five pairs of eyes looking down on me. Lily was the closest, and she sighed in relief.

'Would someone please tell me what the hell just happened?'

They were all silent until Lily spoke up after a moment.

'You, well... you fell of your broom. The Slytherin's were upset that they lost, so they chucked a bludger at you. Then Dumbledore brought you up here. He was pretty mad.'

I shrugged and then grinned. 'At least we won right?'

I heard Moony and Padfoot start chuckling, but Lily just stared in disbelief.

'If you weren't already hurt, I would so whack you. You are unbelievable.'

'But I'm right. And you know it.'

'Shut up Potter.' She glared at me, but softened it a little with a smirk.

'Okay. Once you two had finished flirting, I would like to say g'day to my mate, then get out of here. Kindly appreciated.'

'Oh whatever Pads. Just get over here already.' I felt much more awake from the fact that Sirius thought Lily was flirting with me.

ooo

'Yeah, yeah. You guys go. I'm just going to stay a minute. You know, some "head prefect talk" or whatever.' Her laugh was a bit forced. She sounded nervous.

'Whatever you say Lils.' Marlene very obviously winked before walking out and taking Sirius' hand. How long had I been asleep for?!

I was shaken from my confused thoughts when Lily came and sat on the edge of my bed, not meeting my eyes.

'Thanks for not dying on me. I was worried.'

'Its all good. I honestly wasn't planning on it quite yet. Nice jersey, by the way. Suits you.' I smirked a little as I recognised the faded red fabric and embroidery in the back. She blushed furiously and lifted a hand to her neck.

'Oh. Um... ha... yeah... it was kind of an accident. Sorry.'

'Nah. Keep it. It looks better on you anyway.'

She smiled shyly and said, 'You think?'

Her hand dropped from her neck and onto the bed, so close to mine, and I replied, 'Oh, I know.'

She blushed again, but she didn't move her delicate hand away again. Instead, she laughed and said, 'Well, thanks... I guess.'
Our eyes locked and again I was drowning in her deep green eyes. I sighed, barely audibly, in comfort and happiness. I was where I was meant to be. I could smell her and feel her radiating presence. The strength of our connection was fortified, and it was like I could hear her heart beating.

It was now or never I guess. Desperately hoping that she wouldn't reject it, I moved my hand further towards hers. I knew that she sensed it, but she didn't pull away. I inched it closer, our eyes still locked, until it hit the tips of her fingers. We both hitched a breath, but we both continued. She held my finger and tugged a little more, until she held my hand. Our fingers were laced, and it felt like electricity. Sparks flew, and yet it felt so comfortable, like I was coming home for the first time in years. She was home.

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It's happening people
Thank u guys.
B x