A Life Worth Living

Are You Sure?

Iris knew she was late as she rushed down the slippery sidewalk and into the busy pub. Even though the temperatures were starting to plummet at night, everyone else seemed keen on having a night out.

Truthfully, Iris was having a difficult time remembering what she did the last time she went out. It felt like ages ago.

But here she was, collapsing at a table across from James at their favorite pub. Even though it was much closer for the two of them to meet up in Diagon Alley now, they kept to their spot out of nostalgia.

"You seem a bit out of breath. And late," James said, a slight smile on his face, likely taking in her flushed face and disheveled hair.

"Sorry. Things have been so hectic with the shop opening next week," she replied, pulling off her winter coat.

It had been a few weeks since the house party and Iris and George were working around the clock to fill the shelves of the store. They had set the opening date thinking they had plenty of time, but then realized it would be a tight squeeze with everything they needed to finish.

Angelina, Percy, and Oliver had taken to stopping by to help when they weren't busy with work or training just so everything would be ready for the big day.

"Not a problem. How is that going?" James asked.

"Good, for the most part. But I've been up late the better part of the week getting potions ready," she said, grabbing for the pint of beer in front of her quite eagerly. "Oliver and I barely get a chance to talk anymore, between his training and my hours."

James tipped his head to the side, studying her closely.

"Are things still good with your beau?" he asked, a hint of concern in his eyes.

Iris offered him a wide smile. Bless him, he was still trying to look out for her. Thankfully there was nothing to worry about in that regard. Oliver had done nothing but improve since their talk, the two growing closer and finally picking things up where they left off all that time ago.

It was like night and day compared to this summer.

"Really good, actually. And well, at least everyone's so busy that the marriage and baby talk has started to die down," she said, after taking a drink.

"Isn't that a bit pushy of them?" James asked.

Iris thought it over a bit before she shrugged and reached for a chip from the large basket in the middle of the table.

"They're just excited, I think. Bill and Fleur's wedding was ages ago. They're hoping for another, but most of the couples in the family are far too young. Percy, George, and Charlie are all single. Then you've got Oliver's side - he's an only child - and well... makes sense that they're all pinning their hopes on us," she explained.

James stared at her a bit, his eyes wide. He probably didn't realize just how big Iris' adoptive family was. She chuckled softly at his expression. He then shook his head, smiling in return.

"I see. Well... just make sure you don't rush into anything," James warned carefully.

Iris laughed again. There was obviously no rushing on her or Oliver's part. Though she did grow more sure every day that she wanted to spend the rest of her days with him.

"There's no rushing, I assure you. Neither of us really have the time to put together a wedding at the moment, though I'm sure that I do want to marry him someday," she replied. "I have to admit, it's rather fun drawing it out as well. Every month we go un-engaged, George loses another Galleon."

James chuckled as he took in the mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Don't tell me you've bet against yourselves?" he asked.