Is this the life you chose yourself, or just how it ended up? Is that the yard you pictured when you closed your eyes and dreamed of children in the grass running through the sprinklers? Being somebody's wife, or were you living in another life?
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The weeks following the final match were easy— quiet even. Though for the last week of term, the marauders and Ascella came up with 5 days of pranks, leading up to their graduation from Hogwarts.
Monday was elementary. Just some simple itching powder in the Slytherin robes... and towels... and beds.
Tuesday, everyone in the school, save for the professors and the pranksters, sported different colors of vibrant hair... which disappeared after 3 hours.
Wednesday consisted of several students from all of the houses getting temporary food poisoning from a backfired ingredient swap.
Thursday was stressful. The prank was to make everyone have a minor inconvenience, though nothing too out of the ordinary.
Friday was the big day. The last day. The pranksters made it to the great hall before even the teachers. They all sat in a spot and Ascella even thought to put up a barrier, so no one could enter. The professors ended up eating amongst the students.
That landed them one last detention with professor McGonagall before they graduated, but they didn't care.
Saturday morning, while all of the younger students got in the carriages, the Hogwarts graduating class of 1978 stood outside near the lake, staring down at the boats that they'd arrived to Hogwarts on their very first night.
They looked much smaller compared to when they were 11.
Ascella almost cried when she got into the boat with Sirius, James, and Remus, just like first year. She looked over to Lily, who let the tears fall freely as she smiled. "This is it." Marlene stated, tears of her own glistening in her chocolate eyes as the boats began moving. "Its not the end." Remus said, a small smile on his face.
"No, it's only the beginning." Ascella looked back to James and smiled as their boats plunged across the black lake.
By the time they'd reached the other side, Ascella had let tears fall. Part of her was going to miss Hogwarts, but she knew it wasn't going to be the last time she stepped foot in the castle that she called home.
She felt it in her soul.
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"So, have the two of you made any wedding arrangements yet?" Euphemia asked one evening after dinner. "Mum!" James groaned. Ascella chuckled and set her teacup down. In that moment, the aristocratic beauty that most of the women in the Black family obtained, was undeniable. Especially with her long black hair, high cheekbones, and dazzling gray eyes that were nearly identical to Sirius's.
"We've not done anything yet, so we could get help from you as well as Andromeda. I've got a few ideas, perhaps we could discuss them at a later date?" Ascella questioned, flashing a smile at the older witch.
"Of course, dear. With the war, the sooner you get married, the better." Euphemia responded. "How's August the 13th, of this year?" Ascella asked James. "That's in less than 3 months, but I'd say it works. Anything you want, love, its yours." He told her with a lovesick grin on his face.
"Perfect! See? You've got the big part taken care of. I do say location, guests, flower arrangements, food, and outfits are next on the list."
"We'll get to those when it's time." Ascella stated, trying not to get ahead. The last thing she wanted to do was stress about her wedding for the rest of the night. "Alright mum, we'll see you soon, yeah? Dumbledore wants to meet with us in the morning and we ought to be rested when the time comes."
Euphemia hummed, stood from her chair, and pulled them both into a hug. "I believe you should be very well rested... It was lovely seeing you again, Ascella." "You as well, Mia. Tell Monty that we hope he feels better soon." Euphemia smiled. "I'll pass the message on. Travel safely."
"We will, love you mum." James assured. "I love you too, dear. I love you both very much."
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"So much for being well rested." Ascella breathed and glanced over at the clock on the wall. James chuckled and pulled her closer, their naked chests pressed together.
"I didn't hear you complaining 5 minutes ago." He said. "Because I wasn't. I'm not complaining now, it i was, you'd know." "I know... what do you think Dumbledore wants?" James asked, running his fingers through her dark hair. "We just had possibly the best sex of our lives, and you want to talk about Dumbledore?"
When James didn't laugh or make a remark Ascella sighed. "I don't know what he wants, but we can only hope that its nothing bad. I just want the war to be over." "Everyone does." "I know."
