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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It would be the next morning that James and Ascella not only received a solemn letter from St Mungo's, stating that Euphemia and Fleamont Potter had passed within mere hours of eachother — but a very passive-aggressive letter from their former Headmaster.
Upon reading Dumbledore's letter, Ascella scoffed and threw it into the fire without even letting James see a single word on the parchment.
Sirius took the news even harder than James did. Hearing the unfortunate news, he got angry and left the flat with only the clothes he had on his back.
His leather jacket laid abandoned on the back of a chair, just like his pack of cigarettes on the counter.
Remus followed close behind Sirius, not even letting the door slam before it was in his hand being handled with care.
James locked himself in the bedroom with Ascella and she held him while he cried. She unfortunately knew the feeling of losing parents all to well. Hell, Ascella lost hers twice.
James was there for her when her parents disowned her in first year. They blasted her off the family tree, yet forced her home every holiday.
He was there for her when she finally had enough and escaped her family during the Christmas of 1975. Ascella and her mother had gotten into another one of their arguments which resulted in several broken glasses and harsh words.
James was there for her when she found out from Regulus that her parents had died — she hated them of course and they hated her, but they were her parents. At some point, she had been their everything and vice versa.
He was always there for her and she intended on being there for him — whatever it takes.
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It took a week for Lily and Ascella to pull together a proper funeral. It was supposed a small affair, but seeing as the Potter's were high ranking Aurors for thirty years, several people showed up to pay their respects.
It took place in a cemetery just a few miles from the Potter Manor, located just on the outskirts of a small wizarding retirement village.
As per their written wishes, they were buried together and not a singular daisy was spotted in the area. Euphemia thought they were cheap, although very pretty, she much preferred irises and roses.
Even after most of the guests had left, the group of friends sat around the cemetery pretending everything was going to be okay.
Sirius was the first to stand, placing a white rose so it leaned against the erect headstone. He then placed a half full bottle of firewhiskey beside the rose — it was Fleamont's favorite brand.
Next up was Ascella, who placed her rose down and then reached up to trace the names of the two people who had taken her and her cousin in without any hesitation.
Soon, everyone followed by placing their roses on the shared grave.
Alice, Marlene, Dorcas, and Peter ended up having to leave, so it was just Lily, Ascella, James, Remus, and Sirius.
It soon began to rain as they walked down the cobblestone path that would eventually lead to the manor, where everyone was going for the first time since the passing.
Upon entering, the house was the quietest it had ever been — and despite the heat outside, it was rather chilly. It seemed extremely dull compared to all the times they spent holidays, wreaking havoc no matter who was visiting.
There was no Euphemia in the kitchen humming a song on the muggle radio.
No Fleamont flirting mercilessly with his wife just because he could.
No children laughing in the living room.
No pranks set off at random hours by three insane fourteen year olds.
Just the sound of a pouring summer rain echoing through the whole house.
With a wave of her wand, Lily dried everyone's clothes and slowly they began to trudge forward, taking hesitant steps.
"Where do you want to start?" Ascella questioned softly. "I'm not sure." Said James, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. "I. . . I just want to relax, Ella. It's been a long day and I just need a break from it all."
"Thats perfectly fine, love. We don't have to do anything today, or even tomorrow or the next day." She told him, guiding her future husband over to the couch in the living room.
"Does anyone want some tea?" Lily questioned. Ascella kissed James on the forehead before joining Lily. "They won't answer, but I'll join you. Its best to have some ready just in case."
The girls went to the kitchen, leaving the boys in the other room. Ascella placed the kettle on the stove and sat down at the small breakfast table. Lily sat beside her and grabbed her attention.
"This dreadful day aside, have you made any plans?"
Ascella instinctively reached for the necklace that Euphemia gave her just a week prior. "Mia. . . She's been planning everything since third year. . . She somehow knew it was going to be me."
"Have you looked at anything? Do you want to?" Lily questioned, placing a soothing hand on her forearm. "I think I should. We decided on a day in August, the 13th to be exact." Ascella reached over the table, her fingers barely latching onto the thick book before sliding it across the table.
Opening the hard cover, she was immediately met with a table of contents and two dates showing the start and finish.
Euphemia really had thought of everything, though there was no surprise there.
The book had several fabric swatches that were labeled, color swatches for dresses and suits — even different styles, flower arrangements, venues, bakeries that specialized in wedding cakes, everything.
When the kettle whistled, Lily stood from the table and removed it from the stove, pouring an even amount into each teacup.
Moments later, the boys entered and they sat around the table trying to distract themselves.
Lily brought the tea over to everyone and ended up being the one to break the silence. . . Suddenly everyone was immersed in planning.
