Harry Potter Isekai - Marauders Era

Chapter 7: Heartbroken

Chapter 7

Marlene's POV

I'm sitting in The Three Broomsticks with a heartbroken James Potter. How exactly did I get into this situation, you ask? Well...

A couple hours ago:

"Since we're here, McKinnon, can't we go to Zonko's for a bit?"

"No, Potter! The purpose of this trip is to get Lily a gift. Don't stray from the mission!" I said sternly prompting James to pout. "There it is!" I pointed to a really nice quill and pretty leather journal set.

"Are you sure this would make her happy?" He stared at the items skeptically.

"Honestly Potter, do you even know Lily? She'll love it. She'll find it thoughtful instead of obnoxious like the other gifts you tried buying." I scoffed as I remembered him attempting to buy all things expensive and flashy at the clothing store, Gladrags.

"Alright. If you say so, you're the boss!" I watch as James picks up the items, making his way to the store clerk to pay for them. I smile in satisfaction until I look past James out the store window to see Lily walking on the street HOLDING HANDS AND BLUSHING WITH SEVERUS SNAPE?! Did this ever happen in the series?! Were they together or have ever been together?!?! What's happening right now!!!

What should I do? I can't let James see them! I don't know what he'll do if he sees them. It took him months to be neutral with Severus and hold normal conversations with Lily. It'll all go to waste if he sees them and freaks out!

James comes back smiling with the gift bagged up in his arm. "Alright! Let's go get something to eat! My treat! As a thank you for your help!" He started to turn towards the entrance when I grabbed him by the arm.

"I- uh- why don't we look around again, just in case?" I stuttered.

"What? No, McKinnon, I'm hungry. And we got a good gift! You even said so!" He tried to turn again and I pulled him towards me once again. "What is it now, McKinnon? I'm hungry!" He whined as he turned back around.

"No, wait, I-" too late, I was too late. James pauses as he stares at Lily and Severus now facing each other. Lily leans up towards Severus and gives him a kiss on the cheeks.

And that takes us to our current situation now. James is currently on his 6th cup of butterbeer.

"James? Don't you think you've had enough?"

"Enough? More like not enough? How much do I need to drink in order to forget what I saw?" The expression on his face really is crestfallen and full of pain.

"I'm so sorry, James."

"Why are you sorry? It's not your fault."

"You know, James..." I carefully look at his face. "You like her right?"

"I LOVE her."

"If you truly love her like you say you do, shouldn't you be happy for her?"

He glares at me for the first time. "Happy? I'm heartbroken and you want me to be happy?!"

"I'm not saying it doesn't hurt. What I am saying is, she's happy. You should be content that she's happy. You should want to see her happy. And yes, it does mean you're in pain, but you can't force yourself on her if she isn't interested. It'll only bring upon resentment and hatred."

He downed his drink once more. "I never thought of it like that." He looked at me with a sad smile, "but what should I do? I really love her. She's my future wife. She's the only one."

I sighed. "Lily is a person, just like you and me. She has a choice, you know. She has free will. Even if she isn't with anyone right now, she has a choice whether she wants to be with you or not. Again, you can't force her nor yourself on her! James, give it time. She's with someone right now but you never know what the future holds. DON'T go scheming or ruining anything! Just see where this goes. Heal, healthily! You still want her to see the good side of you, don't you?"

"Yeah... you know, you're really wise. Are we really the same age?"

I giggled. "It's still going to hurt, but give it time. You'll be okay."

"Promise?"

"I don't know if I can promise that."

"Then I'm doomed forever, McKinnon!" He groaned.

I chuckled in defeat, "Okay, okay. I promise. Just give it time."