November 7, 1977
"Ms Evans thank you for finally putting us all out of our misery." commented Professor McGonagall in her characteristic tone, taking her spot in front of her 7th year transfiguration class.
James tightened his arm around Lily as she gave McGonagall a shy smile - knowing she was referring to her new relationship with James Potter.
"Mr. Potter, try not to give us more grief...or displays of affection."
The whole class laughed while Sirius wolf whistled behind them.
"Come now Professor, today is a cause for celebration. It should be known as James and Lily day!" James spoke up with uncontained happiness. He was Lily Evans boyfriend and the whole school had found out at breakfast. Neither had minded, neither really cared.
"Mr. Potter, I hope you'll remember you haven't saved the Wizarding world form You-Know-Who just yet" she retorted amused at the boy. She was pleased and willing to humour him for it - so long as he never found out she secretly had him, his friends and now his girlfriend marked down as favourites.
"Ah come on Professor!" James continued the banter relentlessly "Imagine what our love could do against a nose less git!"
Lily shook her head smiling, slightly red - completely used to James being well James. While the class behind them gave away to raucous cheers.
"I'd be surprised if you can concentrate on your Head boy duties at this rate Mr. Potter. Ms. Evans do keep him in check, won't you?"
Lily nodded at McGonagall smiling. Having received a satisfactory response, McGonagall prepared to start the lecture. It was a mark of James incessant 6 year crush and superb skills at Transfiguration to allow such an exchange to take place in McGonagall's class, Lily thought.
She turned to James smiling at him as the class settled down behind him.
"Do try to keep your tongue in check, Potter" she whispered.
"I've never heard you complain while we're kissing." He whispered back with his characteristic smirk.
"James!" she joke-admonished, thoroughly wishing to kiss that grin off his face.
They turned back to the lesson, smiles adorning their faces. They didn't dare push their luck lest Professor McGonagall decided to hand out detentions. They could be doing so much more with their time together.
May 5th, 1998
It was whimsical really thinking about it now she thought. Was it her strong belief causing the pain? Belief that her few select secret favourites would go on to do great things? Was it their sudden deaths -where it all began - why she had thought of them now after so many years?.
Voldemort was finished. Harry Potter had defeated him merely 3 days ago. It was weird to her then that she should pick now of all times to think of the day James Potter and Lily Evans had declared themselves a couple at Hogwarts.
The news had become common knowledge and she in her happiness had allowed a small banter with one among her many favourite Gryffindors in that year (though she would not admit to anyone that she had favourites).
She had never taken James's words as jest even back in 1978.
She had every bit of trust that James Potter and Lily Evans could go on to take and defeat the Dark Lord. She had so much faith in their team work, their love and abilities. Hadn't she seen it so often in their work as head boy and head girl after all?
Yet, she stood in front of their head stones now. Grey, lifeless, dull. No light from their eyes, personalities or humour welcoming her.
"You were right, Mr. Potter. Your love has saved us all indeed." She said with sad smile to the headstone adorning her pupils names.
She waved her wand creating the most beautiful wreath she could muster, gently placing it on their gravestones.
A single tear escaped her as she walked away. She had outlived all of the Hogwarts class of '71.
Some had left as early at the age of 21, another at 35, and the last one at 37, whose funeral she had just left before coming here.
37 was no better than 21 she thought. She only wished she wouldn't outlive their children.
Attending funerals of Harry Potter and Teddy Lupin, Minerva McGonagall though, would be too much to bear.
It was consoling at the very least to think that with no Dark Lord she might just not have to attend any more untimely deaths.