CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
Did We Have Too Much To Drink?
July 14th, 1983

         For once, Daphne wasn't pissed it was her birthday, not at all actually. The past birthdays had felt more like a chore that she had to get done by the end of the day but this one, it felt different. Starting from her point of view in the morning, instead of an empty and cold side, she had James. James, who snored quietly and slept with his mouth slightly open. Then there was Harry too, he would jump on the bed every single morning. At first, Daphne almost felt ashamed to share a bed with James knowing Harry would show up but he did not care in the slightest. James even told Daphne that he was happy about it.

This morning two arms sneaked around her waist, they brought her closer and she chuckled to herself as James's breath tickled her back. It was one of the things she didn't get used to yet, not being secret anymore and getting to hold his hand in the living room or kiss his cheek in the kitchen. It was all very surreal.

Today was very special because today Daphne was turning twenty-three years old. Sirius had begged her to have dinner with all the people she liked and Daphne didn't find the strength to say no. Her mum had been the first one to answer the invitation, stating that she would be overjoyed to come. Sadly, Daphne's father wouldn't be able to make it as he was still very ill to this day.

"Hello, you, happy birthday," James whispered behind her, kissing her cheek as he watched her cook. "I thought I'd find you in bed."

Before Daphne could answer, Sirius grunted, "Godric, get a room! There is a child here," he pointed at Harry who simply waved back at the newly couple.

James walked over to the table, kissing Harry's head, "Hello, Harry. How was your night, eh?"

"Good!"

"Good then," James replied, then eyed Sirius who was reading the Daily Prophet. "And shut up, Pads, alright? Today is all about Daphne."

Sirius rolled his eyes and Daphne chuckled, "Sure, Prongs but it is not all about Daphne and James, is it?"

"Shove off."

Daphne snorted, handing a plate to Harry, "Okay, enough you two. There you go, love."

"Thank you."

Daphne's hands laid on James's shoulder, massaging them slowly as he ate breakfast, then her eyes wandered to Sirius who didn't seem to notice she was behind James. It felt good to know that she could now reach for him for a hug, or a kiss without having to worry being seen.

Kissing the side of his head, she notified him that she was going to the bathroom. As she walked upstairs, she couldn't help but quickly grab a cigarette and go in the bathroom. Today's weather was as sunny as it could get and she wondered if it was Fabian's way to wish her a happy birthday—after all, he was her sun.

As she smoked, her mind drifted to her family, more precisely Evan. She asked herself if he would be okay with it, okay with James being in her life again even though he never truly knew about their relationship. But, he would be okay with it—Evan was Daphne's first supporter, he would go through hell for her.

"I miss you, Ev," she whispered to herself before undressing.

The water was hot by the time it hit her skin. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the moment of quietness. The bathroom was the only place where everything got quiet, there were no shouts or no loud conversations, just her.

Three little knocks echoed behind the door, snapping her out of her thoughts, "Who is it?"

"It's me. James."

"Oh, come in," she told him, hearing the door knob and then the door closing again.

"Merlin, it's hot," he said with a chuckle. "I always forget that you like your showers boiling hot."

Daphne shrugged though he couldn't see it, "It helps with relaxing your muscles, James."

"If you say so, love. Your mum should be here in an hour, is that alright?"

"Yes," she said. "James? Are you afraid of meeting her?"

James scratched the back of his neck, "Er, maybe? I haven't really thought about it. Sure I am nervous, after all it is your mother but Sirius says she is nice and—"

"I don't think she will hate you," Daphne cut him off. "My mum, she's...she may seem, well you know, but she's not. She loved Fabian."

James sighed, "But...what if I'm not meeting her expectations, Daph? Fabian was...he was a great bloke and from what you've told me, they got along very well."

"James, darling, Fabian got along with my mum easily because he was there when Evan died. He took care of me but also of her," she explained, pained that James could think that his mother would not like him. "The situation is completely different with you, is it not?"

"I reckon."

Daphne peeked her head out, holding the shower curtain to hide her body, "Everything will be alright," she reassured, smiling softly. "Want to join?"

James shrugged nervously as Daphne went back under the shower. They hadn't been intimate since they had gotten back together and James didn't want to rush anything at all, so he waited. But, he accepted the invitation and started to strip out his clothes. He didn't know why he felt so nervous at the thought of seeing her naked, he had seen her before—Merlin, he knew her body by heart.

Why was he so scared?

Stepping in the shower, he watched her wet hair cascading on her shoulders then he walked closer, hoping to be able to taste the water as well. It was boiling hot, as expected. Weirdly, he didn't mind despite the sun being at its peak and the weather being hot today.

James's eyes drifted to where her mark had scarred her forearm and—he didn't know if it was good or not but he felt relieved to not see it. The thought of her having it still struck something within him but he had matured. He wasn't the young James that he was before, he understood why she did it and if he could go back in time, he would have a different reaction.

"What are you thinking about?" Daphne asked, looking at him. He hadn't even realised she had turned around to face him.

James shrugged with a sigh, "How things could have been different."

"Why?"

"I just—" he shook his head, realising how silly it was but went on anyway. "If somehow I went back in time, I would have had a different reaction to you getting the mark."

Daphne smiled softly, "You wouldn't have a different one, James and that's okay. If you did have a different reaction, you would have never been with Lily and had Harry. And, I would never have meet Fabian."

"Right," he stared at her, looking up and down rapidly and he couldn't help but notice the new beauty marks that had appeared over time. He felt sick when he laid eyes on the scar on her stomach. "Does it hurt?"

His thumb traced it quietly as Daphne gasped quietly, "Sometimes."

James hummed, moving his hands up to cup her face, "I love you," he whispered, capturing her lips in a tender kiss.

...

Everyone arrived right on time, even the Weasley. Daphne was rather anxious about this birthday now that she thought about it. Her mum would be here with Andromeda, the Weasley and James in the same room. Hopefully, it will go well.

"Oh, there she is, my sweet child," Amalthea's voice echoed from behind as Daphne barely had the time to turn around so that her mum had her arms wrapped. "You are glowing."

"Am I?"

"Always, dear," she answered with a smile. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, mum."

She pulled away, smiling widely and it warmed Daphne's heart because Amalthea Rosier seemed happy to be here, "So...in your letter, you mentioned people for me to meet. Who are they?"

Daphne bit her lower lip, "There are multiple. Do not get mad, alright? But Andromeda and Ted Tonks should be here soon. The Weasley too."

"Your cousin, Andromeda, who left with a Muggle?"

"Yes, yes, her."

"Oh, I see. I am quite alright with the Weasley. I'm not so sure Arthur will be happy to see me," she replied with a chuckle. "We had some disagreements back at the Minister."

"Well, I'm sure you will be able to talk it out today, yeah?"

"If you wish for it."

Amalthea was scanning the room, then her eyes fell on that gigantic portrait of Euphemia Potter. She moved slowly in front of it, her lips curled upwards.

"Potter manor, then?"

Daphne hummed as if she was confirming, "Potter manor," she repeated. "Mum—" she started, wanting to introduce James but was cut off.

"It is tragic what happened to them," she murmured, her eyes fixated on the painting. "Euphemia used to be my best-friend at Hogwarts. Your father never liked her."

"How surprising," Daphne replied with a snort, which made Amalthea smile.

"How is her son? James, I reckon? I've read in the Daily Prophet that his son and he survived the attack."

Daphne smiled, "They're well."

As Amalthea was about to reply, James walked in, not aware of Daphne's mum's presence and kissed Daphne's cheek. His hand laid on her waist while Harry ran into Daphne's arms.

"Daffy! Daddy said you were two and three!" He struggled to count his fingers, his tongue poking out at the corner of his mouth. He then turned his head to the side, noticing Amalthea. "Hello."

"Hello. Harry is it?" Amalthea queried, her voice soft and quiet.

Daphne could have sworn James had gone rigid behind her. His eyes were about to pop out of their holes as he stared at Amalthea, unsure of what to say. He didn't even know if she knew him and Daphne were together.

"And James, am I right?"

James gulped, stepping forward and offered his hand, "Yes. James Potter," he introduced himself. "Nice to meet you."

Amalthea hummed, glancing at Daphne with a knowing look, "Amalthea Rosier, Daphne's mum."

"Sirius and Daphne talked about you before," he said, trying to start a conversation. Daphne could see that James was nervous by the way he couldn't keep his leg still, though her mum seemed to find it all very amusing. "Er, this is my son, Harry."

"He's beautiful," she told him, moving the hair on his forehead to see the scar. "What a shame," she whispered softly, almost hurt as her finger grazed it. "It is very nice to meet you, James. Hopefully, you will take care of my daughter."

"I promise I will," James said, straightening his posture to show his confidence about the subject. After all, James wanted more than anything to take care of Daphne. "You can count on me."

Amalthea grinned from ear to ear, her hand reached for James's shoulder and gave it a squeeze, "You remind me of your mother, James."

"I—Thank you."

"So, love, where is everyone?" Amalthea asked, walking over to Daphne.

As she was about to answer, Sirius appeared by the staircase and shouted, "Aunt Ammie!"

"Amalthea," she corrected, waiting for him to reach her. "You've grown quite into a beautiful young man, Sirius."

Sirius waved a careless hand at her, scoffing lightly, "Have you seen yourself? You didn't even age! You're just as I remember."

Amalthea rolled her eyes, pointing at a wrinkle, "I have aged! Look at that nasty wrinkle," she faked to shiver, making Sirius laugh. "Your mother never liked that wrinkle, she made sure I knew it until she died."

"Well, typical Walburga, is it not?"

"Exactly. So now," she linked her arm with Sirius, heading towards the kitchen. "Will you introduce me to that boyfriend of yours? Heard quite the tells about that shabby boy."

Their voices faded in the background as Daphne and James shared a look, both of them biting their lower lip. None of them knew how to react to this interaction—they were happy that she hadn't gotten mad but also nervous that she hadn't said anything about it.

"It'll be alright, yeah?" James spoke first, trying to reassure her.

Daphne gave him a small smile, "Yes, hopefully."

...

Daphne was drunk. Completely drunk. She had exceeded the moment where she was ashamed of being in that state in front of her mother, but Andromeda had chased all the nervous thoughts away stating that it was her twenty-three birthday and that she was allowed to have fun.

James was far gone too. How did everyone know? He hadn't stopped dancing since they had our music on. Thankfully, all the kids were upstairs, all being rocked to bed by Amalthea and Molly—who strangely seemed to get along.

"Oh, there you are for Merlin's sake," Daphne mumbled, falling on the sofa, her eyes falling on James who hadn't noticed her presence. "James, oi!"

James looked up, smiling drunkenly at her, "Hello."

"Hi, come sit," she said, patting the sofa next to him. James soon joined her, letting himself fall back. She laid her head on his shoulder, inhaling deeply. "Aren't you exhausted from dancing?"

"Godric, never," James answered, smiling proudly. "Are you enjoying your birthday?"

"I am, yes. I should probably thank Sirius for all of this," she moved her hand around, closing her eyes. "He's really sweet."

"He is."

"My mum seems to like you," she nudged his side as James chuckled quietly. "What did you two talk about?"

"How to mostly take care of Harry. Your mum gave me all those advices on how to get him to sleep, to feed him or even make him learn some spells," he admitted. "I liked it."

"Want to get out of here for a moment?" Daphne asked, taking his hand in hers and she smiled to herself, enjoying the way their hands fit perfectly together. "I need a ciggy."

"Alright."

Daphne and James found themselves sneaking out of the manor, both hurrying outside and Daphne released a sigh as the cold breeze hit her face. A small laugh left James's lips as he looked at her, struggling to light her cigarette so he found himself grabbing the lighter and did what he had seen Sirius and Remus do all the time. He hid the stick with his hand to prevent the breeze from not lighting it, he then pressed the button and watched as the flame burnt the tip of the cigarette and how Daphne inhaled deeply.

"They give deadly diseases."

Daphne snorted, "I've already told you that we don't get diseases like cancer, James."

"You never know, love."

Daphne hummed, not continuing the discussion and instead laid her head on his shoulder as she smoked peacefully, "Salazar, I am happy that you're here."

"Me too."

And that was true. James was happy to be here, to be the one that got to hold her at day and night. He just loved every bit of it. Sometimes, he felt somehow guilty to love her again because he couldn't help but wonder what was Lily thinking? Was she upset or okay with it?

For James, his whole future was planned ahead of him–he wanted to get a wife and children, and he had gotten that. He was extremely grateful that he got to live this with Lily Evans Potter. Now that his future was a little more incertain, he found himself thinking about his future with Daphne Rosier. Dipping his hand in his pocket, he reached for the velvet box that he had put there hours before: Daphne's gift. Technically, it wasn't all of it because there were chances she'd hate it.

"I still haven't given you your gifts," he spoke up, eyes fixated on the stars.

The smoke hit his nose as Daphne shrugged, "You didn't have to get me multiple gifts. This is such a James Potter thing to do," she teased, stealing a smile from him. "You can give it to me tomorrow."

"I don't think it can wait tomorrow, Daph," James admitted, catching her attention fully. Her cigarette was now being crushed in the mud as she turned her body lightly to face him. All of this was making him nervous. "This is going to sound mental but–I love you, right?"

"Right."

"And, I want to spend a lifetime with you, yeah?" Daphne nodded, still trying to connect the dots. "Marry me? I know this is not the most romantic way to propose but I know how much you hate romantic things and–"

Daphne chuckled, cutting him off, "Did we have too much to drink?"

"I don't know, did we?"

Daphne grimaced, biting her lower lip, "Salazar, I think–did you just bloody propose to me?"

James scratched the back of his neck shyly, "Er, I did yeah."

"Salazar..." she breathed out, standing on her feet and walking in line to see if she was able to walk straight. When she did, she tried to do that pose that people did to see if they were drunk or not—sadly, she didn't move an inch. Besides, she felt herself. "I am really not that drunk."

"I am," James replied with a snort. "But, I know what I want, Daph and—"

"Fuck it. Yes, yes, I will marry you James," she gushed, handing him her hand as he hurried to open the box and slid the ring on her finger.

It wasn't until now that he realised Fabian's ring had been transfigured into a necklace and was now around her neck. Daphne's smile was bright, brighter than the moon that night and it warmed James's heart.

"I have a better idea, Potter. Just wait here, alright?" She murmured, capturing his lips into a tender kiss and then running back inside.

When she made it back, she wore the same bright expression she had before leaving and sat down next to James. She held a necklace in her hands and handed it to him. James could have recognised it everywhere and even the dark—this was the family heirloom his mother had given him during the Christmas break of 1977. She had stated that it should be given to someone James cherished and James couldn't think of anyone better than Daphne. Even though, she had refused the gift as a ring, she had gladly transfigured it into a necklace that she wore every day until the break up.

"Merlin's beard, it is...perfect. Why are you giving it back to me? It's yours," he argued with a frown, trying to give it back to her but she shook her head.

"I think—" she eyed the ring on her finger then the other one. "I think this one should be the one you propose with. Your family heirloom," she whispered softly. "And the other ring could be a gift."

James grinned, grabbing his wand to transfigure it back. Now, the ring was in the palm of his hand and he almost felt dizzy as he slid it on Daphne's finger. His mum had worn it in her younger years, and he even wondered if it wasn't his dad who had gifted it to her.

"It fits perfectly," he commented.

The ring was not too big and not too small, it had an emerald on it, surrounded with a crescent moon.

Daphne hummed, surprised as well, "Bit shocking, I'll tell you that."

"Mum must have known when she gave it to me."

Daphne sighed softly, "I wish I could have properly met her."

"I wish too."

Daphne didn't utter another word, instead she scooted closer to him and put her head on his shoulder. Fabian was her sun, he had given her the happiest moments in her life. But, James Potter had given her the moon and more than anything she could think of.

—————
authors note, omg its HAPPENING!!!!!

i'm still having  a hard time understanding that this whole book is almost over now. i've been writing it for a year and probably 6-7 months, it is INSANE to me that 111k people are reading all about daphne and actually like her.

anyways, three more chapters to go then it'll be time to say goodbye..