AN: So... I just made myself cry by watching the 1994 oly pairs victory ceremony, then the 2010 oly ice dance ceremony immediately followed by the 2018 one, but what else is new.

This has been fun, pls lmk if you've enjoyed this story at all, it would mean a lot to me !!!

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Ten Years Later

Lily shivered as the cold from the ice hit her bare arms. James noticed and rubbed her arms up and down to warm her up. She smiled up at him.

She approached the boards and removed her guards as she heard the names start being called.

Then she finally heard those sweet words. It sounded more and more beautiful in each language. French, English, Italian. "Gold medallists and Olympic champions. Representing Great Britain, Lily Evans and James Potter!"

She couldn't help the huge smile that overtook her face.

They stepped out onto the ice to the cheering crowd and bowed as their free dance music — Danse Macabre — played. Lily didn't think she'd ever felt quite this good. Well, she could think of one time...

They approached the podium and Lily thought she wouldn't feel as childishly excited as the first time but her stomach filled with butterflies and it felt just like four years ago. It did feel different though, that was for sure, because this time they knew it would be the last.

They went to congratulate the bronze medallists. There was no one Lily would've rather share the podium with. She couldn't wait to see that little girl she once knew step onto the top of the podium soon.

"I'm glad that if I lost, at least it was to you," Alena said as Lily hugged her.

Lily laughed. "You'll be up there soon. You're still a baby."

Alena groaned but she smiled.

Then they congratulated the silver medallists, a Canadian pair a little younger than Lily and James that they were friendly with.

James stepped onto the podium first. Lily could've very easily climbed up the half-metre step herself but she let him lift her up to it.

Lily took a deep breath as they waited their turn to get their medals. It had taken her so much to get here. She'd suffered and fought and clawed and worked her ass off, skating had taken her through paths she never thought she'd take, but she was grateful for all of it as she stood on that podium with James's arm around her.

The gold medals went around their necks and the national anthem played. Lily felt like she could breathe for the first time in over a year. Two seasons ago she had been doubtful they'd even make it to the Games. She would've been okay if things had turned out that way, she had learned at that point that there was more to life than skating. But they had still felt like they had more left to give to the sport, so they had made the decision to attend another Olympic Games, and it had been tough and trying and even frightening, but they had made it.

The anthem ended and James pulled Lily close. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered and kissed the side of her head.

Lily wiped a tear from her eye.

They smiled for pictures and then finally stepped off the podium for their very last victory lap.

They waved at the crowd and took it all in before exiting the ice.

And there, on the first row in the stands, was the little person she adored more than anything in the world. He sat on Mrs Potter's lap with a smile on his little face.

Lily approached as close as she could and Mrs Potter stood so Lily could take her son in her arms.

"Mumma!" Harry shouted.

Lily kissed the top of his head and held him close. James bent down and kissed Harry too.

Harry noticed the gold medal hanging from James's neck and immediately went to grab it. "You won!"

James got a goofy smile on his face as he looked at his wife and kid.

Lily decided that ultimately, the medal wasn't what mattered, it was being here with her boys. Tomorrow she would go with them to the Italian countryside and take a nice walk, maybe she'd tell James about the good news growing inside of her at this very moment... She had her family and they were happy, that was what mattered.