Lily was sat by herself on the top step of the church, her white gown splayed around her. She looked like some combination of dejected and pretty, it was a strange sight. She wasn't crying, only staring at something off in the distance with the most miserable look in her eyes.
He should've been here...I shouldn't be so alone at my own wedding.
Usually if she was feeling like this, she would run to James, but not this time. Both of his parents had passed away late in sixth year and she didn't want to bring up any painful memories.
"Lily?" It was Remus who called out her name. He took a seat next to her on the cold steps. She turned her head so he wouldn't see the pained look etched across her face. It seemed everyone had enough problems, they didn't need Lily's. "You look beautiful." He said placing his scarred hand on her shoulder.
"T-thank you." She resisted the urge to break, that was something her father should be telling her.
"...Lily, what's wrong? Should I get James?" She turned quickly, to tell him absolutely not when he saw her expression. "Lily...you're getting married what's wrong?"
"He should be here... My father should be here to walk me down the aisle. He should be calling me beautiful and he should be here to tell James to take care of me."
Remus wrapped her in a protective hug. "I can't tell you that you're wrong, but there is something that I can say." She glanced up at him expectantly. "James will take care of you. He'll protect you in any way he can. He loves you so much, Lily."
"But-"
Remus's eyes flared, a bit. "No, Lily. You didn't see it. He never looked at anyone the way he looks at you, he's never loved someone as much as you, he never wanted anyone as much as he wanted you." She closed her eyes. "He talks about you nonstop. About how witty you are and how clever you always are. So, Lily I'm telling you, James will never let anyone touch you."
"Thank, you, Remus." He helped her up and scourgified the areas of her dress that became dirty from the wet stone and walked her back inside.
Soon enough she was walking down the aisle and James was waiting for her. Of course she was upset that her father couldn't come, but with James there the pain dulled. It was then that she realized Remus was completely and utterly right.
James wouldn't only protect her from the physical dangers of the world, he would protect her from her demons that he didn't even know existed.