Title: To James and Lily
Characters/Pairings: James Potter/Lily Evans Potter, ?
Forum/Challenge: The Golden Snitch's 'Prompt of the Day' challenge / HPFC Friends Competition
Prompt: (action) making a toast / Write about any canon pairing getting married.
World: Maurader-era
Word Count: 589
Other: 5 points (Mahoutokoro, House Mizu)
Clink clink clink.
"Ahem."
The conversations at the various tables stopped, and people looked up to the dais at the front of the room. A man in a Muggle suit rose and lifted his glass of champagne.
"It's probably not an exaggeration to say that meeting James Potter was one of the best days of my life. I was anxious about going to Hogwarts for… well, if you know my family then you know why. But then this loud boy on the train proclaimed we would be friends and, well, that was that.
"The next seven years were some of the best of my life. I'm not sure I can even put into words what it means to be a Marauder, but I know I speak for all three of us when I say that James is the very heart of our group.
"Of course, we knew from the beginning that James's heart lay elsewhere." The man grinned at Lily, who blushed good-naturedly. "I think James was proclaiming his never-ending love for his Lily-flower by October first year. I'm fairly sure that James's fervent pursuit of Lily is responsible for half of her grades: she had to learn the best hexes and jinxes to make him stop.
"But of course, he never did. And by Sixth Year the three of us were convinced their epic romance was a lost cause. We humored him, of course, but we were certain she would never return his affections.
"Then, miracle to end all miracles, James Potter, prankster extraordinaire and leader of the Marauders, was made Head Boy. To this day, we have no idea what Dumbledore was thinking."
A few audience members glanced at the old wizard, who simply twinkled back at them.
"But two incredible things happened that year. First, James Potter matured." The man emphasized the word with a leer in his eye and a smirk on his face.
"Never!" James retorted with a smile.
"And second, Lily Evans agreed to a date with James. And the rest, as they say, is history.
"Now, I could stand here and tell stories on James until the champagne is gone, but I won't. If you want to hear those stories, come find me later.
"Instead, let me say this. Lily, I am so very lucky to count James Potter among my best friends. He is brave and loyal and loves with all his heart—he is everything that we Marauders hold dear. Well, that and with a good bit of fun. I am so grateful he finally landed his witch, and that she pulled her head out of her ass long enough to see him for the good man he is."
Lily tried to scowl but couldn't hide her smile.
"In these dark times, we must hold that which is precious to us close. Lily, you've gained a husband today but, for better or worse, you've also gained another three crazy, lovable men who would lay down their life for their friend—and his wife.
"I hope you bring each other profound happiness, that you always stay true, and that you love each other more every day than you did the day before.
"To love and loyalty—to James and Lily!" the man shouted, smiling broadly.
"To James and Lily!" the crowd returned.
The man smiled at his dear friends as he took his seat. Lily waved away the tears that had gathered in her eyes. James leaned over, grabbed the man by the forearm, and whispered, "Thanks, Pete."