"You may now kiss."

Marlene smiled at the distinct omission of the last part of the commonly used phrase, and then stood up as Sirius pulled her to her feet. They both proceeded to cheer, clap, and hoot for all they were worth. They were still going long after they'd stopped kissing, and only quelled once they realised that it was time for dinner. Marlene felt the curious glances of many guests, but didn't stop - after all, this wasn't Petunia's wedding. No one was overly judgmental or unaware of how long Marlene and Sirius had waited for this day.

She grinned as they walked to the enchanted tent, promptly taking a seat next to Lily. She surreptitiously admired her best friend. Lily wore a gown that was intricate yet simple. It had a hoop skirt and an off-the-shoulders bodice with an elegant lacework that made it look all the more pretty. Her makeup was minimal and (contrary to popular opinion) wearing her hair down made her look even more beautiful.

Marlene glanced at James, who seemed to be gazing at his girlfriend wife with the same adoration he'd looked at her with for the past seven years. There was something different about the two of them though - Marlene couldn't quite put her finger on it, but they both seemed more comfortable, more connected, more joyous. She wasn't old-fashioned enough to believe that this was because of the all-powerful bond that holy matrimony now encompassed them in (please), but she couldn't help but wonder if it was just the effect of them having the chance to take a day off to celebrate their love and revel in it. She had to admit, much like love, she could feel her skepticism about marriage lessening the longer she stared at them.

"So, Evans-" Sirius began from next to James before he was promptly silenced by his best friend.

"Potter." James corrected. The obvious happiness on his face was almost enough to break Marlene's heart.

"Sure, whatever." Sirius said, although the twinkle in his eyes belied the nonchalance of his words. "Potter, how does it feel to officially be shackled to James for the rest of your life?" Lily laughed, while James looked slightly affronted.

"I guess I could have explored other options…" She began, clearly enjoying the look of alarm on her new husband's face. "But I can't think of a better person to be 'shackled' to." She turned to James, and although her next words were supposed to be a response to Sirius, Marlene got the distinct impression that she was saying them to James. "It feels fantastic." James grinned and captured her lips in a kiss that lasted an uncomfortably long time. Remus and Peter looked away while Marlene and Sirius communicated silently with the language of their looks.

o-O-o

"Alright, alright." Sirius said loudly, getting to his feet and clinking his champagne glass. James and Lily broke apart, smiling and looking up at him. "Now, as the best man, I get to say a few words, and I would be very much obliged if you'd all listen." He turned to James. "Prongs - your love for Lily has often been the bane of my existence." James and Lily laughed and Marlene couldn't help giggling at her boyfriend's antics. "No, I'm not joking, honestly - the number of times I have had my shirts ruined with your tears after she rejected you is ridiculous - although that was mainly because she rejected you so many bloody times that I began to fear that James would end up alone. Despite this, however, James never gave up. Oh sure, he said he did, several times, but as the three of us-" He gestured to himself, Remus, and Peter. "-can confirm, that isn't true. And besides - she did eventually realise that she was madly in love with him too. So maybe these two are made for each other after all. James - you're the brother I should have had. You took a snarky, unhappy boy in first year and gave him a reason to smile. And when I lost the actual bane of my existence - my family and household home - you took me in as though there was no question of me living anywhere else. You've never let me feel alone or unwanted, and for that, I'm forever grateful. And Lily - you're a magnificent human being and one of my best friends. If I didn't love you so darn much, I would have had qualms about letting you marry Prongs, but it turns out that I'm equally as protective of you both. You both give me faith." Sirius eyes shifted to Marlene then and she struggled to wipe her eyes as she raised an eyebrow at him. "You make me believe in love. And now, you've made me believe in marriage, and it is for that very reason that I know that your relationship will last forever." He raised his glass and grinned. "To James and Lily."

There was a chorus of cheers and a bit of scuffling as James and Lily both got up to hug Sirius. Eventually, Sirius was once again the only one standing.
"And now, please direct your attention to my beautiful girlfriend and the maid of honour - Marlene McKinnon. Marlene could feel herself shaking a little as she stood. She picked up her glass and smiled a little.

"First of all - if any of this sounds similar to Sirius' speech, it's because he's a plagiarising git." She said, even though neither of them had seen each other's speeches beforehand. She waited for everyone to stop chuckling and then continued.

"Lily, my darling, you can be so incredibly stubborn."They laughed at that. "Be it about borrowing footwear or the precise intentions of James Potter. And over time I have seen this obstinacy grow into acquiescence and then acceptance and finally approval. Because whether you saw it or not, my dear, you were always in love with James Potter, you were just too darn adamant to notice. But there's something to be said about the fact that it was always obvious to everyone else because today, seeing you sitting in a wedding dress with that ring on your finger, nothing could be more clear - you two belong together. You always have and you always will, and that is something that is unalterable. As you both know - I haven't had the best experience with relationships myself, and I was quite determined to grow up an old maid - I was actually quite miffed when you declined to join me, James. But you two - with your sickening cuteness and nauseatingly sweet ways, you two made me believe in love. You made me see that it isn't just some elusive myth - it actually exists. And honestly, that's probably the only explanation as to why Sirius and I - the most skeptical people alive - ended up together. And looking at you two right now - I-"

She felt her voice break. She couldn't believe she was about to say this. "I believe in marriage too." The shocked expressions on her friends' faces weren't unexpected, although Sirius was looking at her quite strangely. "I'm about to start bawling so - James, you're my childhood. Lily, you're my sister. No two people are more perfect for each other or deserve more happiness so-" She raised her glass. "To James and Lily!"

The cheers that followed were distracting, but her eyes didn't move from Sirius'. She hugged James and Lily and then followed him out to the garden.

o-O-o

He kissed her furiously as soon as she was close enough, practically lifting her off her feet. She reciprocated with just as much fervour, tangling her fingers in the hair on the nape on his neck. There was a strange quality to these kisses - not desperation or passion, but something else….It only took Marlene a few seconds to realise that it was love, mixed with tremendous joy. Sirius broke away from her lips and began to kiss every inch of her face, whispering something in a reverent voice, almost like a prayer. It was only when he reached the tip of her nose that she realised what it was.

"What did you just say?" She asked in a shocked tone. He pulled away, letting his hands drop to her waist.

"Marry me." He said simply. Her shock must have been evident because he immediately stepped away and began rummaging through his pockets. "This isn't extemporaneous, I swear - look, I even have a ring!" He pulled out a small blue velveteen box triumphantly. Marlene couldn't stop her mouth from dropping open.

"What - what - how-"

"It's a Potter family heirloom." Sirius said proudly. "Lily has the other one, but as I recall, you like diamonds better than gold anyway."

"But - how did you-"

"I know you 'Lene." He said, lightly chucking her chin before moving away again. "Besides, how long could you resist me anyhow?" She rolled her eyes, but it didn't matter because she was already grinning. He got down on one knee and opened the box. She held in a gasp. The ring was magnificent, and the way the light caught the diamonds made it look even more beautiful.

"Will you marry me?"

"Yes." Sirius stood up, put the ring on her hand, and touched his lips to hers in one smooth gesture. She twined her arms around her neck and kissed him back for all was worth, ignoring the happy tears that fell from her eyes.

o-O-o

Where do you think Sirius and Marlene are?" James asked his wife as they moved around the dance floor. She shrugged, but there was a knowing smile on her face.

"Well, it just seems quite obvious to me, there's no knowing what a boyfriend and girlfriend get up to." James grimaced a little.

"Or fiancées." He said, grinning. She nodded.