Lily had never dreamt of her wedding day – she'd assumed that it would happen sometime far in the future, but that had been the extent of any consideration she'd given the subject. Even after James had given her the ring – a beautiful ruby in an old-fashioned gold setting – Lily's idea of the actual wedding had remained rather hazy. They'd told everyone, and she'd been especially gratified by Elizabeth Potter's genuinely overjoyed reaction. Somehow, Lily had clung to a niggling worry that a Muggle-born wouldn't be acceptable as James' wife. Oh, she knew it was ridiculous, she knew James' family had always set themselves firmly against blood prejudice, but still… the fear had lingered.
Everyone else had been thrilled – Lily had a feeling that, with all the high seriousness of joining the Order and committing to the fight against Voldemort, people needed a party. Remus had admittedly only smiled in his quiet way, but James seemed completely unsurprised by his lack of enthusiasm. After a long discussion with Dorcas, Lily had elected not to pursue the matter – if Remus was unhappy, for whatever reason, there was little she could do about it. In any case, between Frank's training sessions and Marlene's planning, Lily scarcely had time to draw breath.
The training was difficult – even Sirius had admitted to feeling some strain – but it was worth it. Lily's reactions were faster, more focused than they'd ever been. Frank claimed they could stun a fly at thirty paces, which wasn't entirely true, but…close enough. It hadn't been entirely a matter of magic either; Frank insisted that they practise the basics until their responses weren't only fast, but what would be far more important – accurate.
It was exhausting, and Lily had wanted nothing more than to collapse into her bed at each day's finish. Unfortunately however, Marlene had different ideas, and they'd spent most of their evenings planning the wedding. Marlene was actually pretty good at this stuff, and she'd kept the ridiculous details to a minimum, but still… Lily didn't really care about the details. As long as the cake tasted good, everyone had seats and her dress didn't make her look like some type of dessert, Lily would be happy.
Dorcas had got out of this most recent session, begging off on the excuse that Caradoc Dearborn had to introduce her to some people. Lily had been unable to attempt something similar, as Marlene had something desperately important to discuss. However, the four of them had been talking for nearly an hour, and it had yet to come up. At least Sirius had bought them food.
Marlene seemed to sense Lily's impatience, for she smiled at her and said, "Nearly finished, I promise."
Sirius slapped his drink down on the table and grinned, "Thank God." Lily suspected he was slightly drunk.
Marlene handed them a list of names. "I think," she said, "That's almost everyone, but there might be the odd person you need to add."
James glanced at it quickly and said, "I'm sure there are a couple of cousins Mum'll want me to add. Lily?"
Lily looked at her hands; she wasn't sure what James would think. "I want to ask Petunia."
The back legs of Sirius' chair hit the floor with a clap. "What do you want to ask her for?"
"She's my sister – she's my only family…"
"And what do you think is going to happen, Lily? She kicked you out; I don't think she's going to show up throwing confetti."
Lily shifted in her seat – even if he was right… "I have to try, Sirius."
"She's an evil-minded cow. Why bother?"
"It's what…they'd have wanted."
Lily had hoped that mentioning her parents would shut him up, but Sirius was still glowering at her, and he seemed quite disposed to argue the point, when James locked eyes with him. A moment later Sirius thumped his fist on the table. "Fine. You'll find out either way."
The air bristled, and Lily was studiously staring out the window when Marlene said, "Lily, it's not too important, but… is there anyone you want to give you away?"
At least this issue could be dealt with quickly. Lily smiled and said, "I've already asked someone."
"Oh great – who?"
Marlene's face was alight with curiosity, and Lily said, "Well, not Vernon Dursley, that's for sure."
"I didn't imagine…"
"I asked Remus." Realising that everyone was staring at her, she added, "And, he said yes."
There was a funny look in James' eyes as he said, "You asked Remus?"
"Yeah – yesterday, remember Frank gave us an hour off 'cause we finished that potion early? Well, I talked to him about it, and he agreed – it took a while to convince him, but… it's fine."
James chewed on his lower lip, but said nothing, and Lily felt bound to add, "I want it to be someone I know and, that day…when my parents… he was wonderful. He was the one who talked to Petunia. I suppose I wanted to say thank you or something."
"But, Remus?"
James seemed almost upset, and for the life of her, Lily couldn't understand it. "What's the problem – he was glad. Kumar would have died of embarrassment."
Sirius chose this moment to say, "Why didn't you ask me?"
"You?"
"Yeah – haven't I done enough?"
Lily was by now so confused that she was reduced to sputtering. "You're best man."
Sirius merely stared at her, and for a horrible moment Lily thought that maybe he wasn't – until she saw him wink at James. "You know what," she said, "you're just evil – you're an evil man."
He grinned, and poured himself another glass. Marlene slapped his head sharply, saying, "Pace yourself, Sirius. I'm in no mood for alcohol poisoning." He looked wounded, and Marlene turned away from his mournful expression, saying, "All right, last thing, and James, you'll be happy to know that this has nothing to do with you. In fact, you have to sit out here until we're finished."
He leaned back, putting his feet on the table and looking supremely contented, as Marlene grabbed both Lily and Sirius by the wrist and dragged them down the corridor to Sirius' bedroom. "Right," she said to Sirius, "you wait out here till I call you. Lily?"
Shrugging her shoulders apologetically to Sirius, Lily followed Marlene into the room. Marlene was babbling as she opened a large garment bag, saying, "I know you wanted to get a dress made or something, but I saw this in Muggle London the other day, and it's just perfect Lily, and it was the last one left, so…you can take it back if you want, but…I thought you could try it at least."
Dazed, Lily nodded. "Sure..."
"Well…now."
"Oh… right."
As soon as Lily had removed her rather disgusting training clothes and clunky shoes, Marlene pulled the dress over her head. Seeing it on the hanger, Lily had been rather dubious, but the moment the material settled over her, she knew it was good – there was that indescribable feeling of a dress that makes you feel beautiful.
The dress was sleeveless, with a v-neck and a long flowing skirt, all made from a beautiful soft white lace. It clung to her and seemed to whisper against her skin as she moved, and even at the end of a long day, with her hair scragged up and nails that probably needed a good scrubbing, Lily felt lovely.
Seeing her smile, Marlene said, "A male opinion perhaps?"
When Lily nodded, Marlene thumped on the door and let Sirius in. He was not in good humour, moaning, "Is this going to take long, because, honestly Marlene, I've had about as much of this as I can…"
His voice trailed off, and his expression was slightly dumbstruck. Somewhat surprised Lily said, "What? Is it not nice?"
He nodded his head sharply. "Oh… it's nice, Lily, it's nice. Prongs'll wet himself."
Laughing a little, Lily said, "Really – it doesn't hang weirdly, or bunch or anything?"
"No."
She actually addressed the question to Marlene, but Sirius' tone was so emphatic that Lily felt a sudden surge of confidence. "Well," she said, "I think it's the dress then."
Sirius coughed, and she looked at him. "Er… Just a suggestion, Lily."
"Yeah?"
"Maybe, next time… you shouldn't wear black underwear."
He left the room before Lily had time to throw a pillow at him.
Marlene laughed, and unzipped the dress for her. "You should bring it back to the house," she said. "I wouldn't trust Sirius not to transfigure it into a spare seat for his bike."
Lily chuckled and said, "Marlene?"
"Yeah?"
"I just… Thanks for doing all of this. I mean, it can't have been easy, organising everything… and dealing with all of us – I know I've been a bit moody, but… I really am grateful."
Marlene smiled. "Lily, I'm happy to do it – and I'm glad that you decided to do this, I think it's the right thing."
"Thanks, Marlene."
Lily hugged her – it was impossible to express what it meant to her to have someone who cared about the roses and the dress and the cake, even though Lily herself didn't. They were exactly the kind of details Lily's Mum would have spent months on – Lily had thought she'd lost that kind of caring, that kind of interest forever.
Marlene seemed to guess what was running through Lily's mind, for she smoothed her hair back and said lightly, "Besides, it'll be good practise for my wedding."
Lily sat on the bed, saying teasingly, "Which will happen any decade now?"
Marlene slapped at her. "Don't be silly – you sound like Dermot. I will marry, Lily, when I am ready to marry. And when I'm actually a qualified Healer, for that matter."
Lily winced sympathetically. "Has it been an issue?"
"Not exactly – it's more the Order. I can't tell Dermot, and he can't join… he's absolutely rubbish at Defence, couldn't stun a fruitbat, so… I keep disappearing, he doesn't know what it's about…"
"You're like Superman or something."
Marlene looked confused, and Lily said, "Marlene, all superheroes have trouble with the whole secret identity thing… you'll work it out."
"Yeah."
Marlene's smile was pensive, and in an attempt to lift her spirits, Lily said, "But there is one thing you forgot."
"What?"
"We need to get Dorcas a dress that'll make Sirius look exactly like he just did – only more."
"Still having trouble then?"
Lily shook her head. "Not really, just… the usual Sirius and Dorcas thing. He hasn't said what she is to him, and of course she won't ask, so…but she's still sleeping here, so it can't be all bad."
Marlene sighed. "You think they'll still be doing this when we're fifty?"
"At this rate?"
"You're right – we definitely need to find a dress."
The morning of the wedding was perfect, one of those deep, rich summer days that come only on the cusp of autumn. Everything was prepared, right down to the last goblet, and Lily could see the tables set out in the courtyard as she dressed. Marlene did her hair and make-up, chatting lightly the whole time, while Dorcas kept up a running commentary on which guests had arrived and whether they'd brought presents. Lily and Marlene had combed several shops before finding a deep red dress for Dorcas – the cut was simple, but the colour made her look wonderful, and they'd secretly wondered if she'd ever let them borrow it.
A large owl landed on the window-sill as Sirius knocked on the door. He eased his way in as Marlene hurried to take the letter. He was still staring, goggle-eyed, at Dorcas when Marlene said, "Lily, it's for you."
The envelope was thick and white, and Lily's heart sank when she recognised the handwriting. Inside there was an invitation, ripped in half. So Petunia wasn't coming.
It must have shown on her face, for Marlene moved towards her and said, "Lily? What's wrong?"
She held up the invitation in mute response – it said enough. Marlene bit her lip and said, "I'm really sorry – she's a fool for missing it, Lily."
She had to swallow back tears as she said, "I just wanted someone from my family…" Dorcas looked stricken, and Lily cut herself off. It was no good upsetting herself. "Look," she said, "could we just…forget that this came, 'cause, there's a wedding downstairs, and I want to enjoy it, and…you're all here, and that's what really matters, not…her. I mean…there's a cake."
A moment later she was half buried between Marlene and Dorcas, who both seemed somewhat tearful. The only thing that stopped them from degenerating into all out sobs was the snap of Sirius' camera.
"Sorry," he said, "couldn't resist. Are you about ready to go, because I think James may have a heart attack if he has to wait much longer."
"Remus calming him down?"
He nodded emphatically. "But, even he can only do so much."
"Well," Lily said, looking at the others for confirmation, "we're finished here, so…"
"Okay then."
As they made their way downstairs, Sirius grasped her upper arm and turned her about, saying, "Lily, about…"
"About what?"
"What I said about that cow… I didn't want to be right."
Lily frowned. "I know you didn't."
"It's…I'm just sorry."
"Sirius, I understand… And, she is a cow."
He grinned and raced off to get James. Lily had a few minutes to wait before everything was prepared, but Remus eventually offered her his arm, and off they went.
She never remembered many of the details about the ceremony, except for an incredible feeling of tranquillity, and an intense surge of joy whenever she met James' eyes. Brief impressions registered – all of her friends sitting on the bride's side, Professors McGonagall and Slughorn sitting at the back, Peter sitting between his own mother and Elizabeth Potter, offering tissues to both, Sirius attempting to make Dorcas laugh, Marlene and Dermot holding hands… And then it was over, she had a gold band on her finger, and, if she wanted, she could call herself Mrs Potter.
The reception passed in a dizzy whirl as Lily attempted to speak with everyone, dance with James and drink several glasses of champagne (Marlene had apparently learned it was a common drink at weddings, and had procured rather a large amount).
Eventually she gave up and made her way over to Dorcas. James was busy chatting with some of his fellow trainee Aurors, and Lily sat down gratefully. Her shoes were starting to pinch. Dorcas was smiling contentedly, and she said, "So, how does it feel to be a married woman?"
"I don't think I'm meant to be this unsteady on my feet. Not very respectable."
Dorcas patted her on the knee, and said, "Doesn't matter. Where are you going afterwards?"
Lily threw her hands up melodramatically. "No idea – James refuses to tell me. He says I'll like it."
"I'm sure you will, Lily."
"Why are you laughing at me?"
"It's just, you're a bit sloshed, love."
Scandalised, Lily said, "Well don't tell anyone!"
Dorcas giggled, and thankfully they were joined a moment later by Sirius, who was escorting James' mother. She looked very happy, but Lily could see she looked rather tired, and it was no surprise when she said, "I'm very sorry dear, but would you mind if I went upstairs?"
"Oh, of course not – I hope you're all right; I know it's been a long day."
Elizabeth Potter waved a hand. "I'm fine, but…that Muggle drink your friend brought is a little stronger than I realised."
"I'm sorry…I didn't know either."
"Don't be sorry… You look beautiful, Lily, and I'm very glad."
Lily ducked her head momentarily, blinking back tears. "Thank you," she said.
Elizabeth nodded, and she looked ready to go when Sirius said, "Mrs Potter, have you met my girlfriend, Dorcas?"
Elizabeth Potter did a double take, while Dorcas' cheeks flushed. She stood and shook hands with the older woman, as Sirius said, "She's Harold Meadowes' daughter."
"Oh…of course. You look very like your mother."
"Thank you."
Dorcas seemed to be at a loss for words, and after a moment James' mother said, "I daresay you must have a lot of patience to put up with him; he's a holy terror, that bike of his…"
Dorcas shrugged, unable to disguise the happiness in her voice. "I do my best."
Elizabeth Potter nodded, and said, "Well, goodnight girls."
Sirius took her arm, and the moment they were out of earshot, Dorcas' hands flew up in a fluttery motion as she said, "Did you hear that Lily? He said I'm his girlfriend – he did, after all that time, and with Veronica in the crowd."
Lily sighed. "You're not still jealous of her, are you?"
"No – but she is really pretty, Lily."
"You're really pretty, Dorcas, and…he hasn't even noticed her. To be quite honest, I'd be worried for my virtue if I was you."
Dorcas grinned and said, "He can do whatever he wants with my 'virtue'!"
Lily gasped, and a moment later they were both laughing. Lily's stomach actually hurt, especially when Sirius rejoined them and wanted to know what the joke was. It was several minutes before he gave up and asked Dorcas to dance.
Lily watched them, noting that Dorcas was no more sober than she was, but Sirius seemed to have little difficulty catching her. Lily couldn't remember ever having seen either of them smile so much, and it lightened her heart to see them laughing and kissing at long last.
Roisín and Kumar had also noticed this happy event and they spent several minutes gushing about what a handsome couple they made, before telling Lily that Kumar had been accepted as a trainee Ministry liaison.
Thankfully James joined her before she could become too bored by details of wizarding diplomacy, and he insisted that they have one last dance and then leave. Lily was quite happy to comply, with only one minor quibble – she wanted to throw the bouquet.
Which she did. Unfortunately however, Lily was not, by any stretch of the imagination, the world's best thrower, and it hit Marlene on the head before landing at Dorcas' feet. No one caught it.
That done, James grabbed her hand and Apparated them to his mystery destination.
The air smelt of salt and wind – Lily's hair whipped into her face as she stared out to sea. Next stop America. It was bizarre really, especially when one considered the huge drop. James, quite frankly, didn't believe that Muggles could have built such a huge fort so high up, and had searched high and low for any trace of magic.
They weren't the only tourists at Dun Aengus – there was a group of school children, and a pair of Muggles carrying obscenely large cameras. It was Lily's favourite spot on the island, and she'd insisted that they come up for the third time in a week. Inish More was enjoying the last days of summer, and she and James had spent the days swimming or sunbathing, cycling around the island (it had been particularly entertaining watching James learn how to use a bike) and sleeping, or not, for as long as they could possibly want.
The cottage they were staying in was somewhat basic, but the thatched roof, white stone, and back garden full of flowers more than made up for it. The door opened onto the beach, and they'd gone swimming late at night more than once.
She was sitting on a low stone wall now, enjoying the view. There was a distinct chill in the air, and Lily had a feeling that their all too brief idyll was coming to an end.
James sat behind her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. He was grinning, and she couldn't help herself. "Any luck yet?"
"None. I don't know how they did it Lily – all those stones."
"There were an awful lot of them, James."
A particularly savage gust of wind blew her hair straight into his face, and Lily turned, laughing. "Sorry," she said, "it gets a bit uncontrollable."
"No," he said, "I like it."
"You like my hair in your face?"
James leaned closer, nuzzling her neck, and said, "I do – I like how it smells."
Lily laughed, blushing slightly. "You're being ridiculous."
"No, no I'm not," he declared. "It's my favourite thing about being married to you – I wake up every morning, and I know you're there, 'cause I can smell it. I don't even have to open my eyes."
She pushed at his chest weakly. "Has anyone ever told you you're rather strange?"
James tilted his chin as though considering the matter. "Do you know," he said, "I rather think someone did – very odd girl, bit of a spitfire. I wonder what happened to her."
Lily laughed. "Maybe she reconsidered her position."
James shook his head, looking at her knowingly. "Maybe she still needs to be convinced," he said.
"And what do you think would do that?"
"I don't know – I suggest we return to the cottage and consider options."
Lily kissed him – it was the only thing to do when he insisted on being so… she wanted to say odd, but she already knew she found him thoroughly charming.
She might have kissed him for rather longer, had it not started to rain. And rain off the Atlantic was clearly a rather savage beast, nothing like the gentle drizzle that sometimes engulfed London. The other people vanished quickly, and Lily spared a thought to be extremely grateful for Apparition – they were back in the cottage within seconds.
They'd received several letters in their absence, one from Sirius, and James decided to read it and watch the cloudburst while Lily had a bath. She sang to herself as she washed her hair and scrubbed herself thoroughly.
Once she was finished, she read the short note Arnold Peasegood had sent her. He hadn't been able to come to the wedding, but he offered congratulations and mentioned that someone had magically rigged her sister's alarm to go off ten times a day. Lily had a suspicion as to who that might have been, and she said it to James as she sat beside him. "Sirius hasn't been in Little Whinging lately, has he?"
When he turned to her, Lily saw that he'd been crying. Her heart in her mouth, she said, "What is it?"
He swallowed, and took her hand. "I'm really sorry, Lily."
"What's happened, James?" She was trembling – she didn't want to think about what could come next.
He handed her the letter, and said, "Marlene."
"What?" Lily's hand was at her mouth, and tears seemed to shiver out of her eyes. "What happened?"
"Sirius said she went to visit her family – her Mum was sick or something – and…they were attacked. They're all dead, Lily."
Lily fell back on the bed – it was too much to take in. Marlene's little brother was only twelve, her parents had been innocent, had known nothing, Marlene… Marlene…
She let out a cry of pain then, digging her fist into the covers, because Marlene, Marlene, her friend for so many years, the older sister she'd truly wanted, Marlene was gone – Marlene had never married Dermot, never grown old, never even fully qualified as a Healer, never, never, never…
James held her – that was all he could do. They lay on the bed, intertwined, as the rain pounded the beach outside and night fell. At least James was warm.
Author's NoteThe title of this chapter comes from Christina Rossetti's poem A Birthday.
My heart is like a singing birdWhose nest is in a watered shoot;
My heart is like an apple tree
Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles in a halycon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these
Because my love is come to me.
Raise me on a dias of silk and down;
Hang it with vair and purple dyes
Carve it with doves and pomegranatesAnd peacocks, with a hundred eyes.
Work it in gold and silver grapes
In leaves and silver fleur-de-lys
Because the birthday of my life
Is come, my love is come to me.
The place James and Lily visit on their honeymoon, is the promontery fort Dun Aengus, on the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. A picture of it can be found here:
http/picturepress.ie/liamblakedunaengusaranislandspostcardimage