Several amazing things have happened since my last update.
Firstly, I finally finished chapter 14! We are back on progress!!!!!
Secondly…I WON TICKETS TO SEE THE SPECIAL SCREENING OF TORCHWOOD IN MANCHESTER!!!!! WHICH WAS AMAZING!!!!!!
Ok. I'm calm.
Sorry this is (yet again) a day late…I was out babysitting lsst night, and didn't get back till quarter to one…so am currently running on 6 hours sleep…so not good…
I fear my sister scared my reviewers off last week! I apologise for her immensely…please come back!!!! Those who braved her wrath, I send my love…Haunted, flower123, Melody DeMort, GilmoreAholic, Bethy Ann, Tansiana, Mei1105, Len87, Whitelight72 and ballerinadoll9.
On with the chapter!
To say Petunia Dursly was surprised to answer the door to a strangely dressed, bedraggled looking man at half past eleven one August morning would be an understatement. Shocked, horrified and disgusted would be better words - she seemed to have been rendered speechless by the very sight of him.
"If you're begging, you've called at the wrong house." She snapped finally, sensing the man was waiting for her to speak.
"Petunia." The man said, inclining his head respectfully. "As delightful as ever."
The woman's eyes narrowed. Glancing nervously up and down the street, she seized the man by the shoulder and yanked him over the threshold.
"I don't know who you are, or how you know my name, but whatever you want, get it over with." She hissed, glaring at him in the hallway, which was surprisingly dark compared to the outside sunlight.
"My name's Remus Lupin." Remus said mildly, watching the woman's face carefully. It took a moment, and then it appeared, just for a second. A flicker of recognition.
"I'm here about Harry." He finished, and the flicker appeared again, remaining for longer this time.
"You." Petunia spat. "You left that note last year."
"Yes." Said Remus cheerfully. "Is Harry in?"
"He's upstairs." Petunia moved aside reluctantly, nervously eyeing Remus's pocket. He smiled cordially at her as he passed, causing her to sniff with disdain.
"Harry?" Remus tapped lightly on the door at the end of the landing, having already stuck his head around a master bedroom, a bathroom, and a room so crammed with junk that he'd been surprised it hadn't buried him. Opening the door, Remus was met with a small, messy room, which, for some strange reason, made him beam. Perhaps the sudden reunion with his oldest friend had reminded him somewhat of the small details of their old lives…like the state of Sirius and James's side of the dormitory…whatever it was, it didn't matter. Today, and tomorrow, and all the days after that…they were going to be good days.
This happy thought was interrupted by Harrys incredulous voice.
"Professor?"
Harry was sitting on the small bed, an open textbook in his lap, although something told Remus Harry hadn't been reading.
"Hello Harry." Said Remus nonchalantly, as though he walked into his ex-pupils bedrooms everyday of the week.
Harry simply gaped.
"I've come to pick you up." Elaborated Remus after a moment. Harrys face instantly brightened.
"Are we going to the Burrow?" He asked, hastily throwing a few books into his open truck.
Remus sighed slightly, and caught the teenager's arm. "Not the Burrow. And not for so long that you need your trunk. I expect this to be a day trip only."
Harry frowned, disappointment and curiosity wrestling across his features. Remus's face was curiously closed, even for the self-contained man he was, but Harry had the feeling his old teacher was dancing inside. It was in the slight glint of his eye, and the corner of his mouth that just would not be tugged down, and it, like so much else, made him wonder.
"Where are we going then?" Harry asked, slightly irritably, as he scrambled to his feet.
"You'll see." Remus smiled mysteriously, pulling the door open and indicating for Harry to leave ahead of him.
Petunia was still standing in the hallway, apparently determined to make sure the scruffy looking man left her house.
"I'm taking Harry out for a while." Said Remus calmly, inwardly thankful the husband didn't seem to be home. He was in too much of a good mood to be drawn into an argument.
Petunia sniffed as Harry walked past her without acknowledgement.
"You shouldn't sniff like that, Petunia." Remus added conversationally. "You always looked so much nicer when you smiled."
He smiled at her, nodded his head and left, shutting the door behind him. But not before he had seen, and taken note of, the shocked look on Petunias face. So she did remember after all…
Of course, it had been a perfect day. Even if it had thundered, the minister had forgotten, the reception site had cancelled at the last minute and the Best Man had lost the rings, it would still have been a perfect day. For the wedding of Mr James Potter to Miss Lily Evans, it could never be anything less. Thankfully, the June day had been fine, the minister had been a young man of about 25, desperately keen to prove his worth, the reception had been held in a marquee on the primary school field in Lilys home village, and Sirius had given the rings to Remus until the last minute for safe keeping.
Lilys farther had walked her up the aisle, looking as proud as any man on his daughters wedding day. The two mothers had, of course, been crying their eyes out in the front row, an equally sniffy Peter sitting between them. Sirius stood at the head of the aisle, practically bursting with pride – as he would later say in his speech, he still held himself responsible for the incident that finally bought the pair together. And next to him, looking paler and more nervous than Remus had ever seen him, even before his final Quidditch match at Hogwarts, stood James, hair forever stubbornly all over the place, glasses slightly wonky, staring fixatedly at the back of the church.
Sitting on the other side of James's mother, who was fussing over an emotional Peter – years later, Remus sometimes wondered whether Peter had already been passing information to Voldemort at that point, and his apparent joy was simple acting – Remus quietly followed James's gaze. Much as he loved her, it was not Lily he was waiting for. Liz, co-maid of honour, had been stubbornly refusing to even hint at what Lily had picked out, and so, like James, he awaited a first glimpse of the woman he loved walking down the aisle. It wasn't his wedding – not yet, anyway – but the effect would still be the same.
Therefore, it was only Remus and James who saw the figure slip into the back row, and only Remus who wasn't worked up enough to actually take in who the person was, and the significance of her arrival.
Petunia Dursley, despite stating many times to the contrary, had turned up for her sisters wedding.
Remus smiled to himself, seeing the way the woman slipped in, the way she wasn't sitting on the front row letting all the world see she didn't want to be there…and knowing that that meant she was here of her own choice, and not because anyone had made her come.
It was an odd service, to say the least. Neither Lilt nor James were religious in any way shape or form, and so the wedding was held in front of a wizard minister. A small village church was used, because Lilys mother was determined to have some say in her daughters wedding, but a bit of quick spell work from Sirius meant the vicar booked to do the service would sleep for the entire day, before waking up the next morning believing to have conducted the service.
Therefore, the vows were slightly unorthodox ("I shall love thee until my dying day, but if the day cometh when thine head re-inflates and thee needeth a good hexeth, one be-eth ready,"), the readings were quite unorthodox (ranging from 'Pride and Prejudice' to 'Hogwarts; A History') and the hymns…the hymns were something else altogether.
In reality, they do not quite deserve the description of "hymns". Jane, being muggle born, had never been weaned off her love of radio, magically configuring hers to work anywhere, even Hogwarts. She had begged Lily and James for the job of "hymn selecting", and they had, eventually, granted it to her.
So after an opening number of "All things bright and beautiful", a slightly different path was taken. "Summer of '69", "Build me up Buttercup" and "Thank you for the Music" (many of the magical guests here substituted music with magic) were all selected, with a rousing chorus of "Bohemian Rhapsody" to round off the service.
Definitely not your average wedding.
By the reception, Petunias presence had been noticed by her parents and her sister, and so she was subject to some scolding from an anxious Mrs Evans for not RSVP-ing, and thus leaving them one place short. But a quick bit of wand work, which Petunia barely even flinched at, and James had an extra place, neatly between Remus and Peter.
It had been difficult at first – since both Sirius and Jane, the main conservationists of the group, were seated at the top table as best man and co- maid of honour, there were several awkward silences before conversation began to flow easily. Seated with several other Hogwarts friends, including the Longbottoms and McGonagall, it surprised Remus that Petunia didn't faint at the presence of so much magic. But although she paled slightly the first few times wands were mentioned, and nearly jumped out of her seat when Frank Longbottom summoned the salt, she said nothing. And after several goes, a slow, halting conversation was started up, which soon gave way to a much pleasanter talk. Peter accidentally let slip his long standing obsession with a muggle radio programme, and Petunia instantly seemed to forget all her inhabitations, and let loose on the various plot lines, twists and scandals of the previous week.
And then it was time for speeches.
Sirius clambered to his feet, forsaking the more traditional tapping of a glass in favour of an "Oi! Shut up, the lot of you!".
Needless to say, that worked much better.
"Thank you. Now then, we all know why we're here. Or if you don't, you've either drunk way to much, or you're Peter, and you've forgotten." Peter went bright red as the Hogwartians laughed – his bad memory was infamous throughout the school.
"For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sirius Black, and I've been James's friend since he accosted me many years ago, on our first train journey to Hogwarts. And I've spent the 10 years since putting up with the detentions, love-sick sighs, loyalty and friendship that come in a package with him."
James smiled at his friend, his new wife squeezing his arm affectionately.
"Of course," continued Sirius, "It hasn't all been plain sailing. There's been more than one occasion when some of us present have doubted this day would ever come – indeed, I know for a fact that several people expected Lily and James to finish each other off before the end of our Hogwarts years. At one point, I believe the odds were 7 – 1 on Lily pinning my young, innocent friend here to the Whomping Willow."
Everybody laughed – even Lilys muggle relatives, most of whom knew of Lilys magic, although they're minds did not quite stretch to a willow that actually whomped.
"I once promised James that, if he ever married, I would live up to the job of giving the most embarrassing speech ever. So here goes."
Sirius winked at James, who felt his stomach sink.
"Not many of you know this, but James first declared his love to Lily on the 1st September, 1969, at the age of 11. Over the next 7 years, he proceeded to repeat the sentiment in a number of interesting and imaginative ways. Flying up to her dorm window on his broom, and serenading her through the window in our fifth year defiantly wasn't a good idea. Neither was spelling it out in lilies on the front lawn in our third. And I lost count of the times Lily swore she would rather date the giant squid, Snape, or even, on occasion, Dumbledore. Sorry Professor, but it seems your charms are not enough."
Both Lily and James were similar shades of red as their guests roared with laughter.
"And then there were the bets placed on this legendry pair. Who would kill who first? What imaginative and descriptive idea would Lily come up with the next time my dear friend talked to her? Not to mention, by the time of our seventh year, when on earth either of them were going to actually see the light and snog each other silly! You know, after 6 years of constant nagging for a date, always knowing she'd say no, when it finally looked like she might say yes…the stupid idiot stopped asking her! Although, considering the track record, perhaps that wasn't a bad idea. Even so…I blame those weeks of sexual frustration for Moonys premature greyness!"
"But I think that, deep down, even when Lily was declaring undying love for the giant squid, we all knew that, really, these two were meant for each other. So much that back in our third year, a sub clause was added to the Marauders constitution - "Rule 26: I do solemnly swear never to enter into a romantic commitment"; the new clause reading "Rule 26 granted null and void if commitment entered has been fully approved of". And after careful consideration, we decided that we fully approve of this relationship. Not that any of us could have stopped you anyway."
"So despite all, here we are, gathered together to witness this happy day, and listen to a strange man ramble on about things half of you don't understand. So I'll shut up! After asking you to all raise your glasses, to Prongs and his Tiger Lily!"
The audience rumbled to its feet, voices echoing Sirius's toast, while James and Lily sat together, both beetroot red under all the attention.
"Now that Sirius has finally finished, I'll begin." Jane's voice cut through the chitchat as everyone else sat, and she remained standing. "I'd like to tell you all a story, about a beautiful Princess who lived in a magic castle. She and her two friends spent their days learning great secrets, performing daring deeds, and having a wonderful time all the while. But like all fairy tales, there has to be a villain, or in this case, 3. Two whole villains, and two half ones. And many times the fair princess would fight the leader of the villains, for many times he would come begging at the castle doors for her hand."
"And the rest of her too!" Added Sirius cheerfully.
"And every time the Princess would refuse him." Jane continued, glaring at Sirius. "Until, one day, the Princess and her friends began to see that the villains were not all that villainous at all. Indeed, on occasion, they were almost as nice as the Princess herself. And one of the princesses fair friends even went as far as to fall in love with one of the villains, who had only been a half villain to begin with, and was barely quarter villain by this time. And then slowly, ever so slowly, the princess began to see the better side of the villains, especially their leader. Until, one day, the princesses other friend, and another of the villains could take it no longer, and locked the pair of them in an empty classroom after an important meeting. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how we got here today, witnessing the marriage of the beautiful Princess to her fine villain, and not, thank Merlin, to the giant squid."
"Did Lily really hate him?" Petunia asked Remus and Peter under the applause.
"Not hate." Said Remus. "Not exactly. Severely disliked, defiantly."
Petunia smiled. "Sounds like Lily." She agreed in a whisper, as Mr Evans began to speak. "Never one to mince her words."
Last to speak were Lily and James, who stood up together.
"We'd like to thank you all for coming today." Started James. "And for putting up with our somewhat different style."
"Can I just say that the 'hymn' selection had nothing what so ever to do with us, and if anyone has any comments on it, please see my wonderful Maid of Honour."
Jane laughed, and waved merrily.
"Special thanks," continued Lily, "Must go to our various friends and relatives for putting up with our mad ideas, as well as the afore mentioned six years of animosity. And to those of you who I didn't think could make it…" for a moment, Lilys eyes meet with her sisters, "Thanks are not enough."
"To Prongs and Tiger Lily!" Cried Sirius again, leaping to his feet once more. And the marquee erupted in applause.
As the guests began to filter away from the tables, moving into their own groups while they waited for the dancing, Lily came over and embraced the sister warmly without warning, pulling the older woman's bony frame into a grip that would have made a boa constrictor proud.
"Thank you." She whispered in Petunias ear. "I…just…thanks."
Petunia smiled, determinedly ignoring the tear attempting to poke out the corner of one eye.
"I've been an idiot." She said softly. "And I'm sorry."
Lily beamed. "And I'm sorry too."
It wasn't enough – to much had been said and done for it all to be abolished by a few simple words. But it was started, and perhaps, when they both had more time, and weren't in the middle of a wedding, then perhaps, things could start to be all right.
Sober
Much later, Petunia would decide it had been a good night. Finding herself stranded in the middle of a room full of people she did not know, but who possessed magical tendencies, was not an occasion she would normally enjoy, but that night…that night, at least, was different.
Perhaps guessing she was not totally at home here, or perhaps they were just like that anyway, Remus and Peter in particular, who had no duties as Best Men, Maids of Honour or brides and grooms, seemed to go out of their way to make her feel at ease. Peter continued their previous discussion about the Archers, becoming surprisingly animated, while Remus plied her for information about muggle books and authors. She was introduced a the whirl wind that was Jane, and the stillness that was Liz, and the strangeness that was Sirius, and the deep, unflinching, un-dying friendship that was the Seven Marauders and Co, and for a while, she was with them, and for that night, seven began to become eight.
A final slow dance came on, and so Remus claimed Liz, and James his new wife, leaving Petunia and Peter standing awkwardly alone. A little shyly, he offered her his hand, and, smiling ever so slightly, she took it. He was half her size, clumsy, kept blushing and standing on her feet, but it didn't matter. Sometime in the middle of the song, Sirius seized Jane, and the pair of them began causing chaos by tearing about in an ungraceful, tango style dance.
The absurdity of the situation hit her suddenly, as Peter stood on her foot, blushed and apologised yet again, and Sirius and Jane sent an unsuspecting Alice and Frank Longbottom flying. She was standing in a room full of wizards, touching and even dancing with one, and she was having the time of her life. And for the first time in many years, Petunia Dursley nee Evans laughed, a proper, head flung back, tears in eyes, laugh. Peter had gaped at her in astonishment, but at that moment, she didn't care what anyone thought. Anyone at all.
And then, suddenly, it was all over. Lily and James disappeared in what Jane had described as her baby – a dented, pale blue van with "Just Married" spray painted over the sides, and the guests began to disappear.
The marquee was nearly empty, only the reaming Marauders left. Sirius waved a farewell, before gripping an ever so slightly tipsy Jane by the arm, and… disappearing. Petunia blinked several times, and suddenly a much more sober group of people surrounded her.
"Petunia?" Questioned Peter. "How are you getting home?"
Petunia looked about stupidly, and realised for the first time that she had drunk far too much to even think of driving.
"No idea." She giggled, vaguely remembering turning down her parents' offer of a lift. Opps.
Peter chewed his lip nervously.
"Its alright Peter." Liz laughed, apparently reading the mans mind. "We'll get her home."
Peter looked relieved. "I'm sorry." He squeaked to Petunia. "But I'm not much good at apparating, I wouldn't want to splinch."
Petunia nodded vigorously, wondering what on earth splinching was.
"Bye Wormtail." Remus squeezed his friend's shoulder. "See you around."
"Bye Pete." Liz pulled the man into a one armed hug.
"Goodbye, Petunia." Peter held out his hand, and Petunia shook it solemnly.
"It was a pleasure dancing with you." She said seriously, breaking out into a wicked grin as the man blushed from the roots of his hair downwards.
"Me and Liz are going to grip your arms quite tightly." Suddenly, Remus was by her side. "Just concentrate on that. Now, where are you going?"
Petunia supplied them with an address, and suddenly she felt like a tube of toothpaste, being squeezed from all sides. And then, just as suddenly, it stopped, and they were outside the Huntsman B&B.
"Thank you." Petunia gasped, reeling slightly from the trip, hardly registering magic had just been used upon her.
"Welcome." Liz said with a merry smile. "It was lovely to finally have met you." And she pulled the woman into a hug. Petunia stiffened, slightly surprised, but, after a moment, returned it with affection.
Remus, like Peter, shook her hand solemnly.
"I'm glad you came." He said. "I think…I know it meant a lot to Lily."
Petunia nodded tersely.
"Perhaps we'll see you again?" Liz asked hesitantly. Petunia frowned for a moment, wondering what Vernon would think…oh, to hell with it.
"Perhaps." She said, smiling broadly.
"Good."
Liz took her boyfriend's arm, ready to disappear once more.
"You should remember tonight, Petunia." Said Remus quietly, tucking Liz's hand into his pocket.
"I will." She promised, searching for a key.
"I mean it. You look much nicer when you smile."
And the pair disappeared.
Petunia Dursley stood in her hallway, eyes open in shock. That had been the same man from Li…from Her wedding? She grabbed the front door, yanking it open and looking disparately for some sign of the pair. But they had vanished.
Letting the door swing shut behind her, Petunia headed for the kitchen and sat down at the table. She wondered, for the first time in over 15 years, what had happened to the faces she had met that night. And thinking about the look in Remus Lupins eyes, beneath the strange sparkle that spoke of some current joy, she wondered if she really wanted to know.
It was only much, much later that night, as she lay awake next to the sleeping form of her husband and heard the click of the front door that indicated Harry had retuned from wherever he had been, that she realised she did.
Hehe, a little bit of Harry at last…review all! Please!!!!! Although the fanficiton alert service is playing up again, so I don't know when you'll know I've updated...anyway! Review!!!
Next chapter….at last. The Meeting. Grins
