Disclaimer: Yeah, sure I wish I owned Harry Potter. I'd be a kazillionaire.

A/N: One more chapter and the epilogue after this! AHHHHH! I'm scared! What will I do? Okay, enough of that. It's Lily and James' wedding day, and of course while there are some good surprises, anything that can go wrong, does.

This chapter had to have a lot of mush, I hope you forgive me. There's also a lot of chaos, which is my specialty. It's also a bit shorter than previous chapters, I hope you forgive me. Ah, what do I care? Throw tomatoes if that is what you wish.

Chapter 25: With This Ring, I Thee Wed

Lily glanced at the clock. James was taking an awful long time getting a drink. Perhaps he had gone back to bed. She couldn't blame him, he needed all the sleep he could get. She was far too awake to sleep now. She couldn't stop the story now.

"Alright, Harry, a year had passed since the proposal in a flurry of wedding plans. Finally, by the date, everything had been dealt with. They had a caterer, the invitations had been sent out, the band was booked, the tables designed, the wedding dress and other clothing had been ordered. Elizabeth had Apparated in from France, but Remus was nowhere to be found. However, everything else was set. It was finally going to happen...

_________________________________________________________________________________

"I think I'm going to throw up."

Lily was incredibly nervous and Marie and Elizabeth were busy trying to calm her down. The ceremony was due to start soon, and Lily was having a heart attack.

"Lils, you're okay, everything's going to be fine," Marie said soothingly. "And you look amazing."

"Yes," Elizabeth chimed in. "Absolutely gorgeous. There's no need to worry."

Lily was still hyperventilating, but she did look beautiful. Her wedding dress was classic white with a sleeveless tight–fitted bodice which was sequined. The skirt was long, simple, and satin. Her veil was also simple with a coronet of tiny white flowers settled on top of her hair with the lace hanging gracefully down in the back. Her beautiful auburn hair was swept up into a bun with two curls hanging down by her face. Her makeup had been artfully applied and she was wearing white leather slippers. She looked like a dream.

"I can't help it. I'm getting married today. Of course I'm worried. What if something goes wrong?"

She got so worked up that she was unable to breathe for a minute and had to sit down.

"Lily, calm down. It's going to be alright. You're going to have a beautiful, magical day," Marie said in a calming tone.

"What if James gets cold feet? What if I get cold feet? Am I getting cold feet right now?" Lily was building herself up to hysteria.

"Lily, your feet are perfectly warm. It's okay, take a deep breath." Lily obeyed. "And another, and another. Alright. Calmer now?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not really," Lily replied nervously, although she was breathing properly. "What if some people who did R.S.V.P. don't come and others come who didn't R.S.V.P.?"

"Then they'll balance each other out," Marie said sensibly. "Don't worry we can always add more seats. This is a magical wedding, after all. It a lot easier to conform to the end result than in a muggle wedding. I can't believe you got James and Sirius to wear dinner jackets!"

Lily smiled tentatively. "I simply told James that I was inviting guests who were muggles and that therefore in terms of wardrobe, this was to be a muggle wedding. I told him that his guests and our friends could wear what ever they felt most comfortable in, but that my bridesmaids would be wearing fancy dresses and the men of the wedding party would be expected to wear dinner jackets and waistcoats."

Marie laughed lightly. "I heard Sirius grumbling as he tried to figure out what to do with the cummerbund."

Elizabeth smiled mischievously. "You think that was amusing?" She turned to Lily. "You should have heard Miss Pureblood over here when she was putting on her stockings."

Marie grumbled. "Stupidest article of clothing ever invented, if you ask me."

Lily laughed a little too, but then the fear returned. "I'm just so nervous."

"That's because you're getting married," Elizabeth said knowingly. "I knew you'd be the first of us. Even if you and James pretended for so many years that you were nothing more than friends. Your relationship is special, Lily. There's something between the two of you, and it's obvious to see how much you love one another. You have the kind of love that no argument, no matter how terrible, could ever truly break."

Lily felt tears come to her eyes. "Oh, that was so beautiful!"

"You have to watch it, Liz," Marie said with a smile. "She's in a very emotional mood right now." Lily smiled through her tears. "So, are we better now?"

"I think so," Lily said, swallowing hard. "You have your bouquets, right? And everything's ready? Marie, you have the ring?"

"Yes, I have the ring," Marie said patiently. "And Sirius has his, the one for you. Everything is set. I've talked to Sirius, I've talked to James. Everything is ready."

Another voice called from outside the room where the girls were getting ready. "Is everyone decent in here?"

Lily wiped her eyes. "Oh, yes, Sirius, you can come in."

Sirius Black entered the room, looking very handsome and extremely excited. His tie was slightly askew, but his cummerbund was on properly and his hair was neat for once. He stopped suddenly when he caught sight of Lily.

"Wow. You look..." He couldn't seem to find the words to express her beauty. "Incredible."

"Thank you," Lily said, sniffling.

He came closer. "Hey, what's this? No tears. This is a happy day. Happy."

"I just can't help wishing," Lily said, staring at her shoes, "that a certain other Marauder was here."

Sirius put a hand on her shoulder and then drew her in for a hug. "Lily..."

"I know, Sirius, but..."

Sirius waved a hand at Marie and Elizabeth. "Could you two give us a minute?"

They nodded and left. Sirius took Lily by the shoulders and looked her right in her emerald green eyes. She started to cry again.

"I miss him, Sirius, I do."

Sirius smiled. "Stop that crying, Lil. You'll ruin your makeup. Remus is our best friend. He's a Marauder. He's the reason we became Animagi. And I know that while you and I share a bond, and you and James, of course, share an even deeper bond, there is something special between you and Remus. Because he's the sensitive one."

Lily sniffled again. She took a step away from Sirius and sat down on a nearby sofa. Lily gazed out at the sky and down onto the grounds where the ceremony was to be held. Some dark grey clouds loomed ominously in the distance and she frowned at them. Nothing was supposed to ruin her special day.

"You sent him an invitation, right?" Sirius asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"Of course, but I couldn't give Isis any clear directions. I have no idea where he is. We haven't heard from him in over two months, Sirius. You don't suppose something's happened to him, do you?"

"Of course not. I know we haven't heard from him lately, but I also know he'd be here if he could. He wouldn't miss something like this, even if he was in Timbuktu."

Lily had stopped crying. "I wish you were right. I mean, don't misunderstand me, I'm grateful that you're here and that you're the best man, but—"

"You wish Remus was here too," Sirius finished. "I know and it's alright. James feels the same way. I'm not hurt. You miss him. I miss him too. James misses him, in fact, James nearly threw a tantrum when he found out Remus wasn't here. But don't worry, everything will turn out alright."

There was a knock on the door. Sirius looked at it strangely, wondering who it could be. It creaked open slightly.

"Er, can I come in?"

The door opened the rest of the way, and Remus Lupin was standing in the door way, looking tired, but otherwise none the worse for wear.

"Remus!" Lily practically shrieked and Sirius pretended to go deaf. "Thank Merlin, you're here!"

She threw herself at him and he gave her a hug. He laughed and took a step back. "I take it then that you're glad to see me?"

When Lily pulled away, she stood back so she could take a good look at the friend she hadn't seen in a year. He was wearing some strange African garb and his normally pale face had become very tanned. He seemed to be taller, his hair wanted cutting, and he seemed more robust, although he also seemed to be exhausted. Most probably, Lily and Sirius assumed, because there had just been a full moon. He was grinning broadly however and there didn't seem to be any damage.

"What are you wearing?" Lily asked curiously.

"Just a robe I picked up in Kenya. I'm sorry I didn't change, but I didn't want to be late." He was still smiling from ear to ear.

Lily looked at Sirius and tried to hide a smile. "It's a good thing we just happen to have an extra dinner jacket and waistcoat in your size."

Remus was surprised. "But, how could you have known I'd be here?"

"We didn't," Sirius shrugged, "but we were hoping." He smiled. "I'd better go assist James, he's probably a nervous wreck and you two can talk."

Lily shot him a grateful look and he left the room. As he passed Remus, Sirius clapped him on the shoulder.

"It's been far too long, Moony. I'm glad you're back."

Then he left and Remus turned his attention back to Lily. Like Sirius, when he really saw her he was at a loss for words.

"You look truly brilliant, Lily," he said warmly. "James is very lucky."

Lily blushed. "Thank you, Remus. But I need to tell you something."

Remus seemed concerned. "What's wrong?"

Lily fidgeted with her skirt and avoided his eyes. "It's just that, well, since we couldn't be sure that you would be here, Sirius is the best man."

Remus laughed. "Is that all? Lily, dear Lily, it doesn't matter to me at all. Sirius should be the best man, he is truly James' best friend and he needs it. I don't need to place a label on my friendships with you and the Marauders. I am perfectly aware that James and Sirius are closer than James and I am and it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I spent so many years with no friends at all that just the fact they call me their friend is enough. Don't worry your pretty head about it."

"Really?" Lily smiled. "That's terrific. But I have a favor to ask you, since you're here."

"Go ahead." A smile was playing at his lips.

"Well," Lily hesitated, "since my parents are dead, as is James' father, I have no one to walk down the aisle with me. Would you do it?"

Remus grinned broadly. "You want me to give you away?" Lily was absolutely serious. "It would be my pleasure."

Lily squealed. "Oh, thank you, but quickly you have to go change! The ceremony will be starting soon."

Just as Remus opened the door to go out, a figure came rushing through. It was Elizabeth and there was a long moment of uncomfortable silence, which Lily broke.

"Uh, Beth, I believe you know my good friend Remus Lupin. Remus, this is my friend Elizabeth Peters."

Both smiled slightly at that. Remus looked at her in her bridesmaid's dress and cleared his throat nervously. "Hello, Lizzie," he said softly.

"Hello, Remus," she replied quietly, not meeting his eyes. Remus didn't say anything else, he simply excused himself and left the room. Elizabeth let out a small wail and collapsed on the couch.

"What's he doing here?"

Lily was quite surprised. "Beth, I thought you two parted on good terms a year ago."

"We did," Elizabeth wailed. "But that's when I thought I'd never see him again."

Lily examined her attractive friend. Elizabeth had loosely curled her blonde hair and was wearing stiletto heels which made her long legs look slimmer. The lavender dress wasn't particularly low cut since one of James' cousins was to be the flower girl and she was only ten. But Elizabeth looked very beautiful and Lily wondered what Remus had been thinking when he saw her.

"Well, you are going to have to accept it, Elizabeth. He's here and he's not leaving. Neither are you. You are both adults and you have to behave as such."

"You're right, Lil," Elizabeth said determinedly. She glanced out of the window. "Is that Petunia?"

"What?!" Lily threw herself down on the floor and dragged Elizabeth down with her. She raised her head just enough so that she could see out of the window. "What in the name of Merlin is she doing here?" she hissed.

"Didn't you invite her?" Elizabeth whispered back.

"Only because she invited me to hers! I didn't think she'd actually come! Imagine my sister at the wizarding school I attended for seven years, surrounded by magic, the very reason she detests me! Oh, what a nightmare! Everything is ruined." The last part came out in a wail.

"No it isn't, Lily," Elizabeth reassured her. "It's fine. She's taking a seat. I have no idea why she's here, but she's behaving."

"So far," Lily muttered. "This is ridiculous. What else can go wrong?"

As if in answer to her query, thunder boomed and lightening flashed. Rain began to pour down on the hapless wedding guests. Luckily Dumbledore was there and he had a flash of brilliance. He ushered everyone into the Great Hall and set up chairs. He created a carpet for the processional and an altar at the front. Luckily the train hadn't reached the school so the students hadn't arrived yet. Various witches and wizards performed drying spells, so that was alright. Professor Dumbledore attempted to dry Petunia off, but she screamed and called him the devil. Someone just threw a towel at her.

There was a knock on the door; it was James' mother. She looked very elegant.

"Excuse me, Elizabeth, but would you mind if I spoke to Lily for a moment alone?"

Elizabeth said she didn't mind and went to go find Marie. Shannon closed the door behind her and sat down on the sofa. Lily noticed she was carrying a box. Shannon motioned for her to sit down.

"Lily," Shannon began, "since your parents passed away, I have tried to be here for you when you needed me."

"Oh, but you have!" Lily said. "You've been wonderful!"

"And I may be a pureblood witch, but I know something of muggle customs. In the role of your mother, I must make sure you have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."

Tears came to Lily's eyes; she had forgotten all about that. "Oh, Mrs. Potter, you're wonderful!"

Shannon reached into the box. "Your wedding dress is something new, so that's taken care of. This brooch belonged to my mother, who gave it to me on my wedding day, and I want you to have it. That takes care of both old and borrowed." Lily could tell that Shannon was trying to hold back tears. "As for the blue, I have this."

She held out her hand and Lily saw a beautiful pair of sapphire earrings. She gasped.

"Consider them part of my wedding gift to you, Lily, dear," Shannon said gently, seeing the look in Lily's eyes.

"Oh, they must have been so expensive, I can't accept them!" Lily said nobly.

"Nonsense. They're for you and I'm not poor. If you want to give me something in return, I'll accept grandchildren." Shannon smiled a watery smile. Then she and Lily hugged.

The orchestra began to play what James informed her was the traditional wizard wedding march. It was much more lively and fun than the muggle version. Lily could feel the nerves returning.

Marie and Elizabeth came to the door. "Alright, it's showtime. Are you ready, Lil?"

"No," Lily replied, shaking slightly, "but I'm coming."

She stood up, brushed off her skirt, Elizabeth adjusted her veil, and they set off towards the Great Hall. Remus was waiting for them. He smiled warmly at the three girls. James' young cousin was waiting, fidgeting nervously. She was very pale and only jumped when Lily attempted to smile at her. A moment later Sirius and Peter turned up, slightly out of breath. Sirius was to escort Marie down the aisle and Peter would walk with Elizabeth. James' cousin Audrey would walk by herself.

Lily tried to take a few deep calming breaths, but it wasn't helping. Remus took her arm and the sounds of the music grew louder as the great doors to the Great Hall were opened. Audrey began to walk down the aisle and Lily wanted to make a run for it. Remus gave her arm a squeeze and smiled.

"Don't worry," Remus whispered. "Everything will be fine. James is just as nervous as you, if not more so."

Now Sirius and Marie were halfway to the platform, then would come Elizabeth and Peter, and then it would be her turn. She was shaking and if Remus hadn't been there to hold her up, she probably would have passed out. They started to walk, and as they entered the Hall, Lily's eyes first went to the old familiar ceiling which was a stormy grey, and then immediately to James. He did look nervous and he kept pulling on his collar.

He stopped when he saw her, though. All at once, looking into his deep brown eyes, Lily felt herself relax. She saw just how much he loved her, how proud of her he was, and how he couldn't wait to spend the rest of his life with her. Lily hoped that her eyes reflected all of those emotions only ten times more so.

As she marched past them, she saw all of her friends, the ones who had become like family, smiling and nodding at her. Arabella Figg and Mundungus Fletcher were sitting together and Arabella had tears in her eyes as Lily moved passed. She saw James' former boss Mr. Duffy, and all of the Hogwarts Professors including Professor Trelawney. The Minister of Magic was there, murmuring to Dumbledore who gazed proudly at her. Shannon was sitting in the front, looking beautiful and dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. Lily felt like she would burst with happiness. It was enough to make up for Petunia's evil glare.

She was almost to the altar where James was waiting when disaster struck for the third time (if you count Petunia's arrival, which Lily did). All at once a flock of plump, feathery, flightless birds came running through the hall and causing chaos. People jumped up and screamed, and Petunia herself let out a blood–curdling shriek and fled. Some people were standing on their chairs, some intelligent wizards had taken out their wands and were attempting to subdue the birds, but for birds who couldn't fly, they were remarkably quick. Some would disappear and reappear in another place.

Hagrid came running into the hall. "I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore, sir, the Diricawls got away from Professor Kettleburn's classroom!"

Several people looked to Lily to see her reaction to the calamity. Most expected her to burst into tears, instead she burst into laughter. A second later James had joined her and the two were hysterical with laughter. The Marauders joined in, followed a moment later by Marie and Elizabeth.

When Lily got her breath back, she attempted to explain to the affronted and confused guests.

"I'm sorry," she said, still giggling, "but this reminds me of the good old days. What would my life be without chaos?"

She and James exchanged a glance, the kind of intimate one that happens between soul mates when something has happened and it is a private joke between them, and of course he knew exactly what she meant. He was laughing as well. "Boring," he proclaimed.

The official at the front was bewildered. He signaled for the orchestra to continue and since all the Diricrawls had been escorted out, Lily and Remus continued down the red carpet, shaking with silent laughter. When they finally made it to the front, Remus handed her over to James and stood on Sirius' other side.

"Now, if there are no more interruptions?" the official asked, peering at the audience over his glasses. "Good. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Lily Evans and James Potter. If anyone here knows why these two should not be married, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

"I do!" rang out a familiar voice.

When the orator reached this point, Lily could have told him not to bother since no one there had any cause to protest. She had reckoned without Petunia. Yes, Petunia had overcome her fear of the birds to come back in and protest her sister's marriage. A terrible thought struck Lily. Was that the only reason Petunia had come? So she could stop her little sister from being happy?

She looked at James; he was just as stunned and angry as she was. Without a word between them and in one voice they chorused, "Ignore her!"

The official did as he was asked and continued to speak. "Very well. Lily and James have decided—"

"But I do!" Petunia cried. "You can't marry them!"

All of the guests were looking at her in horror. Who was that girl and how dare she? Luckily, Sirius, fulfilling his Best Man duties, pulled out his wand and said, "Petrificus Totalus." Then some wonderful person dragged her away.

"Where was I?" The official asked a bit dazedly. "Oh, yes. Lily and James have decided to write their own vows and I now give them leave to speak. James, you first."

Having only eyes for her, James gazed into her eyes, oblivious to the onlookers around them.

"When I first met you, Lily Evans, properly that is, exactly 13 years ago, I already admired you. You were in an entirely new world and you didn't let it faze you. We became best friends and I always knew you'd be there for me, as I would for you. I trusted you, heart and soul. When that friendship first grew to love, it confused me, I won't deny it, but I couldn't have picked a better person to fall in love with. When you returned those feelings I thought it was the happiest moment of my life, then you said yes to my proposal a year ago and I thought that was the happiest moment. But now I realize that neither of those occasions measure up to today because today you chose to spend the rest of your life with me. And that makes me the luckiest man in the world. I love you."

Tears streaming down her cheeks, Lily marveled that James could get all of that out without breaking down, although he did stumble and stammer once or twice. She tried to do the same.

"I always knew, James Potter, how lucky I was to have you for a best friend. What I didn't realize, until I was sixteen, was that you were the one for me, and I scold myself every day for not realizing it sooner. In many ways you are the perfect man, and in others you are not. But I love every single part of you, including your flaws. From the time you tried to help me conquer my fear of flying to the day when you fought with and for me to save our lives, I have valued you for your courage, your intellect, your compassion, and even for your stubborn streak. My mind, heart, soul are now forever yours, and I couldn't ask for a better person to care for them. I love you."

He had begun to cry as well, and Lily saw that the Marauders' eyes weren't dry either. The official himself had to wipe his eyes before continuing.

"James Potter, do you take Lily Evans to be your lawfully wedded wife until death do you part?"

"No," James said clearly. A gasp went up in the audience and James grinned cheekily at them. "Because even death won't part us."

Everyone took a breath and sighed. That James Potter. The justice looked quite taken aback and seemed to have lost his thread. He was obviously not used to deviations in his ceremonies.

"And do you, Lily Evans, take James Potter to be your lawfully wedded husband until death do you part?"

Lily smiled joyfully. "I do, and beyond."

"May we have the rings?"

Sirius and Marie each stepped forward and handed a ring to each Lily and James, who exchanged them.

"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

And James pulled her into a deep sweeping kiss that lasted so long, Sirius was forced to call out, "Come up for air!" They all laughed.

Lily and James were married. It was wonderful.

* * *

The reception took place soon there afterward. Professor Dumbledore escorted everyone back out onto the grounds as it had stopped raining and the students had arrived. There were tables all around a dance floor. Some flowers bloomed magically and about twenty House Elves came in carrying the cake. It was five tiers and chocolate with vanilla icing. A tiny little moving replica of Lily and James stood at the top.

Dancing came first; after Lily danced the traditional dance with James, all the other men monopolized her, including, to her amusement, Professor Dumbledore. He and the other Professors had to go begin the Welcoming Feast after that. She was out of breath, but having the time of her life by the time they were supposed to sit down for the meal. She took her place next to James and smiled brightly.

"Can you believe we're married?" Lily whispered excitedly.

"No," James said with a goofy grin. "I can't. But do me a favor, and don't have too much champagne."

They both started to laugh, remembering Petunia's wedding where Lily had gotten drunk on four glasses of champagne. They were still laughing when Sirius stood up to make his best man speech.

"I first met Lily and James on the Hogwarts Express thirteen years ago. Some consider 13 an unlucky number, but I think they're wrong. While some occurrences of the past thirteen years could be termed 'unlucky'," Sirius paused to smile at Lily and James, "I wouldn't have traded them for anything. The two of you are my best friends and I'm glad that you've found each other. I know that Lily will always be there to help James and me out of some mess we've gotten into, just like she always has, only now she'll rescue James first and only come back for me as an afterthought." Many people laughed. Sirius' smile turned thoughtful and somewhat sad. The last sentence was so quiet that only Lily and James heard him. "These are tough times we are facing. No matter what happens we will always have each other, I promise."

And just as quietly, Lily and James said together, "We promise, too."

Then Marie stood up to make her speech as maid of honor. "I met Lily and James back in our first year. While I didn't know James that well then, Lily was my best friend. As I got to know James better, I easily saw how Lily could fall in love with him and I admired him. I wish the two of you many years of happiness. I know that you were meant for one another."

Then everyone resumed their seats and the food appeared. Everything was delicious, simply perfect. Then disaster struck for the fourth time. That was fairly predictable, wasn't it?

James' cousin Audrey, who was bored, decided to liven the party up. She filled her spoon with mashed potatoes and let them fly. The potatoes hit the Minister of Magic. Audrey picked up some of her peas and flung them as well; they hit Shannon Potter. She looked like she was going to cry for a moment. Then she suddenly grinned a 'Marauder grin' to rival her son's and threw a pear tart at Mr. Duffy. Soon a food fight had begun.

Lily's muggle relatives were a bit out of their depth, but they held their own. Most of the witches and wizards were charming their food to explode all over a certain person. Sirius and Remus did their best to stop it, but when Sirius saw James hysterical with laughter and Lily throwing food at Arabella Figg he gave up and joined the fun. Ripping off his cummerbund, he ran around shouting, "Long live Lily and James Potter!" Remus had fallen to the ground, unable to breath from laughing, and Elizabeth stood over him threatening him with a pie. A moment later she smashed it in his face.

Lily caught James' eye. Her own glinted mischievously. "You know what they say. When you can't beat them, join them!"

She dragged her husband over to the enormous cake and buried his face into it. That signaled everyone that it was time for cake. James got his revenge when he picked up his bride despite her shrieking protests and dumped her into half of the cake. She stood up with some difficulty and screamed, "James Potter, you are dead!"

He yelped and ran, calling over his shoulder, "As long as you come with me, Lily Potter!"

Lily stopped short and a smile came over her. "Lily Potter. I like the sound of that."

James ventured forward again and took her hand which was covered with various substances. "You'd better get used to it." He kissed her, cake, potatoes and all.

Everyone went 'aww'. James grinned again. He waved his wand over Lily and her dress was returned to it's usual spotless condition. Then he placed a shield over the two of them.

"Who proclaimed this food fight over? It wasn't me. Lily?"

In response Lily picked up a chunk of the cake and heaved it at Sirius. Sirius shook it out of his eyes and cried, "I'll get you for that!"

He threw a bowl of soup at her, but it hit the shield and left Lily pristine. Sirius tried again only this time when he threw a handful of fruit at her, it bounced and hit Marie instead who retaliated by pouring a glass of butterbeer over Sirius' head. The food fight was back on, only now James and Lily were protected.

"Do you think that today was ruined, Petals?" James asked softly.

Lily smiled. "You mean because it rained, Petunia tried to prevent us from marrying, a flock of Diricrawls caused chaos during the ceremony, and someone started a food fight during the reception?" She shook her head. "No, it wouldn't be our wedding if something hadn't gone wrong. It's perfect."

* * *

The mess had been cleaned up slightly and everyone had been returned to some level of cleanliness. People were dancing again and Lily and James were in the center of it all. Sirius, Remus, Peter, Marie, and Elizabeth were standing off to one side, watching their now married friends with different thoughts drifting through their heads.

Remus was simply happy that he had made it on time. His year long trip had been necessary, but now he was back where he belonged. He had learned a lot, including some valuable information about Voldemort which he relayed to Dumbledore, but he felt a tinge of sadness watching James and Lily dance, especially with Elizabeth so close by. Oh well, the night was still young, anything was possible.

Sirius was trying to convince Marie to dance, but inside he was worried. He had convinced himself that the marriage wouldn't change anything, but of course, it would. It was inevitable. Only James and Lily seemed so blissfully happy, that he didn't dare voice his fears. Oh well, it was time for him to grow up anyway. Change was good, it was what allowed people to improve themselves. Plus he was thinking about all the fun he could have with the future Potter children. Junior Marauders. Wicked.

Marie was thinking that finally life for them all was perfect. At least Lily was lucky enough to have what she couldn't. She had her career, and that was enough. Only, she felt a pang of longing watching Lily and James waltz around the dance floor. They were so lucky to have found one another. It almost wasn't fair. Why couldn't she find love like that?

Elizabeth was close to tears. They weren't tears of sadness, but tears of joy. Lily and James just seemed too perfect. She was sad as well, because seeing Remus after a year had brought back a flood of old feelings, but she was due back in France the next day. There was no hope of reconciliation, and that depressed her. She looked up and saw that Remus was looking at her. Her heart skipped a beat. Perhaps there was hope after all.

And Peter? Well, who can tell what thoughts were running through the mind of Peter aka Wormtail. Was he happy? Angry? Complacent? Was he already contemplating running to his master with the news? Only one person knows the answer, and I'm not she. Peter will forever remain an enigma. I will tell you this much, however—he could dance a mean foxtrot and he did.

In short, the wedding of Lily and James was a disaster from start to finish and yet it was the best time of their lives. All that mattered was that they were in love and they were married. They also had countless friends to see them off on their honeymoon, friends who loved them.

Oh, and in case anyone was worried, some kind soul released Petunia from the spell and assisted her home. Upon her return she vowed never to speak to her sister again—and she never did.

It was the best wedding present she could have ever given Lily.

A/N: One more chapter down. Oh, it's so close to the end! Whatever will I do? Well, actually, since I'm also almost done with ISDTBM there'll be a sequel to that.

Please make a young girl's dreams come true and review! Let's make it to 300 as a wedding gift for Lily and James!

Thank yous:

anjel: I hope you and Sam weren't waiting too long. And I'm glad that you think my story's blood brilliant!

Ashlynn Black: congratulations. I'm so proud, I guess.

Bianca: they really do have to die, unfortunately. I'm not looking forward to it either.

Crazycutee831: I have their death planned out in my mind (that's the best place to keep it) but I haven't written it out yet. It will be the perfect, if depressing, ending, I promise.

dee: in one sitting? Wow. That's a lot. How long did it take you?

FireLily55: you do gotta love Sirius, but I'm rather partial to Remus.

Fire Lizid: Peter, evil? Since when? Lol. This is an entirely 'the less Peter the better' fic, so you'll have to judge for yourself.

Fyre Eye: I hope you got my e-mail alert. I'll do it again if you want.

maithili: I have plans for Remus, don't worry. He he. And Josh, well, he's a jerk, but don't worry you won't see him again.

Meredith: I'm sorry Provisor wouldn't let you use my fan fic, but whatever. And tell me the date again of your presentation 'cause I'll try to be there if I can.

Min Hee Ha: I'm a fic twister. And I wanted James to be the sentimental one, you know the one who remembers silly anniversaries like that.

Pink: I promise to keep writing. Wild flobberworms couldn't keep me away from my computer.

pink knox: I don't want it to end either. Ohh, now I'm sad.

RoxyValdez: I hope you're wearing something nice, although after the food fight, it's probably better that you're not wearing anything too fancy.

Sehrish: Like Moony would miss Prongs' wedding.

Sierra Sitruc: it's okay to cry, I do it all the time.

singer: yeah, it's kinda cute in a moronic way.

skvhp: what would Sirius do with a wheel chair? Hmm, I could think of several possibilities...

Snow Flurry: thanks, I will.

soccergirl: you're welcome, I hope you were on time. :-)

tory: your wish is my command, oh great one!