Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter... but maybe JK will give him to me for Christmas... or his father (i LOVE James Potter!)

Also I borrowed a line from Shakespeare in Love - see if you can spot it (even tho it's probably misquoted) and also i've referenced a gag in my s/r and lj oneshot Gravity.

AN - So this chapter isn't as long as it was going to be because I'm about to fall asleep! and it's sort of in lots of bits and pieces (mostly coz i had two days to cover in the story and one of them was the wedding which i assume happens in sort of segments...)
But the other marauders make an appearance in this chapter (altho not at the actual wedding - sorry) and there is some nice light lj fluff.
ENJOY :)

Chapter 36 - The Wedding:

Upon arriving at the Brettenham Hotel (which, as it turns out, was not in Surrey as Mrs Evans had assumed, but a lovely part of the country - quite distant from central London), where the wedding was to be held, James was promptly introduced to the rest of Lily's extended family (not all of whom knew, for the purposes of the International Confederation of Wizards' Statute of Secrecy, that Lily was a witch).

There was a meet and greet, of sorts, in the hotel's dining area. It was just an afternoon tea, but having skipped lunch, the two teenagers were particularly famished. Before they had time to sample some of the lovely looking cucumber sandwiches and fairy cakes, however, they were mobbed by a bunch of Lily's elderly relatives demanding to be introduced to Lily's new boyfriend. This inevitably led to questions such as where had they met, how long had they known each other and what do young people these days like to do on dates?

"Well, Aunty May, James is Head Boy at my school," Lily explained, trying not to imagine her stuffy aunt's reaction should she find out that Lily attended Hogwarts.

"And how long have you known each other?" the intimidating woman asked.

"Since first year. Lily and I are in the same house," James said politely.

"And that would be?" enquired Great Aunt Joyce.

"Gry-"

"Gold house," Lily cut in, "Our houses are named after colours."

"So, young man, how long have you been courting my lovely niece?" asked an elderly man who was revealed as Lily's great uncle. James had to secretly note that the majority of Lily's extended family were exceedingly old - Meredith and Greg seemed to be the youngest parents, with only a handful of people under the age of twenty-five claiming to be a part of the family.

"Well, we've known each other for a long while," James said, smiling wryly at the thought, "But I finally convinced her of my worth about Christmas time, last year."

"I'm still not entirely convinced, you know," she replied jokingly, earning a small chuckle from her elders.

"If you'll excuse us, I need to introduce James to everyone else," Lily said, whisking her boyfriend away.

"Oh, I quite enjoyed their company," James said, "That Bertha was a firecracker!"

"Yeah, I know. Did she tell you the story about when she was a nurse during the war?"

James nodded enthusiastically, "It's no wonder you've got so much spunk, Lils, look at your rellies."

"Spunk?" she said incredulously.

"Err, yeah? What's wrong with spunk?"

"Five minutes with the oldies and you're picking up the lingo!" Lily cackled, plonking down onto a vacant sofa. The carpet was plush and soft as Lily surreptitiously slipped off her shoes and squished her toes through it.

"Well, if you can't beat them, join them, the crazy muggles," he chuckled. Although Lily failed to see what was actually funny, she laughed anyway, just relieved to have gotten another thing off of her to do list. James left her on the sofa for a moment, returning with a platter full of delicious finger food and two cups of tea just the way Lily liked it.

"Mmmm, I could get used to this," she smiled, "I might just have to keep you around." James smiled at the compliment and watched carefully as Lily took a bite out of a tasty-looking pasty.

"What are you staring at?" she said through a mouth full of spinach and ricotta (she was hungry - no time for manners).

"It's just, well…" James scratched the back of his neck nervously, "See, the thing is… there's something I've been meaning to tell, well. That is to say, something I think I should, because you should know that I, err," he stuttered. Damn Lily! Why did she always have the ability to make him act like a bumbling, stuttering fool?
He could feel the heat of a blush beginning on the back of his neck and he broke eye contact with Lily who, he was slightly annoyed to see, seemed to be amused by his incoherence. She was smiling slightly as if she knew a secret, and her eyes were twinkling in a way that vaguely reminded James of their headmaster.

"Yeeees?" she asked slowly, and he could hear the amusement in her voice.

"I, um, just wanted to say that… I-"

But James was unable to finish his sentence as at that moment the large glass doors leading from the dining area out onto the rolling lawns that surrounded the hotel were thrust open and a gaggle of important looking middle aged people entered the dining area. They appeared to be Vernon's extended family - judging not only by their appearances and their collective air of superiority but by the fact that they were led by the large, pompous man himself.

"That must be his family, then," Lily said dejectedly, slipping on her shoes and forgetting that James had been about to tell her something very important.

"Yeah, I guess so," James said, simultaneously frustrated and relieved that he had been saved by the whale. "Come on, better go be introduced and what not," he said, taking her gently by the hand and leading her over to where Mr and Mrs Evans stood.

Lily stood to the right of her parents, with James on her other side ready to be introduced by her sister to her future in laws.

Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts Remus and Sirius had been catching up on some much needed Marauder time. For once it was a Monday that they were not dreading as they had the second half of the day free.

Anna had become withdrawn and tended to spend her time with the other Gryffindor girls in hope of avoiding Remus until she was ready to prove to him she was worthy of his time and Cat would not stop going on about the wedding when she was around Sirius. So the boys had sought refuge in their dormitory where the girls had enough good sense not to venture - mostly because it looked like a bombsite and smelled like dirty socks. They had thought Peter would join them but he had been mysteriously absent since breakfast.

Remus was sitting cross legged on his bed by the window, revising his transfiguration notes and Sirius was lounging lazily on the floor, flipping through a quidditch magazine and trying to engage Remus in a conversation about the dangers of gravity.

"But, think about it Moony!" the dark haired boy insisted, "Gravity makes quidditch so much more dangerous. Because of gravity we could fall and die!"

"You're not going to fall and die, Pads," Remus replied in his exasperated Prefect voice, "You're magic, remember?"

"But still… gravity makes you shrink. You're a good half and inch shorter when you go to bed than when you get up in the morning - did you know that?"

"Can't say that I did," Remus replied, now bored.

"Well, I can see that you are plainly not interested in my anti-gravity campaign," Sirius said sadly, throwing aside his magazine.

"Finally the message gets through," Remus looked down at his friend and smiled, "But surely there are other people you could expound your theories with?"

"Actually, no. Without Prongs, I'm at a loss."

"Why don't you chat with that lovely fiancée of yours?" Remus smirked slightly, earning himself a glare.

"You know full well why I'm avoiding her, Lupin, so you can bloody shut up."

"Ooh, touchy. It's not my fault your girlfriend's suddenly become a wedding fanatic," he defended.

"It's not just that, though," Sirius perched himself on the end of his friend's bed instead, "It's about the marriage; it's not just about Cat." Remus set aside his notes, realising a serious conversation when he saw one (especially considering they were few and far between with Sirius).

"I'm not sure if I want to marry her anymore," Sirius said bluntly, looking a bit guilty.

"Why'd you propose to her then?"

"Seemed like a good idea at the time," was the muttered response - Sirius now had his head in his hands.

"A good idea at the- Sirius, are you honestly telling me you proposed on impulse?"

"Well, yeah, but I love her and all," Sirius replied defensively, "It's just I think I might be a bit young to get married just yet!"

"Sirius-" Remus said exasperatedly.

"Look, I don't need a lecture or an 'I told you so', okay? I just need a solution."

"Have you spoken to James?"

"Yeah - I asked if Cat and I could go to the wedding. Might put her off, you know, what with all the pinkness and frilliness Lily told us about."

"Somehow, I don't think that's the right way to go about breaking off an engagement. Maybe you should just talk to her about it?"

"Moons, sometimes it really is painfully obvious that you haven't had many girlfriends," Sirius replied with equal exasperation, "You can't be honest all the time - it destroys relationships."

"Well, if you're not going to take my advice, quit sulking around here and do something useful," Remus snapped - still touchy about the whole Anna debacle and Sirius' jibe at his pathetic love life.

"Fine, I'm going to go find Pete-y boy. See if he has anything useful to say," Sirius said pointedly, leaving Remus to his study.

Even with the map, Sirius had trouble locating Peter - he just couldn't seem to find his name anywhere. After wandering for a good half an hour, he had just about decided to give up when he spotted the least impressive marauder emerging from the dungeons. That's strange, he thought to himself, Peter doesn't take potions.

"Oi, Peter!" he yelled, catching the boy's attention before he could walk away.

"Padfoot, what are you doing down here?" asked a rather flustered looking Peter.

"I could ask you the same question," Sirius began in a vaguely suspicious voice but upon taking in his friend's rather ill looking appearance, he decided to take the caring approach. "Are you okay, mate; you're looking a little peaky." Peter's eyes darted left and right - as if searching for spies (the corridors were conveniently empty) - before he grabbed Padfoot by the arm and led him roughly into an empty classroom.

"Okay, you're starting to worry and/or bruise me, Pete. What's up?" Sirius demanded wrenching his arm free.

"I was in the Slytherin dungeons-" he began.

"What? Why?!"

"It's not important-" Peter tried to wave it off, but Sirius wouldn't have it.

"My mate skulking around in the enemy's common room - it bloody well is my business!" Sirius interjected, "Are you daft or something, Wormtail, you could've gotten yourself killed!"

"Don't be melodramatic, Sirius," replied the plump boy with more annoyance than he had probably ever used against his friends (which wasn't saying much, considering how spineless he was), "I was down there delivering a note to Agatha's cousin."

"I'm sorry, who and what?" Sirius replied, still completely lost.

"My girlfriend, Agatha, has a cousin in Slytherin and I had to deliver an urgent note as she was in class and has detention tonight," Peter lied easily, "But that's not what I have to tell you."

"It's okay, I believe you. I just… gosh - you have a girlfriend!"

"Well, if you and James paid attention to anything outside your own little bubbles you might realise that you're not the only ones with partners!"

"Sorry, Pete," Sirius said sincerely, which only doubled Peter's resolve to tell Sirius a part truth, "I had no idea we were being so self centred."

"Yeah, well, it pretty much goes with the self-centred territory," Peter pointed out before realising that he had been talking back to his friend. What was going on? He never stuck up for himself! Then again, maybe this new found confidence stemmed from his inclusion in another group - one that didn't always leave him out.

"Anyway, if that's all you had to do, then why do you look so anxious?" Sirius asked, "I mean, I know they're Slytherins, but like you said - it's melodramatic to assume the worst would happen."

"I was leaving Agatha's cousin's dorm when I heard some voices," Peter said, speaking in hurried tones, "Male voices - it was Mulciber, Travers and Avery - and they were talking about some bad stuff!"

"What do you mean?" Sirius replied in a low voice, anxious to hear what was clearly distressing Peter.

"I spied around the corner - I've finally worked out how to do that disillusionment charm, see? - and I saw one of them with the mark on his arm-"

"Death Eaters for sure then," Sirius said darkly, more to himself than to anyone else.

"Yeah, and they were talking about an attack. A planned one… tomorrow."

"Where?"

"London. The city centre. I sort of missed the main details but I think it's a muggle attack. You know, for fun? And I was just on my way to find you and Remus and tell you, 'cause we can't tell the ministry - who'd believe us? But - in London, tomorrow-"

"Prongs and Lily," Sirius finished, eyes wide with fear, "Come on, Pete, we have to warn them!"

And the two boys raced back to Gryffindor tower to find Remus and ask his advice. Sirius was eternally grateful to Peter for his excellent eavesdropping skills. Remus was vaguely suspicious of Peter's alibi or reason for visiting the dungeons, but he kept it to himself - no use causing a fuss over nothing. Peter, however, was feeling quite sick. He had no idea how he had gotten himself mixed up with those Slytherins and their Death Eater business. All he knew was he had finally felt useful and included among their number. He knew, deep down, that everything they stood for was wrong and immoral and while it grated on his conscience, the euphoric feeling of being included was just too good to pass up. Of course, he had been told about the proposed muggle-baiting but not invited (he had yet to join their ranks officially, and was wishing that he could in fact find a way out of it because he wasn't sure if he was ready to do their bidding).

Though he was a liar, and a traitor to boot, Peter still felt a strong loyalty to his friends - a loyalty that over time would give way to fear and weakness. But for now he still felt it his duty to warn them of harm. He knew Lily and James would be in danger outside of Hogwarts simply because they did not have Dumbledore's protection, but knowing that they would potentially be in London during the impending attacks was too much for him. He had to let them know, somehow, without arousing suspicion from his friends. He had debated whether the risk was worth it, but ultimately decided that the Slytherins would not know that he had warned his friends and as they weren't a particular target, they would not be missed come time for the attack. He also knew that Sirius and Remus would be hesitant to contact the Ministry or even Dumbledore due to interrogation and, of course, disbelief. The faster route would be to warn Lily and James - so that was what they did.

All in all, Peter Pettigrew was not a bad person. He was just misguided and undervalued - he sought to please as many as possible while keeping his interests at heart. So, yes, he felt a bit sick that afternoon but at the same time rather pleased of himself, for he knew that all would be well for Peter.

After being introduced to Vernon's parents - who were startlingly nice (if a little fake) people - Vernon's buoyant sister, Marge, his intimidating aunts, uncles, fat cousins and step cousins, Lily returned to her couch and resumed consumption of the now rather limp cucumber sandwiches. James had excused himself to the bathroom and was just washing his hands when he felt a rather warm and tingly sensation in his back pocket. Anxiously thinking that his wand had ignited in his back pocket (again) he hurriedly reached in and pulled out the offending object. It wasn't his wand randomly heating up his buttocks, however, it was the two-way mirror he and Sirius used to communicate with each other in detentions - glowing warmly as an indication that someone wanted to speak to him. James removed the silencing charm he had placed on the mirror (which was the excuse for the heat charm - sort of like placing a mobile on vibrate) lest one of Lily's relatives hear his back pocket speaking.

"Prongs!" Sirius cried, looking very pleased to see him.

"Shh!" James whispered, "I'm in the toilets at the hotel - anyone could hear you!" He backed into a cubicle and shut the door. "Okay, that's better. What's up?"

"So, how's the whole wedding thing going, then?" Sirius asked casually.

"If this is about you coming to the wedding then I'm sorry, no. You'd have to ask Lils, but it's really unlikely, Pads," James said, pre-empting Sirius' demands.

"Actually, that's okay. I sort of figured as much when you didn't write back straight away."

"Oh, that was because Lily's sister's fiancé and I got into an argument in front of her parents and I forgot to read your letter til this morning," James explained.

"You got into an argument in front of Evans' parents? Smooth, Prongs, real smooth," Sirius smirked.

"Is there a reason for this call, by any chance? Because I am at a muggle wedding you know?"

"Sure is. Actually, you might want to sit down for this," Sirius said, turning grave.

"What is it? Is someone hurt? Do I need to come home?" James asked anxiously.

"Sit!" Sirius ordered, before explaining what Peter had overheard in the Slytherin common room.

"So there are going to be attacks or muggle baiting or whatever in London tomorrow?" James repeated after a while, incredulity mixing with worry in his hazel eyes.

"Yes, and we can't alert the Ministry because we don't have any concrete evidence and because it'd compromise Pete. You know what they'd do to him when they found out he was spying on them."

"Yeah, but how would they find out?"

"You know Hogwarts - the walls have ears… or is it eyes, I forget. Anyway-"

"What about Dumbledore?"

"Remus said as prefect he might mention something to him, but again as we don't have any actual proof…" he trailed off.

"Besides, it might not even happen, right? I mean, you know those Slytherins - all talk, no show," he attempted a smile. James remained stony faced.

"Listen, Prongs, we just thought you should know, seeing as you're out of Hogwarts and all. We know you don't leave for London and then for Hogwarts until Wednesday, but we just thought we'd warn you. Just in case."

"Thanks, mate," James replied, regaining composure, "You're probably right, though, and it won't happen."

"Yeah, exactly…"

"So, how is Peter?"

"Hmm? Oh, dunno. He seemed pretty upset before but he and Moony just went down to the kitchens for afternoon tea so I suppose he'll be fine."

"Nothing a good custard cream can't fix for our Wormtail," James grinned.

"Exactly! Anyway, you'd better get back to your meet and greet," Sirius said, air quoting the words even though James couldn't see him.

"And you'd better get back to your over-zealous fiancée," James suggested nastily.

"Oi! Cheap shot!"

"I know, but I couldn't resist," then, catching the look on Sirius' face, he amended, "But really, things will work out fine."

"How do you know?"

"Don't know… it's a mystery," James said with a smile, "Trust me, it'll be right as rain soon."

"Mate, you have been spending too much time with the oldies!" Sirius chuckled.

"You sound like Lily. But whatever, I've got to go."

"Wait! I need to ask you something!"

"What?"

"What is your opinion on gravity?"

"Huh?"

"You know - the anti-height, anti-flying force that binds all creatures to the Earth with incredible power and strength?"

"See you later, Pads," James said with a classic rolling of the eyes.

"But-"

And then the image died on the mirror. Pocketing it again, James returned to the meet and greet, which eventually dissolved into dinner and then supper and before he knew it, it was time for bed.

"Lily, dear, this is your room," Meredith said, indicating to a tiny, one-bedded room with a small window and a connecting door to an ensuite bathroom.

"Thanks, Mum," she replied, "Night James."

"Night Lily," James said with that small besotted smile he did his best to hide around other people.

"And James, this is your room," Greg indicated to the door right next to Lily's room. "We'll see you both in the morning for breakfast and for the big day." He grinned unexpectedly, clapped James on the back then linked arms with Meredith and strode off down the hall, leaving James with two choices. One - go into Lily's room and keep her company for a bit. Or two - go to his own room and get a good night sleep so as to make a good impression on the rest of the family. Pushing open the door he realised that his room was exactly the same as Lily's except the door to his ensuite was on the right, whereas Lily's was on the left…hold on a minute.

James opened the door to the bathroom, to find a very surprised Lily brushing her teeth. Hastily spitting out the toothpaste froth and rinsing her mouth, Lily stared at James for a moment before giggling.

"Honestly, you'd think they would check that our rooms didn't connect!" she exclaimed.

"Hey, I'm not complaining," James said cheerfully, glad that he didn't have to sneak in to see Lily now.

"Me either - my room's terribly cold," Lily said.

"Mine has a fire place, and all," James pointed out.

"Yeah, it's a pity there's no wood or anything," Lily said dumbly.

"Lils, you're a witch, remember?" James said with a chuckle.

"Oh, right!" she mentally smacked herself. Stupid Lily! I can't believe James Potter still has that effect on you. Grow up! She pointed her wand at the fireplace "Incendio."

"Much better," James muttered appreciatively before collecting Lily in his arms for a grateful thank-you hug. Lily, now minty fresh and ready for bed, snuggled into her boyfriend, glad for the warmth and comfort he provided. Involuntarily she yawned, conveying how tired she actually was. James wasn't surprised - it would have been a very emotionally draining experience for anyone who had Petunia as a sister and Vernon as a future in-law.

"Come on, now, time for bed," he said, scooping her up bridal style. It's practice for the real thing, he thought before realising that it's this sort of foolish thinking that got Sirius into trouble.

"But my room's freezing!" Lily protested.

"Okay, you can sleep in my room where the fire is," James replied, perfectly happy as long as Lily was warm and comfortable.

"But that fire was for you - you should get to enjoy it," she mumbled - very much in danger of slipping into nonsense-speak.

"I'll enjoy it in spirit," James said, placing her down on the bed. Then, quite unexpectedly, the bed grew to double it's former size with the room expanding slightly to accommodate it.

"Wordless magic," Lily said by way of explanation, "Now hop in - I won't have this fire go to waste."

"Lils, are you s-"

"James, I'm tired. Please just get into bed so I can get to sleep!" demanded the sleepy redhead. James complied hastily - not wanting to keep his girlfriend waiting.

Slipping out of his shirt and pants so that he was clad in just a singlet, boxers and socks, he slipped in beside Lily who was on the fire side of the bed. He felt her
snuggle up to him, her back fitting snugly into his chest, his arm draping lazily around her stomach. They fit together perfectly - like two pieces of a puzzle. James could feel Lily's breathing slowing down and decided to have another stab at what he had been trying to say earlier before she could fall asleep.

"Lils, Lily? Are you still awake?" he whispered softly, his mouth close to the back of her ear. She made some sort of affirmative sound.

"Good, 'cause there's something I've been meaning to tell you," he said, taking confidence in the fact that in this position he had no chance of losing his train of thought from staring into those emerald eyes.
"I just wanted to say that this past month and a bit have been the best time of my life. I never want this to end. Just… just being around you makes me feel like I can take on anything - like I'm invincible. And at the same time, you can make me feel so absolutely vulnerable and helpless. I don't know how you do it, and to be perfectly honest it frightens me. Frightens the absolute shit out of me, Lils," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "But it's worth it. Because you're smart, funny, loyal, caring and compassionate… you're Lily Evans. The girl I've been trying to get to notice me since first year. And now that you have, as corny as it sounds, I feel like everything is right and like it should be. And the reason why is because I lo-"

Snore.

James felt his hopes droop just a little. She had fallen asleep during his little spiel about how much and why he loves her. He couldn't be sure exactly when she finally nodded off but he guessed it must've been pretty early - she couldn't have heard past invincible. Again James felt relief that Lily hadn't heard the extreme corniness of his speech (in his defence: it was late at night!). He was also relieved that he wasn't about to have his worst fears confirmed (ie if Lily said she didn't return his feelings) but, at the same time, he felt a nagging anxiety that maybe he was never going to get to tell her. Maybe fate was trying to tell him something…? Brushing it off as just plain bad luck, James held Lily closer to him, breathing her in and feeling at once that everything was going to be okay.

The next morning, James awoke feeling a little cold and empty. He then realised that Lily had gotten up and gone back to her own room to get ready for breakfast. Figuring he needed a shower, he strolled into the bathroom and did just that.

After a hasty buffet-style breakfast, Lily had to leave James to get properly done up for the wedding, which gave James a couple of hours by himself in a strange muggle hotel full of relatives that didn't belong to him. Walking around in a proper suit on a Tuesday morning - a school morning - made James feel like he was either in trouble and was attending some sort of hearing or like he was at a funeral. All in all, it was fairly dull, so he decided to write his father a quick letter to pass the time.

Hey Dad,

So, I'm at that wedding Lily told you about after Christmas - the one between her sister and some muggle called Vernon. And while I'm on the topic, my I just express my gratitude to you for not giving me such a ridiculous name - honestly, Vernon!

Anyway, I'm here at a hotel in the middle of who knows where with a bunch of muggles, none of whom I'm related to or have any history with. Lily's getting ready for the actual ceremony so I'm stuck here all alone. I have the urge to break into song about being all by myself. But I'm using self-restraint, Dad, you'd be proud.

Things with Lils and I are going swimmingly (I've been picking up the oldie-speak, please forgive me) and…

When did you tell Mum that you loved her? And how did you know? Did it just hit you all of a sudden or did it grow on you or, I don't know…

I tell you what, Dad, this being a teenager business is tricky. I don't want to get all mushy or anything, but I guess I can tell you anything, so here goes: I think I love Lily. Okay, so you already knew that. You would've guessed, I suppose, after meeting her at the interview what with calling her 'the one' and everything. But I mean really love her. And in love with her, too - if that makes sense? I'm talking long term commitment, 'til death do us part sort of love. But how do I know if now is the right time to tell her? I don't want to scare her off!

But I shouldn't even be bothering you with this stuff. It all seems pretty trivial when compared to the attacks and stuff that you have to deal with.

How's the fight against Voldemort going? People at school are starting to call him You-Know-Who. Day by day they're more frightened of him. Does that mean it's getting worse? The Prophet isn't as detailed as it used to be, I've noticed. Attacks aren't front page news anymore. Maybe this is because they want to avoid scaring people, but won't that just leave them unprepared for what's out there? Is the Ministry leaning on The Prophet?

Also, I don't know if I should tell you this, but Peter was eavesdropping in the Slytherin Common Room (don't ask why) and he overheard some of them (whom we suspect are Death Eaters but can't really do anything about) discussing a muggle baiting/attack that will take place in muggle London today. He didn't get specifics like time, exact location or who will be involved and he didn't have any evidence so they didn't owl the Ministry or tell Dumbledore, as far as I know. Besides, you know teenagers - all talk. But I thought I should tell you anyway - just in case, you know? I don't want you getting hurt or anything.

Anyway, I'd better go. I'm going to go and try to flatten this stupid hair. Sometimes, Dad, I wish I hadn't inherited that windswept look from you - it doesn't really impress the right people (ie potential future in laws).

Your handsome yet messy-haired son,

James

Lily's Occlumency Diary:

Well, the big day is finally here. Petunia's wedding, that is. Now that it's here I'm really not sure how I feel. At first, I was upset because I felt that her marriage would perhaps ensure that the rift between us will never heal. Then I was happy for her because she's finally found someone to make her happy, despite how much I may dislike him. Now I'm confused again.

I feel like it's a loss of innocence. A firm step in the direction of adulthood and responsibility. And I feel like once she's moved on into that next stage of life, so to speak, we will never be able to go back to the way we were before I went to Hogwarts - they way we were when we were children. But that will never happen - I have resigned myself to this fact, sad though it may be.

And I suppose we all have to grow up sometime or other. Growing up sometimes means growing apart from people who were once very important in your life. But sometimes it means growing closer to others who might come to mean a lot to you later. So I suppose it all evens out in the end…

I'd better go. It's fifteen minutes to the beginning of the ceremony.

The congregation stood as the bridal music began to play - pews had been set up in rows on the extensive gardens. A small wooden altar had been erected upon which stood a sombre looking priest and a confident looking Vernon. A small, blonde haired girl dressed in a hideous pastel pink gown and white sandals skipped down the aisle tossing flowers pell-mell. James smiled kindly at her. He was placed in the third row on the aisle seat and had both a good view of the procession and of the alter. His eyes followed the little girl, wondering who she was. As he turned back to look for the bride (who should rightly be the centre of everyone's attention) a flash of red passed him by. He looked forwards to see Lily's long auburn hair falling in softly curled tendrils down her back. She was wearing a floor length silk dress (to match the multiple other bridesmaids) in a pale baby blue colour, which actually looked good with her hair. The sleeves were indeed just big puffs of material sitting on the shoulders like blue meringues, and every available inch of hem was soaked in white lace; yet James thought Lily had never looked more beautiful before in her life. She and the other bridesmaids stood to Petunia's side of the ceremony, and the groomsmen to the other (the side upon which James had placed himself). James had to literally tear his eyes away from Lily in order to properly focus his attentions on the priest who was rambling on in a crackly voice about 'the sacred union of two souls in holy matrimony'. Later on in the ceremony, the surprisingly moving vows nearly brought a tear to the hardy marauder's eyes - he hadn't expected such a depth of emotion from two people so… repressed. When finally the groom was told her could kiss the bride, James chanced a glance at Lily - after all, he didn't think he could stand seeing the whale kissing the horse, no matter how in love they might be.

As her eyes caught his she felt that swooping sensation in her stomach - more powerful than it had been since they had begun dating. And that's when Lily worked it out. She did love James Potter - she was in love with him. And she was going to tell him just that. Shit!

AN - So Lily has finally admitted to herself that she's in love with James because before she was all unsure and Lily-esque about it.
This chapter had to finish there because otherwise it would be entirely too long. I've started writing the next chapter - Warning Signs - which involves the reception and ... i won't tell you because it will spoil it. but there's action. and valentine's day. and the L-word. SO stay tuned!
PS - i go back to school in a few days and my life is going to be insane (as i'm in year 12 and we're starting to prepare for the end of year exams which get us into uni and what not - so it's all fairly important stuff). I promised myself that i wouldn't allow fanfic to distract me...
So, i'm probably going to post one more chapter (which will be good - i promise) and then (because it will finish on a high note) put the story on hiatus for four and a half months (til november when exams are over). I never ever wanted to do that because i hate it when authors put stories on hiatus especially when they have cliffies and whatnot. but i will finish the chapter on a high note so that there are minimal loose ends to tie up and no-one will die of anxiety wanting to know what will happen next. I could feasibly finish the story, but there's more that i want to put in (sirius and cat's engagement issues, the question of whether or not remus will find a new girlfriend, more on what happens to peter, a massively epic argument/reconciliation with lily and james, potentially a tragedy or two and their graduation). Then there will be a sequel that will go right up to Lily and James' murder. But that will have to be a separate fic.
So I'm really sorry! I had no idea when i began this story that it would be so long or have so many wonderful readers who want it to keep going. I really appreciate all your encouragement, reviews/suggestions/support - and i really hope that you keep the story on story alert so that when it comes off hiatus in november you can continue to enjoy it.
SO stay tuned for the next (and final for a while) chapter. And please review! Thanks! happy fanficcing :)