It was like school all over again. James and Lily were embracing each other lovingly like a couple should do. Remus was smiling and scolding his other three friends of their behavior and correcting their mischievous antics. Peter was eating and avoided shifting his gaze around the floor as if he was ashamed to be around his friends. Sirius and Charlotte were acting like little puppies in love, nipping at each other affectionately and cracking little jokes to lighten up the already merry atmosphere. Due to James' gracious nature, the friends enjoyed a most pleasant meal and soon found themselves to be rubbing their full stomachs and groaning at the sight of the enormous cake that was brought forth to them for dessert. Charlotte smirked and wiped the frosting off her slice as she smeared it across Sirius' nose.

"Hey!"

"Well, hello Mr. Black."

"Ugh please. Makes me sound old. Anyway Ms. Striker, just why did you wipe your dessert onto my devilishly handsome face." she rolled her eyes and smiled to herself.

"Well...You got the devil part spot on, but I'm not too sure about the handsome part," she mumbled taking a large bite of her sweet vanilla cake. Sirius shook his head and grabbed her face as he wiped his nose onto hers. She protested at him for his childish antic but was soon silenced as he kissed off the frosting on her nose, cheek, and finally her lips. She shook her head and parroted his actions, except their lip lock was longer than the first time. James groaned at the sight and Sirius gave him a very rude gesture of the hand as he continued to kiss his girlfriend in public. Remus laughed unexpectedly, causing the two to break apart as the table stared at the werewolf in confusion.

"What may I ask is it that you find so hilarious?" Sirius asked dryly, obviously peeved at the sudden interruption. Remus shook his head and held up his hands defensively.

"It's just this whole afternoon. I wish things were like this all the time." Everyone spared a small smile. Even though they didn't voice it...they all agreed. They wished to return to simpler times when all they had to worry about was their latest Potions paper or not getting caught for their latest prank. Charlotte closed her honey eyes reminiscing the last of her last school year. A pang of guilt struck her and she opened them to find all eyes on her, curious.

"Guys...I'm sorry I was such a twit back in our seventh year." Sirius leaned in and kissed her nose.

"Honey, that was the past."

"No. You guys are my true friends...I was an idiot to think William could replace you guys."

"Charlotte. You don't want to talk about it...but what really happened that night when Sirius found you?" She blinked.

"Oh, yeah. First of all...Sirius how did you know where to find me?" Sirius sighed and leaned into his chair.

"I didn't. Your patronus did." she blinked once again.

"M-My patronus?"

"Your patronus is a fox, isn't it?"

"It was meant for the ministry." It was Sirius' turn to look at her reproachfully.

"It came into my room and led me to you." her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She was sure to tell it to go to the ministry. But as she thought about it...the last thing she did think of before sending it off was Sirius.

"You know, Sirius. It was you who made that Patronus powerful,"

"That's right! You always did suck with Patronuses," James wondered aloud. Charlotte drew back in shame. At school she could excel in any spell, but she found the Patronus charm to be exceedingly difficult as she could never think of a memory happy enough to fuel it...however when she sent that Patronus...she thought of Sirius and how with his simple touch made her so joyful and light. A small smile decorated her face and she leant into Sirius giving him another full kiss.

"What was that for?"

"For being my strength. Thank you, Sirius." He stared at her as if she had sprouted another head but shrugged and leaned into her as well, loving the feeling of her.

"I'll be your strength any day, Charlotte Striker." Remus rolled his eyes and Lily giggled when Sirius nuzzled his cheek into the crook of her neck.

"So, Padfoot. Are you going to start purring too?" Lily asked propping her head up on her elbow. Sirius shrugged weakly and growled lowly into his lover's flesh.

"Maybe,"

"Sirius, stop. Anyway. Many congratulations again you two." Charlotte smiled congenially. James and Lily thanked her at the same time and nodded their heads.

"So Pads. When are you going to propose?" James joked. Remus eyed the boy in question and awaited for his answer. Remus saw Sirius' eyes flicker in what looked like fear, and felt resentful of the good-looking boy again. However, when he turned to Charlotte who had the same unmistakable look of fear, he understood. Things were going too fast for the young couple and they were overwhelmed by their repressed feelings.

"Prongs, mate. We're not the ones who are engaged. Focus on yourselves." Remus thought it best to help them out as he cleared his throat.

"So, Lily. How long until the big day?"

"Oh? Oh! That's much too soon to answer already..."

"Nonsense! We should start planning now!" Charlotte exclaimed happily, wanting to help immediately.

"Charlotte...you will be my maid of honor right?" Charlotte blinked and cocked her head to the right.

"M-me? What about Petunia?"

"I doubt she would want to be my maid of honor, much less a bridesmaid, even though she is my only sister."

"Oh, Lily! I'd be delighted too!"

"Then I guess that makes you my best man, Padfoot!" James said grinning from ear to ear. Sirius looked reluctant at first but slapped himself mentally. James was practically his brother, it only made sense!

"Is that even a question, Prongs?" The girls looked to their boyfriends happily and hugged each other.

"Lily! Please leave all the wedding details to me! I'll take care of everything in three months' time!"

"T-Three months?"

"Darling, did you forget wizards are more efficient at managing time and getting things done than muggles." Lily nodded as she did not think of her and her friends' powers.

"I'll take care of everything. And I'm sure Sirius will love to help as well." Sirius gawked at his girlfriend but couldn't refuse as he saw her excited face. It was just too cute and he'd hated it if it was he who turned her cheery attitude sour.

"Fine." Sirius sighed at last in defeat. He never could say no to her. The two girls then proceeded to talk about more wedding details and the boys zoned out. Sirius took another bite of the cake and was nudged by James.

"You sure you want to do this? We could hire someone-"

"Don't worry about it Prongs. Charlotte really wants to do this for you guys because she loves you two too much."

"Yeah but are you okay with-"

"James, mate. You're my brother. I'd do anything for you." James gave up as he saw hsi three closest friends nodding in agreement.

"Thanks everyone. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedules to do this for us...for Lily."

"With the war going on, we don't want you to have another thing to worry about, James." Remus smiled sipping his coffee.

"You guys are the best." Sirius chuckled and nodded.

"Don't you forget about it," he whispered as the two stared at their excited girlfriends, happy to have someone to claim as their own.