MY DEARS!
This chapter is the longest I've written for this story yet, but I suspect you'll all be okay with that :P I really do hope you all enjoy this chapter!
OMG. YOUR reviews! You are all absolutely lovely and delightful! I know everyone hasn't read the last chapter, but it just means that when they get to this chapter they'll have plenty more to freak out on me about ;) ALSO. Dalliance has more than 300 reviews now?! OMG. Insane. I still can't believe it. It's now my second most reviewed story and it's simply craaazy. I will try and respond to them this weekend, school work has been mental and I've been writing with every scrap of spare time that I find.
I'm so happy everyone seems to like the girls, they are all dear to my heart and I'm overjoyed at your reaction to them!
Please leave a review and let me know what you think ;)
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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.
As always for Sable and Lais xxx and this chapter is dedicated to my darling, wonderful friend Henny *kisses*
Remus smells her before he sees her, caramel and vanilla filling the air. Remus extends his hand just in the nick of time as she careens around the corner-catching her in his arms, hands gently holding onto her upper arms.
He hears Hermione's breath catch in her throat, and her hands automatically move to his chest as she steadies herself.
When he pulls back enough to see her properly he's floored, stunned, gobsmacked. She looks absolutely gorgeous.
Hermione is wearing a tea-length lavender dress, with an illusion neckline, the clear material across her collarbones and shoulders is littered with tiny dark purple sparkles, the dress comes in at her waist, and flares out and almost looks like it's floating, and on her feet are four inch cream heels. In her ears are a pair of amethyst studs that Dorea lent her.
"Well good morning to you too, love," Remus smirks, "you look stunning."
Hermione blushes, averting her eyes from his for a second, before responding, "thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."
Remus is wearing clean cut formal black robes with a white button down underneath it. He's only done up the middle buttons on the robes, so that he doesn't feel too restrained. He may be feeling much better today than he was yesterday, but Moony was still a bit on edge. His black trousers are well fitted and he's wearing a pair of black leather shoes that he loaned from Charlus-he'd had to enlarge them slightly but otherwise it was fine. He'd even combed back his hair, which was an odd feeling and he had the incessant urge to run his hand through it.
"Are you okay today?" Hermione asks, the blush fading as a worried look passes over her features.
"I'm fine."
"You were sleeping for two days straight after the full moon and you only woke up yesterday around midday...I'm just worried that you're pushing yourself," Hermione frowns, her fingers gently pressing against him a touch harder for a moment.
Remus reaches up to stroke her cheek fondly, and he can't help but smile when she inadvertently leans into his touch, "I'm okay Hermione. I've been better, but I'll live. Today is about James and Lily and I'm not going to spoil it for them."
Hermione looks at him dubiously, squinting at him and she taps his chest twice. "If you feel ill at all then don't push yourself." Hermione sighs, and she gnaws on her bottom lip absentmindedly, "I still have to go and check that all the decorations are in place, that are the flower arrangements are complete...and have you seen Mipsy or Kreacher?"
"Kitchen about an hour ago. Why?" Remus quirks an eyebrow.
"Not killing each other I hope. There are far too many sharp objects in there with how heated they get in an argument," Hermione sighs in exasperation, letting her cheek completely fall into the palm of his hand.
"They were keeping it civil I think," Remus chuckles lightly, "focusing on cooking."
"I offered to get some outside help cooking all the food, but Mipsy insisted she could manage," Hermione commented absently, but he suspects it is more of a mental note spoken aloud rather than anything else.
"Do you need any help?" Remus asks, thumb moving back and forth across her cheek. Hermione smiles sweetly at him and warmth builds in his chest at the sight.
"No, thank you. Dorea and I have a handle on it-" Hermione says, but then she purses her lips, "-actually, can you make sure James is still in one piece and that Sirius isn't doing anything too reckless? Please."
"That's my job. Didn't you know?" Remus smiles wryly. "How did Charlus's transfiguration of Harry and Ron's features go by the way?"
Hermione's eyes widen, as if she had completely forgotten all about it. "I'm not sure. I haven't seen either of them for the morning. Gosh. I should go and check," Hermione rambles, and then she does something wholly unexpected by either party. She turns her head and kisses the palm of Remus's hand.
Remus isn't entirely sure she notices what she did, because then she's stepping out of his embrace and hurrying off in the direction she had been going before she almost crashed into him. Calling over her shoulder, "I'll see you at the ceremony!"
Remus glances over his shoulder and sees her honey brown curls bouncing as she practically jogs in her heels, the sunlight from the windows on the left hand side of the corridor is shining on her and she seems to glow. Remus shakes his head softly. Hermione Granger certainly is something else.
Right. Off to find the best man and his other groomsmen, Remus thinks to himself, heading East to the other side of the house.
"Thank Godric you're here, Moony. Can you talk some sense into this wanker?" Sirius says exasperatedly, throwing his hands into the air-he's only wearing a tight pair of black trousers and black dragonhide shoes, his chest is bare, and his shoulder length hair is still slightly damp.
"By 'this wanker' I assume you mean, Prongs?" Remus asks curiously, shutting the door behind him with a soft click.
Frank, Sirius and James are all gathered in James's bedroom, and nothing looks amiss, aside from the fact that Remus doesn't see James.
Frank is sitting backwards on James's wooden desk chair, arms laying across the top and his chin is resting on top of his forearms. It's the first time Remus has seen him since Hermione's memories and a thick wad of emotion stuffs his throat like a pile of cotton balls, and he has to fight to swallow. Somehow he manages to shoot a bright smile at his friend in greeting.
Frank is dressed similar to Sirius, with the exception that he has a long sleeved white button down on already. Frank's shoes are so shiny you can see your reflection in them.
Frank is about the same height as James, with a stockier build, rounded bright blue eyes, curly blond hair, dimples, a long, slightly crooked nose since he'd broken it in a brawl with a Ravenclaw boy that had tried to make moves on Alice in their Seventh year, and he had insisted that it heal naturally without any magical assistance. There are smile lines around his mouth and a small scar on his forehead above his left eyebrow, where he had been nicked by a cursed blade on one of their first Order missions.
"Mate. He's been in the bathroom for the last twenty minutes, won't come out," Frank drawls in his deep voice, jerking his chin in the direction of the bathroom-which is hidden from this angle because of the cupboards that line the right hand side of the room until they reach the bathroom door.
"Really?" Remus raises an eyebrow.
"Really," Sirius sighs dramatically, pacing back and forth. "I tried to get him to come out, but nothing. He's freaking out and I'm not sure why. We were laughing one second, next he looks like he's about to be ill and he rushes into the bathroom."
Remus exhales deeply.
Remus takes long strides across the room, and he stops just short of the door, placing a hand on the doorknob. He listens carefully and he can hear James muttering in circles to himself.
"Alohomora," Remus whispers-wandlessly unlocking the door-he hears the click signalling that the latch in the lock has released and he twists the doorknob, easily stepping into the room, partially shutting the door behind him as he looks about.
The bathroom window is shut, so the only light in the room is coming from the rays of light that are pushing into the darkness from the bedroom.
The counter is in slight disarray, James's toothbrush half dangling into the sink, his toothpaste is uncovered, it seems like every cologne that James owns is gathered on the left hand side, his brush has haphazardly been left on the right hand side next to his toothpaste.
James himself is wedged between the toilet-which is next to the bathroom counter-and the lip of the shower. Remus is surprised that his friend isn't in the shower itself.
James looks up sharply when he hears Remus enter, his hands are threaded through his messy hair, his glasses are halfway down the bridge of his nose, his outer robes are thrust on the ground at his feet.
"M-Moony," James stutters out, his voice shaky.
Remus slowly approaches his friend, sensing that James's flight instincts from Prongs is kicking in. When he reaches James, he lowers himself onto one knee, the other touching his chest as he cautiously places his hands on James's. James stiffens and Remus waits a moment before gently removing James's hands from his hair; cradling them when he brings them down to rest on James's raised knees.
"What's going on, Prongs?" Remus asks softly, and James looks up at him, eyes wide, his hazel irises almost entirely consumed by his dark pupils due to the lack of light in the room.
"What if it's not real, what if I wake up after I kiss her and this has all been some wonderful yet terribly cruel dream? I wake up in the Gryffindor Tower, in my old bed back in Fifth year when she detested me for what I did to Snape."
"That's ri-"
"Ridiculous?" James asks harshly, "my mind is going a million miles an hour and some twisted part of me has been screaming that Lily can't possibly love me because I'm worthless and arrogant and pathetic."
James's hands are shaking in Remus's and Remus squeezes them, with just enough pressure for James to look him in the eye.
"Lily Evans, soon to be Lily Potter loves you something terrible. You know it better than I do," Remus says firmly, letting go of one of James's hands and placing his hand on James's nape, leaning his head forward until their foreheads are pressing together-James's skin is cool compared to how hot his always runs.
"I don't deserve-"
"I'm going to cut you off right there," Remus says softly, but the edge to his tone is evident and James simply nods once-a gentle, tiny motion. "First of all you can tell that twisted part of you to fuck off because it couldn't be more wrong. You are good, James Potter. Good. You aren't that arrogant and immature fifteen year old boy anymore. You've done so many good things, you're loyal, brave, possibly certifiably insane but that doesn't change the fact that you are one of my best mates for a reason."
There's a silent moment where both of their minds drift off to what used to be the fourth member of their unbreakable group of brothers. They are more than just friends, they are pack, brothers, family. It would take a long time to recover fully from the blow that Peter had bashed them on the back of the heads with, but they could do it together. Both of the boy's eyes meet and they understand exactly what the other is thinking.
"Thank you, Moony...sometimes I think you're too good for us," James smiles, and his confidence is returning, it's evident from just how bright his smile is-it practically lights up the dimly lit space.
"Prongs, I'm definitely too good for you-" Remus teases, his voice taking a slightly more serious tone a few seconds later, "-now let's get out of here so you can marry the love of your life. Deal?"
"Deal." James smirks.
The wedding itself is being held in a small clearing in the Orchards not too far from the house, the surrounding trees have garlands of cornflowers, bluebells (which were incredibly difficult to source so early in the year but Dorea had a friend that had been able to provide enough for the wedding), and primroses wrapping around them. A small arch is at the front of the clearing, with white and navy blue fabric loosely hanging and pulled to the sides-tied to the columns-strings of small blue and white wildflowers are hanging down from the top of the arch.
Standing in front of the arch, joking about and talking are the Marauders, Frank and a few of their friends.
The majority of the guests have arrived already and are conversing happily amongst themselves, standing in front of the fold out white chairs that Hermione had rented out from a muggle company for the day.
The sun is brightly shining through the tree leaves and there's a airy and magical feel to the air, as if nature itself knows that something exciting and life changing is about to occur. Remus looks up and sees that hiding in the tree branches-high enough that most people wouldn't be able to see them-are tree sprites, their thin and leafy bodies almost indiscernible to leaves to all of the guests aside from him. Their big eyes are earnestly taking everything in, and Remus can vaguely, just barely hear them making excited clicking noises.
Remus's attention is drawn away when he catches a whiff of Hermione through all of the musky colognes and flowery and fruity perfumes that had been assaulting his nose since he had come out here-the fresh air thankfully diluting them. He looks up and sees her, Dorea and what he assumes must be Harry and Ron in disguise coming down the aisle.
Hermione, (possible) Harry and Ron take seats in the front row quickly and quietly. Remus shoots Hermione a tiny smile before Dorea begins to speak and his full attention shifts to her.
"Thank you all for coming, Lily shall be here in a few moments, and then we'll get started," Dorea says giddily, almost sounding like a young schoolgirl, she then claps her hands together and moves to take one of the empty seats beside Hermione. The remaining one reserved in their row at the end-on the left hand side-is for Charlus.
Everyone shifts to their places for when the ceremony begins, including the Ministry official who will be conducting the ceremony. Frank clears his throat beside Remus, and he can't help but think about how Frank said that he is going to propose to Alice tonight after they get home from the reception. I wish him the best of luck, Remus thinks absently.
Then as Remus looks out at the entrance to the clearing to wait for Lily he spots something peculiar. For a moment he thinks he's seeing things, because at the very back, on the left hand side is Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. What on earth are they doing here? Narcissa's gaze is locked on a trio on Remus's right hand side, and she is clutching her husband's hand tightly. Remus's eyes widen a fraction when he sees that she's staring at Andromeda, Ted Tonks and their daughter-whose hair hasn't stopped changing colour since he laid eyes on her, she's a rambunctious child and her head is currently tipped to the sky. Remus shakes his head at the sight, she must be a handful.
Remus tears his eyes off the odd sight of the estranged sisters gathered in such close proximity, at Potter Manor of all places and decides instead to look at James. Looking at his best mate now, no one would be able to tell that twenty minutes ago he was locked away in a dark bathroom having a panic attack.
He's so busy studying his friends he doesn't notice that the bridesmaids have already begun to walk up the aisle, and when he finally sees them, they are all settling in across from him.
He re-focuses on James, and watching him is the best decision he's made all day, because he sees the exact moment that his best mate sees his future wife-from the back Remus can hear the sound of a camera shutter from the professional photographer Dorea hired who is capturing the very moment Remus is seeing unfold.
James's mouth parts, and immediately he begins to tear up, but he's grinning like a madman, he sniffs loudly as he watches in wonder as Lily enters the clearing.
Remus turns to see his redheaded friend, his stubborn and fiercely loyal friend slowly walking towards them. He has to blink rapidly and he can't help the broad grin on his face as he takes her in.
Lily is on Charlus's arm as he walks her down the aisle in place of her late Father.
Lily is wearing an empire styled dress that's as white as freshly fallen snow, the delicate sleeves are on the very edge of her shoulders, a lacy, sheer trim is wrapping around her body just under her bust from there the silky fabric falls loosely. She's holding a beautifully arranged bouquet of cornflowers, primroses, harebells (which he knows are also not in season) and some sprigs of baby's breath.
She's wearing dangly sapphire and diamond earrings that glint and catch the light, a sapphire necklace-the stone is small and modest-around her neck that ends just before the swell of her breasts with a silver chain. Remus knows that she's borrowing Dorea's white heels and that the small silver tiara nestled on the crown of her head with delicate curves and intricate details, adorned with small sapphires and diamonds belonged to Dorea's great grandmother.
James lets out a soft, breathy laugh when Lily sways from side to side, dancing the last few steps before she reaches James, halting right beside him, and Remus sees that tiny sprigs of baby's breath are in Lily's elaborate and elegant bun, standing up sharply against her dark red locks.
"Damn Lilypad, you clean up nice," Sirius whistles, and Lily turns around just to meet his eyes-he's standing slightly behind James off to the side, on Remus's right-and calmly she says, "Sirius Black, behave, you can get on like an idiot at the reception."
Sirius chuckles lowly and winks at her before she turns back to the Ministry official.
Remus recalls that Regulus is somewhere in the crowd; he passed by him fully decked out in formal emerald green robes earlier. Why the younger Black came to mind he's uncertain, perhaps it's because Sirius has yet to properly sit down and talk to him.
"My fellow witches and wizards, we are gathered here today to celebrate and witness the union of James Galieus Potter and Lily Jane Evans," The Ministry official starts in a chirpy voice, his spectacles are on the tip of his nose as he glances down at his little black leather bound book. He's a short, stout man with a wide gut, small feet, short, dark curls and warm, rosy cheeks.
"Before we begin, I must ask if there is anyone against this marriage for any reason?" The question is met with silence and then with a jolly hum the man continues, "good, everything seems in order."
Remus clasps his hands together in front of him and thinks that it's incredibly sweet that Lily and James can't help but sneak glances at each other and secretive smiles.
"The bride will say her vows first," the Ministry official says cheerily.
Lily swallows and she hands her bouquet off to Marlene who steps forward immediately, she smiles gratefully at her friend before turning to James, taking his hands in hers.
"I, Lily Jane Evans, soon to be Potter, vow to love you for the rest of my days. I swear to be there for you when you need a friend and someone to listen, or just a companion. I will never abandon you, I will make sure you don't make an absolute arse of yourself-" Lily pauses when a short round of laughter erupts, her red painted lips spreading into a radiant smile, "-I will fight for and alongside you, I vow to trust you and to be faithful.
If someone told me when I was thirteen that I would be marrying the boy who followed me around with lilies and used to flirt with me relentlessly, I would have told them they were mental. Now I can't picture marrying anyone else. I love you James Potter and even though you drive me absolutely nuts, there's no one I'd rather be with for the rest of my life."
James tips his head upwards for a moment, swallowing thickly and Remus can tell that he's fighting the tears that are threatening to spring free from his eyes to race down his cheeks. James lightly stomps his foots and then looks back down at Lily with adoration in his eyes.
Remus reaches up to stroke his chin, but ends up absently fiddling with his lip ring for a second before his hand drops back down to his side again.
"Now the groom will say his vows."
James takes a deep breath, his Adam's apple moving jerkily before he speaks, "I, James Potter, vow to love you for the rest of my days. To treasure you, care for you. Be there when you need me, to remain faithful and try my best to ensure that your beautiful smile stays as bright as it is now."
James stops, shaking his head lightly and Remus sees a single tear rolling down his cheek, which sets Lily off and there are tears brimming in her eyes that she's fighting.
"I vow to fight alongside you and for you. To never betray you, to trust you, to love you. To laugh at all your corny jokes, to make sure you never feel like you are any less of an amazing person than you are.
If someone told me that I would be marrying the girl who used to hex me when I chased after her with lilies, and who I attempted to flirt with-albeit badly-I would have told them that was just a dream, a good one, but a dream. I promise to cherish you from every moment henceforth until my dying breath. There's no one I can even imagine marrying, and no one I would want to marry. I love you Lily Jane, and I always will."
There are happy tears flowing amongst those gathered behind them, and from both the bride and groom. Dorea is dabbing at her eyes with a dainty pale blue handkerchief, Charlus's eyes are shining with unshed tears, Hermione is sniffing softly whilst smiling, and the (possible) Harry and Ron are both crying freely. Unbeknownst to Remus, Mipsy had showed up right before the vows and is currently sitting in Dorea's lap, fat tears pouring from her wide eyes.
"Now if you will both repeat after me in order for the bond to be sealed, you will start with your name and continue from there."
"I, Lily Evans-"
"I, James Potter-"
"take this witch or wizard to be my lawfully and magically bonded spouse from now until the day I depart from this earth."
Lily and James chorus together, their voices blending together, dancing, swirling and twirling around each other. "Take this witch-"
"Take this wizard-"
"To be my lawfully and magically bonded spouse from now until the day I depart from this earth."
The air is crackling with magical essence, and the Ministry official raises his wand, mumbling some complex strings of words that Remus doesn't care to pay too much attention to, and Lily and James's hands begin to glow a bright gold, and almost blinding tongues of light weave themselves around Lily and James's intertwined hands.
It only intensify as the man chants and then as it builds and builds and builds, suddenly it simply bursts, a small wave of air hastily whooshing away from James and Lily. Their hands glow for a moment longer, and then the tongues of light sink into their skin and fade, and there's a faint humming noise in the air.
"I now proclaim you husband and wife! Your magical cores are tied together and your lives forever bound. You may now kiss the bride!"
Remus feels another intangible string that is linking Lily and James, he can sense it through the pack bond that they share and it brings him great joy.
There are exuberant cheers when James gently tugs Lily to him, interlocking his fingers around her lower back and pressing his lips to hers.
The moment is perfect and bright and brimming with joy, the clearing bursting with magical energy as the glowing ceases.
Then it is harshly interrupted by a sharp crack, and standing at the end of the aisle, feet away from Lucius and Narcissa is Orion Black.
A look of pure fury is on his face and he begins to stalk forward, wand extended, and Remus catches a glimpse of the small figure at his heels-it's Kreacher. "Dorea!"
Fucking hell. Couldn't we have one good day where no shite happens? Is that too much to ask? Remus thinks sourly, reaching into his robes for his wand. Honestly. The nerve of some people.
Before anyone else can react, Dorea is already at the end of the aisle, mere feet away from Remus. Calmly, holding herself in a dignified and relaxed manner she says, "stupefy."
The burst of red light that flashes from her wand slams into the approaching, wrath filled Orion and his legs keep moving even as his eyes roll back in his head and as his body falls forward.
There is a tense silence then, no one dares to move. Then Dorea tucks her wand behind her ear, claps her hands together still facing the guests and says jovially, "the reception is going to be held in the backyard of the Manor under a navy blue tent. There's plenty of refreshments and food to go around."
Well wasn't that fun ;)
Indieblue xxx
