"What about this one?" Rhia pulled a snow-white robe from the rack they
were looking over.
"A bit low, don't you think?" Lily said, wrinkling her nose.
"Fine, then." Rhia sighed and put it back on the rack. They had been looking at wedding robes for nearly an hour and Lily still hadn't found one she liked.
"I'm sorry," Lily apologized, "I just need to find the perfect one."
"I know, I know." She rolled her eyes, but smiled, knowing how much this all meant to her friend. "Just hurry, I'm going somewhere for dinner."
"Oh? Where?" Lily looked at her from the stack of robes she was going through.
"Well..." Rhia blushed, twisting her hands in the fabrics. "Since Annie went back to school, he thought it would be a good time to...you know, have dinner. With his parents."
"Oh, Rhia!" Lily's face brightened. "What time are you going? Do you need some help getting ready? Are you bringing anything?"
"Six, no, and yes, some flowers." She replied shortly, very nervous about it all.
"Lily Evans?"
Both girls turned around abruptly, staring at the dark figure that stood in the door of Madam Malkin's.
"Severus...what a surprise." Lily said, managing a small smile.
"And Miss O'Leary." Severus' dark eyes glanced over Rhia before returning to Lily.
"What brings you here?" Rhia asked civilly.
"Teacher's robes." He replied shortly.
"You're going to be a teacher?" Lily asked.
"Yes, I'm taking classes with the wolf." He nodded and it took all of Rhia's restraint to k keep from strangling him. "What are you doing in this dusty old shop?"
"Erm...buying my wedding robes." Lily said uncomfortably.
Severus coughed harshly. "Wedding robes?" he sputtered.
"Yes," Rhia snapped, "so if you wouldn't mind..." She nodded towards the door.
"Oh Rhia, don't be so rude!" Lily admonished, and pulled him into the shop. She took out the white robes Rhia had showed her earlier. Putting them up to her body, she twirled and looked at Snape. "What do you think, Severus? Are they me?"
Severus eyed her as she spun, wishing all the time that James Potter had never been born. "I think...I think they're a little too low." Lily laughed, and a shiver went up Severus' spine.
"I quite agree!"
Severus glanced off to the right, and spotted the most beautiful robe he'd ever laid eyes on. While Rhia was busy fussing over the state of a few robes Lily was looking at, he slipped over and pulled it off the rack. It was the last one of its kind, and looked as if it would just fit Lily. He brought it over to her.
"How about this one?" he offered quietly. When Lily turned, she gasped. It was pure white with golden trim thread, a long train, and perfect length everywhere. She held it up to herself, and looked down. Even Rhia couldn't speak. When Severus glanced at her, he thought she looked more beautiful than the most precious angel in Heaven.
"Its amazing, Severus...its perfect." Lily hurried over to the counter, and gingerly placed them down. "I'll take these, Madam." When she turned to thank Severus, he was gone.
"What was that?" Rhia furrowed her brow, staring at the spot he had been in a moment ago.
"Where did he go?" Lily asked, giving Madam Malkin some money.
"He just...Disapparated." She said. "Had this funny look on his face too, like someone was ripping out his heart."
"Oh, Rhia." Lily rolled her eyes.
"He adores you, Lil." She said. "Worships the ground you walk on."
"I hate to hurt him, but..." Lily sighed and took the package from Madam Malkin. "Come on, let's go."
"Alright." Rhia said, avoiding the subject as they left.
~*~
Lily paced back and forth, wringing her hands and trying to listen through the floor.
"Stop that, you'll drive yourself insane." Petunia snapped, brushing some dust off of her spotless dress.
"I feel insane." Lily murmured as she chewed on her lip. "Insane and nervous and ready to cry."
"Oh, my little baby girl." Mrs. Evans sobbed, her handkerchief in her fluttering hands. "I'm losing you and you're not yet nineteen!"
"Mum, it's all right." Lily assured her, feeling the complete opposite.
"Do you have everything?" she asked.
"No." Lily shook her head. "Something new, my dress. Something borrowed, Rhia's pearl earrings. But something old and something blue, I haven't found." She jumped a little as someone knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" called Mrs. Evans.
"Remus and Rhia!"
"Oh, come in!" Lily cried, throwing the door open.
Remus walked in, his arms laden with packages, and Rhia right behind him.
"Lily, you look ravishing!" Rhia whispered, hugging her friend tightly.
"Like an angel." Remus kissed her cheek. "I'd do what James told me to do, but you'd slap me."
"I would." Lily grinned, her insides a bit more settled.
"Here, we come bearing gifts." Rhia took a package from Remus's arms.
"Oh, you didn't need to." Lily shook her head, her hands wrapping around the silver tea set.
"Yes, we did." Remus objected. "This one's from Annie."
"It's lovely." Lily set the framed picture of their little group on her vanity, staring fondly at the spectacled, black haired young man on the far right.
"This is from James." Rhia laid a layer of delicate tulle in her arms. "He said it was his mum's and he wants you to wear it."
"How sweet." Mrs. Evans voiced Lily's thoughts as she put the veil atop her daughter's head.
"And this...well, this is from a classmate of mine at the teaching academy." Remus handed her a small white box. Lily gave him a funny look and opened it.
"Oh, my..." She pulled out a sapphire and diamond bracelet, holding it up to the sunlight. It was quite heavy, giving away it's cost. A card fell onto her lap and she opened it.
To the future Mrs. Lillian E. Potter, Best wishes on your wedding day. I thought that this would be sufficient enough for 'something blue'. Yours truly, Severus Snape III
Lily stared at the paper as Rhia fastened the bracelet about her wrist. It was even heavier than it seemed and she held her arm aloft with little force.
"Now that all that's done, they told me to tell you they're ready." Remus said, clapping his hands in excitement. Lily's butterflies immediately returned.
"So let's go already." Petunia grumbled.
"Oh...oh Rhia..." Lily grabbed Rhia's hand. "I'm so nervous. What if something goes wrong? What if I'm a horrible wife? What if-"
"Lily, nothing's going to go wrong! James has known you for how long? If he thought you'd be a horrible wife, he wouldn't be marrying you. Now just relax. You're about to marry the man of your dreams. Smile! This is supposed to be a good thing." Lily beamed through her already-falling tears and walked out the door. Petunia and Mrs. Evans followed. Rhia was about to exit when Remus grabbed her hand.
"You're so calm, its really helping her," he complimented her as he pulled her close. She giggled.
"Someone's got to stay sane today. Might as well be the maid of honour."
Remus tightened his grip and kissed her softly. It took her breath away. "You're going to make a wonderful, perfect wife someday yourself," he whispered. Rhia couldn't speak; all she could do was to stare into Remus' grey eyes.
"Rhiannon!" She heard Sirius' voice before she saw him. He poked his head in the door the next second. "We're on."
Remus gave Rhia one more kiss before hurrying to his seat. Rhia walked to Sirius, a little unsteadily.
"Ready?" he asked her.
"Like it matters to me, its not my big day," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Yeah. Right, Ms. Perfectionist. You're just preparing Remus, aren't you?" Rhia glared at Sirius as they made it to the entrance doors. Then she grinned.
"Oh, just shut up and walk me down the isle."
"Never thought I'd hear that coming out of your mouth!"
"The same for you, Mr. Ladies Man!" Rhia jabbed him in the side with her elbow.
"Ow!" he hissed.
"Shh, they're staring." Rhia regained composure as they approached the altar where Dumbledore stood.
"Good, you've made it." James mumbled nervously.
"Did you think we wouldn't?" Sirius cocked an eyebrow.
"No," He shook his head, "it just assures me that she's coming."
"She's coming." Rhia said. "Don't worry, it's your day, she wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Is everyone here?" he asked, glancing about the room. "Did her parents make it? What about Annie? Sirius, is your mum-"
His worryings stopped abruptly as a beautiful red-haired angel in white came gliding down the aisle on her father's arm, smiling somewhat nervously.
"You're here." He breathed after she kissed her father and took his outstretched hand.
"Sorry I'm late." She whispered. "My dress got stuck on the stairs."
Sirius, hearing this, pulled a face and it was all James could do to keep from laughing.
The ceremony that followed was a beautiful one, a mixture of the old wizarding ways that had been done for centuries and of the Muggle way Lily's parents had been married. Dumbledore presided and all went well, excluding the part where Petunia grunted loudly. Or when Rhia burst into tears of joy.
"It's not even your wedding!" Sirius laughed as they strolled back down the aisle again after Dumbledore had announced Mr. and Mrs. James Malcolm Potter.
"I know," she cried, tears still streaming down her face, "but it's so beautiful!"
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Stop blubbering, you'll have your own wedding soon enough." He teased.
"Oh, hush." Rhia replied with a little smile through her tears as they walked into the hall where Lily and James were waiting, greeting guests.
"Mr. Potter." Sirius hugged his best friend before turning to Lily, kissing her cheek. "And Mrs. Potter."
"Sirius, please." Lily cautioned, though Rhia could tell she was very happy with her new title as she blushed pleasantly.
"I can't believe you both went through with it!" Peter cried, walking up to them.
"They've been in love for eight years, Wormtail." Remus said as he and Annie joined them. "Why wouldn't they go through?"
"I'm so happy for you both!" Annie cried, clasping Lily's hand. "I can't stay very long, I've got to get back to school, but I'm so pleased!"
"We're glad that you came." James smiled.
"Oh, Lily! Lily, darling!" Mrs. Evans cried, pantomiming something wildly.
"What the hell is she doing?" Remus asked.
"She wants me to throw the bouquet before the cake." Lily replied, rolling her eyes. "She desperately wants Petunia to catch it."
"Wish I could stay, Lily, Prongs," Peter said, his eyes darting towards the door, "but I'm being summoned. You know how that is."
"Of course." James nodded.
"Again, so happy for both of you." Peter shook James's hand and kissed Lily's cheek before walking out.
"Your mum's about to have an aneurysm, Lil." Remus said, slipping an arm about Rhia's waist.
"Then I guess I'd better go throw it." Lily smiled and walked away with James. A dozen or so girls gathered in a bunch, waiting for her.
"Try to catch it, hmm?" Remus whispered to Rhia. "That way, I'll have an excuse to marry you."
"Okay." Rhia said, her heart beating fast as she hurried over to the hoard of girls. Lily smiled at them and tossed the flowers into the air. Rhia jumped, reached, felt something in her hand, and grabbed...then felt it slip out of her grasp.
"She's got it!"
Rhia turned to see Annie clutching the bouquet, an embarrassed-yet-pleased look on her face.
"Good job." Lily smiled widely.
"Very good job." Sirius leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"Sirius," Remus snarled, pulling him back
"What?" Sirius grinned.
"Don't you even think about marriage, she's only seventeen." He ordered.
"I've already gotten her into bed, Remus." Sirius said in a cocksure tone of voice. "The only thing left is to marry her."
Remus scowled and moved between him and his sister.
And while many celebrated the union of Lily and James Potter, others walked quietly over a dark hill in the dead of night.
Peter shivered as he, Lucius, Severus, Crabbe, and Goyle approached the dark house that the Dark Lord had summoned them to.
"Whatever you do, Pettigrew, just keep your mouth shut." Severus ordered. "He doesn't want bumbling idiots for servants."
"P-perhaps it would be better if I d-didn't use my name." Peter mumbled.
"Well, what the hell would we call you?" Lucius spat.
"I-I don't know...Wormtail, maybe." He suggested.
"Fine." Severus said as Crabbe knocked on the door.
"Password?"
"Mushussu." Goyle muttered dully.
The door creaked open to reveal a large, dirty, destroyed ballroom. About thirty people stood around, their heads covered by their hooded cloaks. A large green fire flickered in the middle of the room and a tall, skinny, black-haired man stood behind it.
"Who approaches?" He called out. His voice was cold and eerily high- pitched.
"Malfoy, Snape, Crabbe, Goyle, and a friend." Lucius announced for them all.
"A friend?" The man moved from behind the fire. "Who might you be?"
"W-Wormtail." Peter mumbled, staring into his face. He was very thin and pale, with near-white eyes and jet-black hair.
"Wormtail?" He raised a thin eyebrow and Peter shivered. "Well, Wormtail, what brings you here among us.evil Death Eaters?"
"I...I respect and admire your greatness, My Lord." He said. "I wanted to j- join your ranks."
"Malfoy, Snape, why do you bring this sniveling filth to me?" Voldemort turned to the others.
"Milord," Lucius knelt at his feet. "Wormtail is very, very good friends with Potter and his new wife."
"Oh." Voldemort's face twisted into a wicked grin.
~*~
Back at the reception, the party was slowly winding down. The guests slowly started to leave and soon it was just the Marauders sitting around a single table.
"Well, I think it's time we were off." Lily said, standing up. James looked up at her.
"Why, Lil? The party's not over yet!"
"James...dear." Lily smiled sweetly. "Don't you think it's time we were...leaving...?" She leaned down and kissed James' cheek. He blushed and suddenly jumped up.
"Oh! Right! Of course!" He turned to their friends, who were all smiling and smirking. "Ah, shut up, all of you. We'll see you soon, okay? Lily and I are thinking of Apparating to France for our honeymoon!"
And with that, they disappeared.
Sirius chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Lucky bastard." He yawned.
"Oh, you're exhausted. Why don't you head back to the flat, I'll see you there soon?" Rhia suggested. Sirius smirked.
"Whatever you say. Have fun, Moony!" Then he disappeared as well. Rhia blushed at his comment.
Remus turned to look at her, and she averted her eyes. "Rhia..." he started.
She looked up at him. "Yeah?" she responded, her stomach all a-flutter. Could he...could he possibly be...?
"Rhia..." he said again, making her want to scream at him. Say it, Remus! "Rhia...move in with me."
"What?" she asked, the butterflies dropping dead.
"Move in with me." He repeated, clearer this time. "I've been wanting to ask you since school ended, but you were so eager about staying with Sirius and I...I'm terribly alone in my flat. And I miss you, I want to see you every morning like I used to. And...well, if you moved in, I could."
"Oh." Rhia nodded, feeling a funny mixture of 20% happiness and 80% disappointment.
"So, what do you say?" Remus said brightly.
"I..." Rhia bit her lip. "You know that if I leave and Sirius is left along, he'll have Annie over every chance he can once she's out of school."
"I know." Remus replied. "But, I've decided that there's nothing I can do to stop it. They're in love." He took her in his arms, resting his cheek on the top of her head. "Like us."
Rhia sighed, feeling with all her heart that she loved him. "Then...I'll move in with you." She said with a smile, halfway content.
"A bit low, don't you think?" Lily said, wrinkling her nose.
"Fine, then." Rhia sighed and put it back on the rack. They had been looking at wedding robes for nearly an hour and Lily still hadn't found one she liked.
"I'm sorry," Lily apologized, "I just need to find the perfect one."
"I know, I know." She rolled her eyes, but smiled, knowing how much this all meant to her friend. "Just hurry, I'm going somewhere for dinner."
"Oh? Where?" Lily looked at her from the stack of robes she was going through.
"Well..." Rhia blushed, twisting her hands in the fabrics. "Since Annie went back to school, he thought it would be a good time to...you know, have dinner. With his parents."
"Oh, Rhia!" Lily's face brightened. "What time are you going? Do you need some help getting ready? Are you bringing anything?"
"Six, no, and yes, some flowers." She replied shortly, very nervous about it all.
"Lily Evans?"
Both girls turned around abruptly, staring at the dark figure that stood in the door of Madam Malkin's.
"Severus...what a surprise." Lily said, managing a small smile.
"And Miss O'Leary." Severus' dark eyes glanced over Rhia before returning to Lily.
"What brings you here?" Rhia asked civilly.
"Teacher's robes." He replied shortly.
"You're going to be a teacher?" Lily asked.
"Yes, I'm taking classes with the wolf." He nodded and it took all of Rhia's restraint to k keep from strangling him. "What are you doing in this dusty old shop?"
"Erm...buying my wedding robes." Lily said uncomfortably.
Severus coughed harshly. "Wedding robes?" he sputtered.
"Yes," Rhia snapped, "so if you wouldn't mind..." She nodded towards the door.
"Oh Rhia, don't be so rude!" Lily admonished, and pulled him into the shop. She took out the white robes Rhia had showed her earlier. Putting them up to her body, she twirled and looked at Snape. "What do you think, Severus? Are they me?"
Severus eyed her as she spun, wishing all the time that James Potter had never been born. "I think...I think they're a little too low." Lily laughed, and a shiver went up Severus' spine.
"I quite agree!"
Severus glanced off to the right, and spotted the most beautiful robe he'd ever laid eyes on. While Rhia was busy fussing over the state of a few robes Lily was looking at, he slipped over and pulled it off the rack. It was the last one of its kind, and looked as if it would just fit Lily. He brought it over to her.
"How about this one?" he offered quietly. When Lily turned, she gasped. It was pure white with golden trim thread, a long train, and perfect length everywhere. She held it up to herself, and looked down. Even Rhia couldn't speak. When Severus glanced at her, he thought she looked more beautiful than the most precious angel in Heaven.
"Its amazing, Severus...its perfect." Lily hurried over to the counter, and gingerly placed them down. "I'll take these, Madam." When she turned to thank Severus, he was gone.
"What was that?" Rhia furrowed her brow, staring at the spot he had been in a moment ago.
"Where did he go?" Lily asked, giving Madam Malkin some money.
"He just...Disapparated." She said. "Had this funny look on his face too, like someone was ripping out his heart."
"Oh, Rhia." Lily rolled her eyes.
"He adores you, Lil." She said. "Worships the ground you walk on."
"I hate to hurt him, but..." Lily sighed and took the package from Madam Malkin. "Come on, let's go."
"Alright." Rhia said, avoiding the subject as they left.
~*~
Lily paced back and forth, wringing her hands and trying to listen through the floor.
"Stop that, you'll drive yourself insane." Petunia snapped, brushing some dust off of her spotless dress.
"I feel insane." Lily murmured as she chewed on her lip. "Insane and nervous and ready to cry."
"Oh, my little baby girl." Mrs. Evans sobbed, her handkerchief in her fluttering hands. "I'm losing you and you're not yet nineteen!"
"Mum, it's all right." Lily assured her, feeling the complete opposite.
"Do you have everything?" she asked.
"No." Lily shook her head. "Something new, my dress. Something borrowed, Rhia's pearl earrings. But something old and something blue, I haven't found." She jumped a little as someone knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" called Mrs. Evans.
"Remus and Rhia!"
"Oh, come in!" Lily cried, throwing the door open.
Remus walked in, his arms laden with packages, and Rhia right behind him.
"Lily, you look ravishing!" Rhia whispered, hugging her friend tightly.
"Like an angel." Remus kissed her cheek. "I'd do what James told me to do, but you'd slap me."
"I would." Lily grinned, her insides a bit more settled.
"Here, we come bearing gifts." Rhia took a package from Remus's arms.
"Oh, you didn't need to." Lily shook her head, her hands wrapping around the silver tea set.
"Yes, we did." Remus objected. "This one's from Annie."
"It's lovely." Lily set the framed picture of their little group on her vanity, staring fondly at the spectacled, black haired young man on the far right.
"This is from James." Rhia laid a layer of delicate tulle in her arms. "He said it was his mum's and he wants you to wear it."
"How sweet." Mrs. Evans voiced Lily's thoughts as she put the veil atop her daughter's head.
"And this...well, this is from a classmate of mine at the teaching academy." Remus handed her a small white box. Lily gave him a funny look and opened it.
"Oh, my..." She pulled out a sapphire and diamond bracelet, holding it up to the sunlight. It was quite heavy, giving away it's cost. A card fell onto her lap and she opened it.
To the future Mrs. Lillian E. Potter, Best wishes on your wedding day. I thought that this would be sufficient enough for 'something blue'. Yours truly, Severus Snape III
Lily stared at the paper as Rhia fastened the bracelet about her wrist. It was even heavier than it seemed and she held her arm aloft with little force.
"Now that all that's done, they told me to tell you they're ready." Remus said, clapping his hands in excitement. Lily's butterflies immediately returned.
"So let's go already." Petunia grumbled.
"Oh...oh Rhia..." Lily grabbed Rhia's hand. "I'm so nervous. What if something goes wrong? What if I'm a horrible wife? What if-"
"Lily, nothing's going to go wrong! James has known you for how long? If he thought you'd be a horrible wife, he wouldn't be marrying you. Now just relax. You're about to marry the man of your dreams. Smile! This is supposed to be a good thing." Lily beamed through her already-falling tears and walked out the door. Petunia and Mrs. Evans followed. Rhia was about to exit when Remus grabbed her hand.
"You're so calm, its really helping her," he complimented her as he pulled her close. She giggled.
"Someone's got to stay sane today. Might as well be the maid of honour."
Remus tightened his grip and kissed her softly. It took her breath away. "You're going to make a wonderful, perfect wife someday yourself," he whispered. Rhia couldn't speak; all she could do was to stare into Remus' grey eyes.
"Rhiannon!" She heard Sirius' voice before she saw him. He poked his head in the door the next second. "We're on."
Remus gave Rhia one more kiss before hurrying to his seat. Rhia walked to Sirius, a little unsteadily.
"Ready?" he asked her.
"Like it matters to me, its not my big day," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Yeah. Right, Ms. Perfectionist. You're just preparing Remus, aren't you?" Rhia glared at Sirius as they made it to the entrance doors. Then she grinned.
"Oh, just shut up and walk me down the isle."
"Never thought I'd hear that coming out of your mouth!"
"The same for you, Mr. Ladies Man!" Rhia jabbed him in the side with her elbow.
"Ow!" he hissed.
"Shh, they're staring." Rhia regained composure as they approached the altar where Dumbledore stood.
"Good, you've made it." James mumbled nervously.
"Did you think we wouldn't?" Sirius cocked an eyebrow.
"No," He shook his head, "it just assures me that she's coming."
"She's coming." Rhia said. "Don't worry, it's your day, she wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Is everyone here?" he asked, glancing about the room. "Did her parents make it? What about Annie? Sirius, is your mum-"
His worryings stopped abruptly as a beautiful red-haired angel in white came gliding down the aisle on her father's arm, smiling somewhat nervously.
"You're here." He breathed after she kissed her father and took his outstretched hand.
"Sorry I'm late." She whispered. "My dress got stuck on the stairs."
Sirius, hearing this, pulled a face and it was all James could do to keep from laughing.
The ceremony that followed was a beautiful one, a mixture of the old wizarding ways that had been done for centuries and of the Muggle way Lily's parents had been married. Dumbledore presided and all went well, excluding the part where Petunia grunted loudly. Or when Rhia burst into tears of joy.
"It's not even your wedding!" Sirius laughed as they strolled back down the aisle again after Dumbledore had announced Mr. and Mrs. James Malcolm Potter.
"I know," she cried, tears still streaming down her face, "but it's so beautiful!"
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Stop blubbering, you'll have your own wedding soon enough." He teased.
"Oh, hush." Rhia replied with a little smile through her tears as they walked into the hall where Lily and James were waiting, greeting guests.
"Mr. Potter." Sirius hugged his best friend before turning to Lily, kissing her cheek. "And Mrs. Potter."
"Sirius, please." Lily cautioned, though Rhia could tell she was very happy with her new title as she blushed pleasantly.
"I can't believe you both went through with it!" Peter cried, walking up to them.
"They've been in love for eight years, Wormtail." Remus said as he and Annie joined them. "Why wouldn't they go through?"
"I'm so happy for you both!" Annie cried, clasping Lily's hand. "I can't stay very long, I've got to get back to school, but I'm so pleased!"
"We're glad that you came." James smiled.
"Oh, Lily! Lily, darling!" Mrs. Evans cried, pantomiming something wildly.
"What the hell is she doing?" Remus asked.
"She wants me to throw the bouquet before the cake." Lily replied, rolling her eyes. "She desperately wants Petunia to catch it."
"Wish I could stay, Lily, Prongs," Peter said, his eyes darting towards the door, "but I'm being summoned. You know how that is."
"Of course." James nodded.
"Again, so happy for both of you." Peter shook James's hand and kissed Lily's cheek before walking out.
"Your mum's about to have an aneurysm, Lil." Remus said, slipping an arm about Rhia's waist.
"Then I guess I'd better go throw it." Lily smiled and walked away with James. A dozen or so girls gathered in a bunch, waiting for her.
"Try to catch it, hmm?" Remus whispered to Rhia. "That way, I'll have an excuse to marry you."
"Okay." Rhia said, her heart beating fast as she hurried over to the hoard of girls. Lily smiled at them and tossed the flowers into the air. Rhia jumped, reached, felt something in her hand, and grabbed...then felt it slip out of her grasp.
"She's got it!"
Rhia turned to see Annie clutching the bouquet, an embarrassed-yet-pleased look on her face.
"Good job." Lily smiled widely.
"Very good job." Sirius leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"Sirius," Remus snarled, pulling him back
"What?" Sirius grinned.
"Don't you even think about marriage, she's only seventeen." He ordered.
"I've already gotten her into bed, Remus." Sirius said in a cocksure tone of voice. "The only thing left is to marry her."
Remus scowled and moved between him and his sister.
And while many celebrated the union of Lily and James Potter, others walked quietly over a dark hill in the dead of night.
Peter shivered as he, Lucius, Severus, Crabbe, and Goyle approached the dark house that the Dark Lord had summoned them to.
"Whatever you do, Pettigrew, just keep your mouth shut." Severus ordered. "He doesn't want bumbling idiots for servants."
"P-perhaps it would be better if I d-didn't use my name." Peter mumbled.
"Well, what the hell would we call you?" Lucius spat.
"I-I don't know...Wormtail, maybe." He suggested.
"Fine." Severus said as Crabbe knocked on the door.
"Password?"
"Mushussu." Goyle muttered dully.
The door creaked open to reveal a large, dirty, destroyed ballroom. About thirty people stood around, their heads covered by their hooded cloaks. A large green fire flickered in the middle of the room and a tall, skinny, black-haired man stood behind it.
"Who approaches?" He called out. His voice was cold and eerily high- pitched.
"Malfoy, Snape, Crabbe, Goyle, and a friend." Lucius announced for them all.
"A friend?" The man moved from behind the fire. "Who might you be?"
"W-Wormtail." Peter mumbled, staring into his face. He was very thin and pale, with near-white eyes and jet-black hair.
"Wormtail?" He raised a thin eyebrow and Peter shivered. "Well, Wormtail, what brings you here among us.evil Death Eaters?"
"I...I respect and admire your greatness, My Lord." He said. "I wanted to j- join your ranks."
"Malfoy, Snape, why do you bring this sniveling filth to me?" Voldemort turned to the others.
"Milord," Lucius knelt at his feet. "Wormtail is very, very good friends with Potter and his new wife."
"Oh." Voldemort's face twisted into a wicked grin.
~*~
Back at the reception, the party was slowly winding down. The guests slowly started to leave and soon it was just the Marauders sitting around a single table.
"Well, I think it's time we were off." Lily said, standing up. James looked up at her.
"Why, Lil? The party's not over yet!"
"James...dear." Lily smiled sweetly. "Don't you think it's time we were...leaving...?" She leaned down and kissed James' cheek. He blushed and suddenly jumped up.
"Oh! Right! Of course!" He turned to their friends, who were all smiling and smirking. "Ah, shut up, all of you. We'll see you soon, okay? Lily and I are thinking of Apparating to France for our honeymoon!"
And with that, they disappeared.
Sirius chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Lucky bastard." He yawned.
"Oh, you're exhausted. Why don't you head back to the flat, I'll see you there soon?" Rhia suggested. Sirius smirked.
"Whatever you say. Have fun, Moony!" Then he disappeared as well. Rhia blushed at his comment.
Remus turned to look at her, and she averted her eyes. "Rhia..." he started.
She looked up at him. "Yeah?" she responded, her stomach all a-flutter. Could he...could he possibly be...?
"Rhia..." he said again, making her want to scream at him. Say it, Remus! "Rhia...move in with me."
"What?" she asked, the butterflies dropping dead.
"Move in with me." He repeated, clearer this time. "I've been wanting to ask you since school ended, but you were so eager about staying with Sirius and I...I'm terribly alone in my flat. And I miss you, I want to see you every morning like I used to. And...well, if you moved in, I could."
"Oh." Rhia nodded, feeling a funny mixture of 20% happiness and 80% disappointment.
"So, what do you say?" Remus said brightly.
"I..." Rhia bit her lip. "You know that if I leave and Sirius is left along, he'll have Annie over every chance he can once she's out of school."
"I know." Remus replied. "But, I've decided that there's nothing I can do to stop it. They're in love." He took her in his arms, resting his cheek on the top of her head. "Like us."
Rhia sighed, feeling with all her heart that she loved him. "Then...I'll move in with you." She said with a smile, halfway content.