1.1 Chapter 6: Wedding Assignments
The rest of the day went fairly well for everyone. Lily introduced Aaron to the other children that he would be living with, James was actually successful at hunting down a vampire that had been on the loose for 3 weeks, and Sirius spent his time kissing up to their boss. By the time everyone got home, they each felt that it had been a very productive day. Even Remus had found a way of keeping busy: he decided to cook. He had sent owls to his roommates so that they would be sure to be hungry when they got home.
Needless to say everyone was terrified when they appeared in front of the house and saw smoke coming out of every window.
"No!" shouted James.
"What the hell happened?!" yelled Sirius.
"God, I hope Remus is alright!" added Lily.
Sirius and James took it upon themselves to throw the door open. They expected to find the interior of the house engulfed in flames, but instead, everything appeared normal. There was no fire, not even any smoke. Just Remus, standing in front of the stairs, beaming at them.
"Scared ya, huh?" he asked smugly.
"What the hell did you do that for?!" demanded James.
"Just for a reaction. You all knew I was going to cook today, so I thought it'd be funny. And boy was it... the looks on your faces... priceless." He continued grinning. "Oh ye of little faith..." He shook his head at them.
"Why you little-" Sirius started. He would have finished too, but Lily gave him a look that silenced him.
"We deserved that, Remus. You're right." She laughed a little. She then walked past a fuming James and into the kitchen. "It looks great!" she shouted back at Remus.
"Thanks!" He then turned back to James and Sirius. "Don't you think you owe me an apology?"
"Not until we've tasted the food," they both said, staring him down.
"Fine, have it your way." He led them to the back and reveled in the fact that their jaws dropped when they saw everything he had made.
It was truly a feast. Everyone thought it could rival some of their meals at Hogwarts.
"God, Remus! Who knew you could cook?" said Sirius, with a mouthful of roasted chicken.
"You didn't cheat did you? I mean, bring a house elf here or something?" asked James.
"Unlike you," began Remus, "I actually cook for myself and don't just push it off onto someone else."
Lily almost spat out her drink, she was so amused by that statement. Once she managed to swallow, she started to speak. "It really is good. I'm very impressed... maybe I should just let you do the cooking from now on." She winked at him.
Remus shrugged. "Whatever, that's fine. It'll let me contribute in some way at least."
"Oh! Speaking of," James cut in, "We've got to figure out what we're going to do with you when there's a full moon... since there is one coming up at the end of this week."
"Can't we just put him in the basement?" Sirius asked.
"We could, but what about Lily? If I got loose it might not be the greatest of ideas..."
"I'm sure we can arrange something down there. We'll have a look after dinner and see what we can find," James said.
Once dinner was finished, Lily told the boys she would clean up while they decided what would be done about Remus and his condition in the coming days.
"Thanks, baby," James said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before heading down to the basement with Sirius and Remus.
All it took was a wave of her wand in order to get everything cleared, cleaned and put away. After that, Lily decided to take a nice hot relaxing bath. She grabbed a bottle of wine, a glass, and all the candles she could find and went up stairs.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the basement the boys decided that the space would do for at least one transformation.
"If we put in some kind of shackles or something and bolted them to the floor they should hold you," Sirius suggested.
"I just don't like the idea of being chained up. It makes me think of what my parents would do to me."
"I know, but for now at least we don't have much choice," said James. "If we set them up on the far wall over there, and leave a long enough chain on them, you'll be able to move around. We can also bring some things down here for you to try and tear at, so you won't attack yourself as much."
"You guys really don't have to do this. I could just go away and handle this on my own."
"Nonsense! You are our friend, and we're going to be right here to help you just like we always have!" Sirius stated.
"Well, thanks..."
"Come on, we've got to figure out where we're gonna find all this stuff."
"Knockturn Alley... that's where we're gonna find it all," James said, shaking his head.
"Knockturn Alley? Are you sure?" Remus asked nervously.
James sighed. "I really think that's our best bet. Sirius and I will look into it tomorrow. Let's try not to think about it for the rest of the night... and don't mention it to Lily. I don't want to worry her." And with that, the three headed back upstairs.
"Where's Lily?" asked Remus, when they stepped back into the kitchen.
The faint sound of jazz could be heard coming from upstairs. "If she's listening to that it means she's in the bath," answered James.
"You gonna go join her? Huh? Wink, Wink, nudge nudge," said Sirius, a sly grin appearing on his face.
"No. If she's in the bath it means she wants to just relax and not be bothered."
"Bollocks! All any woman wants is for her man to-"
"That's enough, Sirius!"
"Oh, come on James. Really, you're going to honestly tell me that you haven't done anything with her yet?"
"I really don't see how that is any of your business."
"Well, that's the sign of someone who isn't getting any..."
James looked disgusted. "Would you stop it, Sirius? Let it go, man."
"I'll bet you've never even seen her undressed."
"That's not true!"
"A-HA! I knew it!"
"No! I mean, yes! No, oh just sod off!" James stormed out of the room and up the stairs.
James tapped on Lily's bedroom door, but didn't hear any response. He slowly opened the door and called out "Lily?"
"I'm in here!" came her voice from behind the bathroom door. The music was then turned down. "Did you want something?"
James sat down on the floor and leaned against the door that separated him from his fiancée. "Lily, I was thinking..."
"Yes?"
"When did you want to have the wedding? It's been a while since we've talked about it even..."
"I know, honey. I was thinking the same thing. You can come in here, if you want to talk."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, don't be silly."
James cautiously opened the door, staring down at the floor careful not to look at the tub.
"You can look up, it's alright, James." Lily smiled, and James looked up. Lily was up to her shoulders in bubbles, with a glass of wine resting on the ledge to her right, and a stack of wedding magazines on the floor to her left. "We really do need to plan the wedding," she continued.
"So you do still want to marry me?"
"Why would you ever think otherwise?" Lily was genuinely surprised by his question.
"I don't know. It's just that we haven't talked about it for so long."
Lily nodded. "You're right. I guess we've just both been busy with work. That'll change though. I'm thinking of cutting back my hours at the orphanage... I think it would be more beneficial if I spent more time with Remus. It's hard for him to not have anyone around. Plus, that'll give me time to plan for us," she added quickly.
"So when do you think we should do it?" James asked.
"I was thinking about November, or is that too soon?"
"It sounds perfect."
"Well then, at least that is settled," she said. She then conjured up another glass and poured James some wine. "To our wedding!" she toasted. They clinked their glasses together and each took a sip. "I love you, James."
"I love you too. More than anything..."
James leaned across and kissed Lily, with perhaps a little more enthusiasm than he had originally intended. She didn't seem to mind though, instinctually putting her arms around his neck. Of course, once she realized what she had done she broke away from him. "Sorry," she giggled, "you're all wet."
"It's ok," he said, "Never liked that sweater anyway." He grinned, and after pulling the sweater off, he kissed her again.
Things continued along those lines for a few more minutes, until the worst interruption possible came about. "James! Your mother is here!" Remus yelled up the stairs.
Unfortunately, James was pretty much in the bathtub with Lily at this point. He leaped out, apologizing over his shoulder to Lily as he ran into the bedroom. "I'll be down in a minute!" he yelled back.
It was obvious that he had been sharing the room with Lily. His stuff was all over the place, and what was supposed to be his room was virtually deserted. James opened the bedroom door a sliver to make sure nobody was in the hallway, or at least that his mother wasn't. When he decided it was clear enough, he started levitating his things across the hall and into his room. He then grabbed some clothes, threw them on and raced out of the room, closing the door behind him, and ran downstairs.
"Mum! Hi," he said, out of breath, but hoping she wouldn't notice. Her back was still to him, which was fortunate. Remus quickly pulled out his wand, pointed it at James and muttered something. James's hair & clothes were suddenly dry, and he was very thankful because Marilyn turned around a second later.
"Well, there he is," Marilyn said. "My long lost son who doesn't think he needs to talk to his mother any more. Are you too big and important to keep in touch with me?"
"What? Of course not, mum. I've just been busy..."
"I expected that you would tell me that. Maybe it was a bad idea after all for Lily to come live here. Ever since there hasn't even been any mention of the wedding."
"Actually, mum, we've decided to get married in November."
"That's right, Marilyn. November 16," Lily said, suddenly appearing in the living room.
"Really?" They both nodded. "Well then, that doesn't leave us much time at all, now does it? We'll need to start making arrangements at once. We need to decide locations, guest lists, invitations, food, you James will need a tuxedo for yourself and your best man, Lily, you need a dress-"
"I have that already."
"Do you, dear?"
"Yes," she whispered. "I'm going to wear my mother's wedding gown."
"I'm sure that will be quite lovely, and she would be very pleased to know it."
Lily smiled faintly. "Me too..."
"But darling, you still need bridesmaids, dresses for them, flowers... so many things to do!"
"Well, sounds like you guys have your work cut out for you," Sirius said, laughing. "I'll just be off now..."
"Not so fast, Mr. Black," Marilyn began. "You and Mr. Lupin here will be helping as well."
James and Lily both grinned.
"Remus, given your new interest," Lily started, "maybe you could help with the reception... you know, planning the menu and things like that?"
Remus's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That would be great!"
James feigned a weepy expression. "Our little chef... they grow up so fast."
"James! Behave!" Marilyn said sternly.
"Sorry," he muttered.
"And- um.. well, what about me?" asked Sirius, not knowing if he wanted to know the answer.
"I'm not sure yet, but I'm sure we'll find something that will suit you and your particular... talents," Marilyn replied.
"Terrific," he said with great sarcasm in his voice.
Before she would leave that evening, Marilyn insisted on giving the house a once-over. Everyone knew her actual reason for this of course: to check and see that separate bedrooms were being maintained by her son and his fiancée.
After glancing in Lily's room (much to Lily's hidden horror) Marilyn found it to be relatively neat and clean. She then immediately went down the hall 2 doors on the left. Half expecting to find what was supposed to be James's room deserted, a great feeling of relief flooded over her when she saw the disaster area inside. Her son had always been a mess, but she had never been pleased to find his room in such a state until now. Naturally she had no idea that it was only in this condition because he had thrown everything in there upon her arrival, but what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her (or him, for that matter).
"James!" she called, pretending to be angrier than she actually was.
"Yes, mum?" he answered appearing at the door, not sure of what to expect.
"Do clean this room up, won't you? It's a disgrace..."
"Of course! I'll do it tonight," he said, careful not to sound overly relieved. But at that moment someone suddenly occurred to him. While he had moved his clothes and things like that out of Lily's room, he had neglected to move his bathroom stuff. This meant that his toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, towels, etc. were all still in Lily's bathroom and that his was empty. After saying a silent prayer that his mother wouldn't go into either room, he added "Mum, it's getting late. Would you like me to escort you home?"
"Trying to get rid of me already?" she laughed as they went back downstairs.
James forced a sincere smile. "No, don't be silly! It's just that we all have work in the morning."
"Of course, you're right. I should be off anyhow. Lily dear?" Lily looked up at her. "I'll put some lists together of things to be done or considered, you know."
"Thank you so much, Marilyn. I do- We do so appreciate all of your help with the wedding plans."
"Of course, child, of course. Now, I must be off. Goodnight everyone!"
"Night mum/Marilyn/Mrs. Potter," everyone said at once.
No sooner had she disapparated out of the room then the four roommates each heaved a gigantic sigh of relief and collapsed onto either the sofa or chairs in the living room.
"Well, that went well..." Sirius trailed off.
The rest of the day went fairly well for everyone. Lily introduced Aaron to the other children that he would be living with, James was actually successful at hunting down a vampire that had been on the loose for 3 weeks, and Sirius spent his time kissing up to their boss. By the time everyone got home, they each felt that it had been a very productive day. Even Remus had found a way of keeping busy: he decided to cook. He had sent owls to his roommates so that they would be sure to be hungry when they got home.
Needless to say everyone was terrified when they appeared in front of the house and saw smoke coming out of every window.
"No!" shouted James.
"What the hell happened?!" yelled Sirius.
"God, I hope Remus is alright!" added Lily.
Sirius and James took it upon themselves to throw the door open. They expected to find the interior of the house engulfed in flames, but instead, everything appeared normal. There was no fire, not even any smoke. Just Remus, standing in front of the stairs, beaming at them.
"Scared ya, huh?" he asked smugly.
"What the hell did you do that for?!" demanded James.
"Just for a reaction. You all knew I was going to cook today, so I thought it'd be funny. And boy was it... the looks on your faces... priceless." He continued grinning. "Oh ye of little faith..." He shook his head at them.
"Why you little-" Sirius started. He would have finished too, but Lily gave him a look that silenced him.
"We deserved that, Remus. You're right." She laughed a little. She then walked past a fuming James and into the kitchen. "It looks great!" she shouted back at Remus.
"Thanks!" He then turned back to James and Sirius. "Don't you think you owe me an apology?"
"Not until we've tasted the food," they both said, staring him down.
"Fine, have it your way." He led them to the back and reveled in the fact that their jaws dropped when they saw everything he had made.
It was truly a feast. Everyone thought it could rival some of their meals at Hogwarts.
"God, Remus! Who knew you could cook?" said Sirius, with a mouthful of roasted chicken.
"You didn't cheat did you? I mean, bring a house elf here or something?" asked James.
"Unlike you," began Remus, "I actually cook for myself and don't just push it off onto someone else."
Lily almost spat out her drink, she was so amused by that statement. Once she managed to swallow, she started to speak. "It really is good. I'm very impressed... maybe I should just let you do the cooking from now on." She winked at him.
Remus shrugged. "Whatever, that's fine. It'll let me contribute in some way at least."
"Oh! Speaking of," James cut in, "We've got to figure out what we're going to do with you when there's a full moon... since there is one coming up at the end of this week."
"Can't we just put him in the basement?" Sirius asked.
"We could, but what about Lily? If I got loose it might not be the greatest of ideas..."
"I'm sure we can arrange something down there. We'll have a look after dinner and see what we can find," James said.
Once dinner was finished, Lily told the boys she would clean up while they decided what would be done about Remus and his condition in the coming days.
"Thanks, baby," James said, giving her a kiss on the cheek before heading down to the basement with Sirius and Remus.
All it took was a wave of her wand in order to get everything cleared, cleaned and put away. After that, Lily decided to take a nice hot relaxing bath. She grabbed a bottle of wine, a glass, and all the candles she could find and went up stairs.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the basement the boys decided that the space would do for at least one transformation.
"If we put in some kind of shackles or something and bolted them to the floor they should hold you," Sirius suggested.
"I just don't like the idea of being chained up. It makes me think of what my parents would do to me."
"I know, but for now at least we don't have much choice," said James. "If we set them up on the far wall over there, and leave a long enough chain on them, you'll be able to move around. We can also bring some things down here for you to try and tear at, so you won't attack yourself as much."
"You guys really don't have to do this. I could just go away and handle this on my own."
"Nonsense! You are our friend, and we're going to be right here to help you just like we always have!" Sirius stated.
"Well, thanks..."
"Come on, we've got to figure out where we're gonna find all this stuff."
"Knockturn Alley... that's where we're gonna find it all," James said, shaking his head.
"Knockturn Alley? Are you sure?" Remus asked nervously.
James sighed. "I really think that's our best bet. Sirius and I will look into it tomorrow. Let's try not to think about it for the rest of the night... and don't mention it to Lily. I don't want to worry her." And with that, the three headed back upstairs.
"Where's Lily?" asked Remus, when they stepped back into the kitchen.
The faint sound of jazz could be heard coming from upstairs. "If she's listening to that it means she's in the bath," answered James.
"You gonna go join her? Huh? Wink, Wink, nudge nudge," said Sirius, a sly grin appearing on his face.
"No. If she's in the bath it means she wants to just relax and not be bothered."
"Bollocks! All any woman wants is for her man to-"
"That's enough, Sirius!"
"Oh, come on James. Really, you're going to honestly tell me that you haven't done anything with her yet?"
"I really don't see how that is any of your business."
"Well, that's the sign of someone who isn't getting any..."
James looked disgusted. "Would you stop it, Sirius? Let it go, man."
"I'll bet you've never even seen her undressed."
"That's not true!"
"A-HA! I knew it!"
"No! I mean, yes! No, oh just sod off!" James stormed out of the room and up the stairs.
James tapped on Lily's bedroom door, but didn't hear any response. He slowly opened the door and called out "Lily?"
"I'm in here!" came her voice from behind the bathroom door. The music was then turned down. "Did you want something?"
James sat down on the floor and leaned against the door that separated him from his fiancée. "Lily, I was thinking..."
"Yes?"
"When did you want to have the wedding? It's been a while since we've talked about it even..."
"I know, honey. I was thinking the same thing. You can come in here, if you want to talk."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, don't be silly."
James cautiously opened the door, staring down at the floor careful not to look at the tub.
"You can look up, it's alright, James." Lily smiled, and James looked up. Lily was up to her shoulders in bubbles, with a glass of wine resting on the ledge to her right, and a stack of wedding magazines on the floor to her left. "We really do need to plan the wedding," she continued.
"So you do still want to marry me?"
"Why would you ever think otherwise?" Lily was genuinely surprised by his question.
"I don't know. It's just that we haven't talked about it for so long."
Lily nodded. "You're right. I guess we've just both been busy with work. That'll change though. I'm thinking of cutting back my hours at the orphanage... I think it would be more beneficial if I spent more time with Remus. It's hard for him to not have anyone around. Plus, that'll give me time to plan for us," she added quickly.
"So when do you think we should do it?" James asked.
"I was thinking about November, or is that too soon?"
"It sounds perfect."
"Well then, at least that is settled," she said. She then conjured up another glass and poured James some wine. "To our wedding!" she toasted. They clinked their glasses together and each took a sip. "I love you, James."
"I love you too. More than anything..."
James leaned across and kissed Lily, with perhaps a little more enthusiasm than he had originally intended. She didn't seem to mind though, instinctually putting her arms around his neck. Of course, once she realized what she had done she broke away from him. "Sorry," she giggled, "you're all wet."
"It's ok," he said, "Never liked that sweater anyway." He grinned, and after pulling the sweater off, he kissed her again.
Things continued along those lines for a few more minutes, until the worst interruption possible came about. "James! Your mother is here!" Remus yelled up the stairs.
Unfortunately, James was pretty much in the bathtub with Lily at this point. He leaped out, apologizing over his shoulder to Lily as he ran into the bedroom. "I'll be down in a minute!" he yelled back.
It was obvious that he had been sharing the room with Lily. His stuff was all over the place, and what was supposed to be his room was virtually deserted. James opened the bedroom door a sliver to make sure nobody was in the hallway, or at least that his mother wasn't. When he decided it was clear enough, he started levitating his things across the hall and into his room. He then grabbed some clothes, threw them on and raced out of the room, closing the door behind him, and ran downstairs.
"Mum! Hi," he said, out of breath, but hoping she wouldn't notice. Her back was still to him, which was fortunate. Remus quickly pulled out his wand, pointed it at James and muttered something. James's hair & clothes were suddenly dry, and he was very thankful because Marilyn turned around a second later.
"Well, there he is," Marilyn said. "My long lost son who doesn't think he needs to talk to his mother any more. Are you too big and important to keep in touch with me?"
"What? Of course not, mum. I've just been busy..."
"I expected that you would tell me that. Maybe it was a bad idea after all for Lily to come live here. Ever since there hasn't even been any mention of the wedding."
"Actually, mum, we've decided to get married in November."
"That's right, Marilyn. November 16," Lily said, suddenly appearing in the living room.
"Really?" They both nodded. "Well then, that doesn't leave us much time at all, now does it? We'll need to start making arrangements at once. We need to decide locations, guest lists, invitations, food, you James will need a tuxedo for yourself and your best man, Lily, you need a dress-"
"I have that already."
"Do you, dear?"
"Yes," she whispered. "I'm going to wear my mother's wedding gown."
"I'm sure that will be quite lovely, and she would be very pleased to know it."
Lily smiled faintly. "Me too..."
"But darling, you still need bridesmaids, dresses for them, flowers... so many things to do!"
"Well, sounds like you guys have your work cut out for you," Sirius said, laughing. "I'll just be off now..."
"Not so fast, Mr. Black," Marilyn began. "You and Mr. Lupin here will be helping as well."
James and Lily both grinned.
"Remus, given your new interest," Lily started, "maybe you could help with the reception... you know, planning the menu and things like that?"
Remus's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That would be great!"
James feigned a weepy expression. "Our little chef... they grow up so fast."
"James! Behave!" Marilyn said sternly.
"Sorry," he muttered.
"And- um.. well, what about me?" asked Sirius, not knowing if he wanted to know the answer.
"I'm not sure yet, but I'm sure we'll find something that will suit you and your particular... talents," Marilyn replied.
"Terrific," he said with great sarcasm in his voice.
Before she would leave that evening, Marilyn insisted on giving the house a once-over. Everyone knew her actual reason for this of course: to check and see that separate bedrooms were being maintained by her son and his fiancée.
After glancing in Lily's room (much to Lily's hidden horror) Marilyn found it to be relatively neat and clean. She then immediately went down the hall 2 doors on the left. Half expecting to find what was supposed to be James's room deserted, a great feeling of relief flooded over her when she saw the disaster area inside. Her son had always been a mess, but she had never been pleased to find his room in such a state until now. Naturally she had no idea that it was only in this condition because he had thrown everything in there upon her arrival, but what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her (or him, for that matter).
"James!" she called, pretending to be angrier than she actually was.
"Yes, mum?" he answered appearing at the door, not sure of what to expect.
"Do clean this room up, won't you? It's a disgrace..."
"Of course! I'll do it tonight," he said, careful not to sound overly relieved. But at that moment someone suddenly occurred to him. While he had moved his clothes and things like that out of Lily's room, he had neglected to move his bathroom stuff. This meant that his toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, towels, etc. were all still in Lily's bathroom and that his was empty. After saying a silent prayer that his mother wouldn't go into either room, he added "Mum, it's getting late. Would you like me to escort you home?"
"Trying to get rid of me already?" she laughed as they went back downstairs.
James forced a sincere smile. "No, don't be silly! It's just that we all have work in the morning."
"Of course, you're right. I should be off anyhow. Lily dear?" Lily looked up at her. "I'll put some lists together of things to be done or considered, you know."
"Thank you so much, Marilyn. I do- We do so appreciate all of your help with the wedding plans."
"Of course, child, of course. Now, I must be off. Goodnight everyone!"
"Night mum/Marilyn/Mrs. Potter," everyone said at once.
No sooner had she disapparated out of the room then the four roommates each heaved a gigantic sigh of relief and collapsed onto either the sofa or chairs in the living room.
"Well, that went well..." Sirius trailed off.