Anyhow, here you go and enjoy!
Chapter 13: The Wedding DayThe next morning, Lily's eyes opened promptly at 8 o'clock. She hadn't gone to bed until 4, but she didn't feel it. Instead, she felt as though she had a full night's sleep and was pleased with herself for not having a hangover, or any other sign that she had spent the previous night drinking.
"Wow, it actually worked," she said to herself, smiling into a mirror and looking at the reflection of a small bottle on the nightstand. There was a knock on the door. "Come in!"
"Good morning, dear. How are you?" Victoria asked.
"I feel wonderful, Gran!" Lily gave her a hug. "And really, thank you for leaving that potion for me, I think it really helped."
"What potion, Lily?"
"The one on the nightstand. Didn't you leave it?" Victoria shook her head. "Oh. Well, it was probably Claire or Marilyn then."
Victoria smiled. "I'm sure you're right."
"Do you know what time Marilyn is going to get here?"
"She said she'd be here by 9. Maybe you should eat something first…"
"Oh, Gran… I don't think that I could if I tried! I've got butterflies in my stomach something awful."
"I'm sure you do, but you need to try and eat."
"I will later, I promise," Lily told her. Victoria reluctantly agreed.
James wasn't nearly as fortunate as Lily when he woke up… at 11:30 on the living room couch. "Ow, my head…" he said, rubbing his temples. He threw a pillow at Sirius, who was also still asleep, but on the lazy boy.
"What's that for?" Sirius groaned. He turned around and looked at the countdown clock. "Oh god! You've only got 2 ½ hours!" He was suddenly wide-awake.
"How are you not dying?" James asked. "My head is killing me…"
"Well, I didn't even drink half as much as you did, dumbass." Sirius got up and grabbed something from the kitchen cabinet. "Take this."
"What is it?"
"It'll help, trust me."
"Fine," James agreed, somewhat skeptical. Five minutes later though, he was feeling perfect. "What was that?"
"A little something I picked up in Diagon Alley the last time I was there… perfect for hangovers and things like that."
James got up and headed for the stairs. "I guess I'm going to go take a shower, can you do me a favour though and make a pot of coffee?"
Sirius smiled. "What do I look like? Your personal slave?" he laughed. "Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, it'll be ready when you get back down here. Just go and try to make your hair sit straight."
"Oh god… I didn't even think about that."
Sirius shook his head and went to make coffee. When James made it back down, it was just about time to leave for the Palace.
"It's about time! You've only got like an hour left! We have to leave," Sirius told him.
"Is everyone meeting us there?" Sirius nodded. "Well then, let's go!" The two friends disapparated for the Palace of the Prophets, arriving in the room set-aside for the groom.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show up!" Marilyn exclaimed when she saw her son had arrived.
"Don't worry, mum. I wouldn't miss this, trust me. Where's Lily?"
"She's in her own room getting ready. Don't you worry about her. Everything is perfect. Just sit in here, relax, and we'll come and get you when it's time. Alright?" James nodded. "Good." Marilyn kissed his cheek. "You look very handsome, just like your father," she whispered. "Now just try to do something about your hair!" she yelled as she walked out of the room.
When Marilyn rejoined Lily in her room, she found the bride pacing around in her wedding dress. Unfortunately, her hair had yet to be done. "Lily, darling, why don't you sit down and let Claire finish your hair?" she asked.
"I can't. I tried, but I can't sit still. It's just not going to work. There hasn't been any sign of James yet, my hands are shaking, I feel really lightheaded, and there's just no way. I can't sit. It won't work. I can't even stand still. Look at me! I'm a nervous wreck!"
"And she's hardly stopped to breathe in the past 10 minutes," Claire added.
"Okay, Lily, don't worry. Everything is going to be alright. James is here, and he's almost ready. We've only got 45 minutes until show time, and we need to finish getting you ready," Marilyn said, trying to coax her into a chair.
Jem and Virginia each jumped up a grabbed one of Lily's arms. They guided her to a chair, into which she collapsed and took a deep breath. "He's here, ok, that's good. At least I know that…"
"Deep, calming breaths," Jem kept repeating to Lily, taking them right along with her. She then gave Marilyn a nervous look. "I think she's going to hyperventilate…"
"Nonsense! She's going to be fine… just a bit nervous, that's all," Marilyn insisted.
Lily kept breathing deeply and Claire worked on her hair. Virginia then started the finishing touches on Lily's makeup. They finished with 15 minutes to spare.
"Alright, Lil, all done," Claire said.
Lily stood up and looked in the mirror. She hardly recognized the person in the reflection. "Thank you all so much…" she whispered. "It's perfect, really!"
The girls giggled. "Well, it's not like we had that big of a challenge in the first place," Claire said, winking at Lily.
"I wish my parents were here," Lily told them.
Marilyn walked over to her and hugged her. "I know you do, darling. I wish they could have been too."
There was a knock at the door. Jem got up and opened it, letting Professor Dumbledore walk into the room.
"Breathtaking!" he declared. "Absolutely stunning."
"Thank you, Professor," Lily said, lowering her eyes.
Dumbledore walked over to her and lifted her head with his hand. "My dear, you do look like an absolute vision. Today your entire family is very proud of you, regardless of whether they are here in body, you may rest assured that they are here in spirit. And, I must say that it is my pleasure and honour to escort you down the aisle."
"Well, thank you, just the same. It means so much to me that you're willing to do this," Lily said. Dumbledore nodded. Lily looked around. "Where did Marilyn go?"
"She went to tell James that it's time," Claire said.
Lily's eyes widened and she put her hands over her face. "It is, isn't it?"
Everyone nodded. Then Dumbledore spoke again. "I shall be waiting for you just before you reach the garden."
"Thank you," she said again.
Dumbledore smiled and left.
"Okay, Lil," Jem said. "Last minute check. Something old?"
"The dress," Lily answered.
"Something new?"
"Veil and shoes."
"Something borrowed?"
"Ohmigod! I don't have anything borrowed! What am I going to do?"
"Calm down! Here, you can borrow my bracelet. Just be sure to give it back," Claire winked at her.
"Thank you," Lily said, very relieved.
"And something blue?"
"The garter. Well, it's actually green and blue. Do you think that counts? I mean, it's just to match both James's and my eyes, but it was April's idea, I can get something else if I need to…"
"Lily! Stop! It's fine," Claire told her.
Marilyn appeared at the door with all of the bouquets. "It's time," she smiled.
Lily took a deep breath and went with her soon-to-be mother-in-law and her bridesmaids toward the garden where the ceremony was to take place. Jem helped her put her veil in place, and everyone made sure that they were ready to walk down the aisle themselves.
Victoria was there waiting with Dumbledore to walk Lily down the aisle as well. "You look perfect," she said, giving Lily a small hug, careful not to disturb anything.
Even though she couldn't stop smiling, Lily could feel the tears welling up inside when she heard the music begin. Marilyn was being escorted down the aisle by one of James's uncles. After her, came Jem and Sirius, who gave Lily a quick wink and a thumbs up when her saw her. After them, it was Claire and Remus, followed by Peter and Virginia.
Then Aaron walked down the aisle, with the ring pillow and James's little cousin, Sara as the flower girl.
And then, the music changed. Lily could hear everyone getting up from their seats to stand as she walked down the aisle. The traditional wedding march began, and Lily stepped into the archway, with Dumbledore and Victoria on either side of her. Her heart was beating so quickly she was sure that it was buzzing. Before taking her first step forward, she looked down toward the end of the aisle and made eye contact with James who was, thankfully, standing at the altar. He had put his hand over his heart when he saw Lily. They smiled at each other, and then Lily felt it. The first tear.
Halfway down the aisle, Lily received quite a shock. Petunia was actually there! And she looked as though she was crying! Chances are she's crying because she's surrounded by non-muggles though, Lily thought. Or, maybe she's just jealous? Oh well, it doesn't matter now. God James looks amazing… don't trip… don't trip…
They reached the end of the aisle, and the Minister of Magic himself was there performing the ceremony. "Who gives this woman away?" he asked.
"We do," Dumbledore and Victoria replied together. They each then turn turns lifting Lily's veil and kissing her cheek, Victoria going first. Dumbledore gave her a wink before he placed her hand into James's and found his seat.
The Minister then began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.
"Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace."
Sirius looked around, glaring at the crowd, half expecting to see Snape or someone else jump up. Luckily, nobody did.
The Minister then continued. "I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that ye confess it. For ye be well assured, that so many as be coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful. At which day of Marriage, if any man do allege and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm; and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else put in a Caution (to the full value of such charges as the persons to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation; then the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be tried."
He then turned to James. "Wilt the have this Woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt the love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"
"I will," James answered.
The Minister then turned to Lily. "Wilt the have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt the obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"
"I will," said Lily, smiling through her tears.
It was now time for James to say his vows. He took Lily's hand in his. "I, James Harry Potter, take thee, Lily Marie Evans to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, for fairer or fouler, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth."
And now Lily, still holding James's hand, said her vows. "I, Lily Marie Evans, take thee, James Harry Potter to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth."
Aaron then stepped forward and presented the rings. The Minister took them, and said "Bless these Rings, O merciful Lord, that those who wear them, that give and receive them, may be ever faithful to one another, remain in your peace, and live and grow old together in your love, under their own vine and fig tree, and seeing their children's children. Amen."
"Amen," everyone said.
He then handed a ring to James, who placed it on Lily's finger. "With this Ring I thee wed, and with my body I thee honor, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Lily then took the ring that the Minister handed her and placed it on James's finger. "With this Ring I thee wed, and with my body I thee honor, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Lily and James then kneeled before the altar.
"Let us pray. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; + that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever hereafter remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Lily and James then stood and joined hands.
"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Then shall the Minister speak unto the people. Forasmuch as N and N have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together, in the Name of the Father, + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
"You may now kiss the bride," he finished.
James lifted Lily's veil and they kissed, their first kiss as husband and wife. Everyone around them cheered and applauded.
That is to say that everyone cheered and applauded other than Petunia. Petunia was too busy sitting in her seat looking around with a terrified expression at all of the witches and wizards surrounding her. She nearly screamed when she saw some wands being pulled out and sparks flying through the air. Rather than stay for the reception, she decided to run out as quickly as possible.
Neither Lily or James, or anyone else for that matter, took any notice of Petunia's hasty departure. James led Lily back up the aisle, each of them smiling so widely that it almost looked fake. Lily was clutching to James as though she feared he was going to disappear into the crowd of people.
"Lily! James!" Marilyn cried. The newlyweds ran over to her and she hugged them both. She was crying too. "Oh, my new daughter… how wonderful!"
This made Lily start crying again. "Thank you so much…"
"It's time for the pictures to be taken, and then it's off to the reception," Marilyn told them. "So, if you'll come with me, we can get started."
James nodded, and still refusing to let go of Lily, led her down the path to another garden set aside for the photographer.
"Wonderful, wonderful!" Mr. Lituchy, the photographer, exclaimed. He took the hands of Lily and James and positioned them under a beautiful ivy archway. "Just stay like that and smile!"
That wasn't exactly a hard instruction for them to follow. The stood there, beaming looking into each other's eyes, looking straight ahead at the camera, and then in several other poses that were requested. Then it was time for them to separate so that Lily could have her own portrait done. She was then joined by the bubbly bridesmaids for some more pictures.
Once the bridal party was finished, it was time for James and his groomsmen. First, just James and Sirius had their picture done, and then pictures were taken with Remus and Peter, and then Aaron as well.
Next, Marilyn and Claire had their pictures done, first alone, then joined by James, and then with Lily as well. Victoria joined them as well, and then had her picture done with Lily. Dumbledore joined them soon after, and then it was time for the entire wedding party to have its portrait done. Never has there been a more immaculate crew. Not a hair out of place, or anything. The pictures were all stunning.
Once the pictures were finished, everyone made their way to the reception. Lily and James first went to a small side room to freshen up.
"Yeah, I'm sure that's what you're going to do," Sirius said, smirking at James.
"Nothing you say can ruin this day for me, so it's not even worth trying," James told him, still grinning.
"Come on," Lily whispered, leading James away from everyone. "We'll be there in 10 minutes, don't worry. They'll make the announcement."
They entered the room and James closed the door behind them. "Alone at last," he said.
"I hope that you aren't getting any crazy ideas, I really do just want to touch up my makeup," Lily told him. She walked over to a mirror and pulled out some mascara.
James came up behind her and put his arms around her waist. "We did it," he whispered in her ear. "You are finally my wife…"
"And you, dear husband, are in my way, as usual," she laughed, prying his hands off of her so that she could fix her makeup.
"Some things will just never change. You'll have to learn to live with it."
"Haven't I already?" she teased. "All better!" She turned to face James. "I can't believe that you are my husband… you know, I'm going to have to keep saying it to make sure it's true…"
"Oh, it is, don't worry…" he said, leaning forward to kiss her again.
They were lost in a passionate embrace for what seemed like a fraction of a second. Unfortunately though, it wasn't. Claire appeared in the doorway and cleared her throat.
"Sorry for interrupting," she began, "but we've been waiting on you two for about 20 minutes… you might want to make an appearance at your own wedding reception."
"Oh, right!" James said. "Thanks…" He grabbed Lily's hand and led her out, pausing to kiss his sister on the cheek.
Just as they were about to enter into the reception, they heard a voice booming over the crowd. "And here they are, better late than never, Mr. and Mrs. James Potter!" Everyone cheered once again and Lily and James entered. "And now the couple will dance their first dance as man and wife."
The dance floor cleared as James extended his hand to Lily who nodded slightly and accepted it. The band began to play "Michelle" by the Beatles.
Michelle, ma belle
These are words that go together well
My Michelle
Michelle, ma belle
Sont des mots qui vont tres bien ensemble
tres bien ensemble
I love you, I love you, I love you
that's all I want to say
Until I find a way
I will say the only words I know you'll understand
Michelle, ma belle
Sont des mots qui vont tres bien ensemble
tres bien ensemble
I need to, I need to, I need to
I need to make you see
Oh, what you mean to me
Until I do I'm hoping you will know what I mean
I love you
I want you, I want you, I want you
I think you know by now
I'll get to you some how
Until I do I'm telling you so you'll understand
Michelle, ma belle
Sont des mots qui vont tres bien ensemble
tres bien ensemble
And I will say the only words I know that you'll understand
My Michelle
James held Lily close to his heart as they danced. All eyes were on them, many of them tear-filled, but the pair didn't notice. All they saw was each other, and it even took them a moment to stop dancing once the song had ended.
The voice then sounded again, this time telling the guests "If everyone would please take their seats, and the wedding party make their way to Top Table, the meal is about to begin."
All of the guests did as they were told, finding their seats at various tables. Once everyone was seated and quieted down, Sirius stood and gently tapped his spoon against his champagne flute. "May I have your attention please? I just have a few things that I would like to say."
Lily and James were sitting in the center of the Top Table, smiling brilliantly. James started to shake his head though, unsure of what his best man was about to say.
"As you all know, I am Sirius Black, best friend, and best man, of James Potter. I have known James for longer than I would care to admit," he paused for the laughter to subside, "but I will gladly admit to knowing Lily for nearly 8 years now. When we first met Lily on the Hogwarts Express, I expected a fight to break out. Sure enough, I was right. And it lasted for the next 4 years. James and I were constantly arguing about who would have the rights to this fine young lady, each of us wanting her attention more than the other. Then, my heart was crushed. In our 4th year, James asked her out, and she said yes.
"Salvation was soon to come though, for through all of our various pranks and trouble-making," he paused again, looking for Dumbledore, "sorry, Professor," and then paused again for the laughter, "Lily decided to dump him and go out with me."
"Get to the point, Sirius!" James yelled. This caused another uproar of laughter.
"As I was trying to say, before I was so rudely interrupted, I knew something wasn't right. Lily and James just weren't themselves when they weren't together. So, after Lily and I ended our brief relationship, I, along with our other best friends Remus and Peter, did my best to try to throw those two back together. We tried everything. In fact, once we even jinxed them causing them to be stuck to each other for a whole day!"
"That was you?!" Lily yelled.
Through everyone's laughter, Remus yelled "and you're welcome!"
"If I may continue? Thank you," Sirius said. "When the end of our time at Hogwarts arrived, we were ready to face a grim defeat. And then, one day, James came to us with his realization. Lily, he said that he loved you like no one else, and that he needed to be with you. So we helped him put a charm together, and got everything ready for the proposal. Then we waited. And we waited some more. We didn't think you would actually say yes at first, but once we heard the screams, we knew you had. Never have we been more thankful or excited about anything in our lives.
"So today, I toast you. May your lives together be full of gaiety, wonder and excitement. Never allow yourselves to have a dull moment, and always strive to live up to your potential. To James and Lily! The best friends anyone could ask for!"
"To James and Lily!" the crowd echoed, raising their glasses and then taking a drink.
Jem then stood up. "Much like Sirius, I too have known James and Lily for 8 years now. But unlike Sirius, I will make this speech brief." The crowd laughed at this. "Who knew that the pair who used to fight like cats and dogs would one day be joined in marriage? After all of the endless pranks, and sleepless nights it has come to this. Lily, you are my best friend, and I consider it a great honor to stand here speaking on this, your most special of days. I love you both dearly, and can't wait to see what the future will bring. To my best friend, Lily, and the boy she finally trained to do right, James. To the Potters!"
"To the Potters!" everyone repeated, drinking again.
Once the speeches were finished, everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal. Every food you could imagine appeared on the tables, ranging from your basic caesar salad to chicken kiev. It was quite impressive.
After the meal, everyone started dancing and chatting. Dumbledore walked over to Top Table and asked if Lily would give him the honour of a dance. "Of course," she blushed, kissing James on the cheek as she got up.
Dumbledore took Lily's hand in his and twirled her around on the dance floor. They laughed and danced, and Lily felt almost as if her father was there with her again. She turned her head around and was pleased to see that James was also dancing, this time with Victoria. Yes, she thought, this is my new family. Just as it should be…
When the song ended, Dumbledore thanked her for the dance and handed her over to Sirius who was waiting anxiously for his turn.
"Do you mind?" he asked.
Lily laughed. "Of course not! After all, you are the best man!"
"Always!" Sirius whisked Lily around the dance floor. "So, did you like my speech?"
"It was very… interesting. But yes, I loved it."
"Good, it took me forever to write it." He grinned.
"Somehow I doubt that, but if you say so," Lily said.
Just then someone tapped on Sirius's shoulder. It was Remus. "May I cut in?"
"No," Sirius told him just as Lily replied "Of course!"
Lily gave Sirius a look, and then without waiting for another word, joined Remus.
"You look amazing, Lil. Absolutely perfect," Remus said.
"Thanks, but you don't have to say it."
"Sure I do! How else will you ever believe all of us?"
Lily smiled and shook her head while Remus led her around the dance floor.
Several songs and dance partners later, Lily found herself back in the arms of James.
"Missed you," he whispered, pulling her close to him for a slow dance.
"Me too," she said just before kissing him.
The music then stopped and an announcement was made. "Would the bride and groom please come to the stage, it is time for the cutting of the cake!"
All of the guests gathered around on the dance floor as Lily and James walked over to the cake. It was perfect. The cake was 8 tiers and had predominantly white icing. It did, however, have flowers and ribbons decorating it in a special icing that changed colours, going from red, to blue, to yellow, to green, to purple, etc. Lily and James joined hands and picked up the bejeweled silver cake knife and sliced the first piece of cake.
James picked up a piece and fed it to Lily, very careful not to get any on her face. Lily decided not to return the favour though. She picked up a piece and, as politely as one could imagine, shoved it into James's mouth and all over his face. Everyone laughed and applauded, none louder than Sirius and Remus, as James pulled off his glasses and wiped them off on a napkin that someone handed him. James then grabbed another piece of cake and smeared it over Lily's face, causing her to scream.
Once a few pictures had been taken of the mess that was the bride and groom, Marilyn pulled out her wand and magically the couple was as clean as they had been before the cake fiasco. James and Lily, however didn't even notice. James had his arms around Lily and they were laughing about their little food fight, and Sirius was just behind them laughing as well when another picture was snapped. Little did they know the important role that this picture would play later on…
After the cake had been cut and everyone had had some, the voice returned yet again. "All eligible bachelors, please come to the dance floor. And the bride and groom, please come to the stage! It's time for the garter toss!"
Lily giggled as James led her up onto the stage. James sat down in the chair that was waiting for them. He grinned as Lily sat down on his lap. She then crossed her legs and lifted the skirt of her dress, just high enough to reveal the garter. Grinning, James slipped the garter belt down Lily's leg and off of her. He then turned around and flung it into the waiting crowd, very curious to see who would come up victorious.
"Back off!" Sirius yelled.
"No, you!" shouted Peter.
"I've got it!" declared a third voice.
James and Lily turned around to see who it was. When they saw who it was, their eyes, along with most everyone else's, grew wide.
Albus Dumbledore was standing in front of the crowd, holding the garter up for everyone to see. Rather than saying anything else, Dumbledore turned to face Victoria, winked and then walked off.
Lily turned to James and whispered, "What was that about?"
James laughed. "I have no idea…"
A/N: Any thoughts? Questions? Comments? Concerns? Feel free to share them by clicking the little "Review" button below!