Ava, waking up the next morning, looked over to see Lily sprawled on the bed. Ava stood up from the floor, feeling very stiff, and looked around. She only somewhat remembered getting there, but laughed at the whole night. She hopped in the shower, knowing Lily wouldn't be up soon.

After taking off from London, Ava had flown with everything and anything she had to get to Ireland, the tip anyways. It had really taken awhile, but drunken ideas are amusing at the time. By the time they got there they found a pub that was shutting down late, caught another last call round, and took a room for the night. It was still quite early in the day, Ava's muscles, brain, etc. all hurt. The shower felt wonderful.

Once out and dressed and set the coffee making for Lily, which she knew she would need, Ava ran downstairs for the paper. Other guests were having a late breakfast and heading out. She snatched a paper and went back up to wait for Lily to awake.

When Lily did awake, the only way Ava knew she was alive was by the load groan that indicated a hangover that came from Lily's head under the pillow. Lily, being the good-natured soul she was, did get up without a fuss though. She sent a grateful look to Ava as she dove into her coffee. It hit her then, where were they?

"Where are we?"

"Don't ask."

"Where," Lily tried again a little worried, "are we?"

"Eire." Ava responded with all the innocence she could muster.

"Altair!" Lily half shouted, half stunned. "How in the dusk and dawn did we get there, here?"

"Funny, you use those words..." Ava drifted off. Lily glared at her. Ava broke down, telling her everything that happened. "And then a handful of hours later we were here. Had some more fun, and you crashed on the bed."

"And you slept on the floor?" Lily asked her surprised. She was stunned from the whole tale that Ava told her, which she wondered if they really did do all that.

"Yeh," Ava shrugged. "You were worse for wear. Sorry."

"Aves," Lily shook her head and couldn't help but grin, she couldn't stay mad at her. She tapped her on the back. "So how do we get back?"

Ava gave a small grunt as Lily patted her, her muscles ached still. Lily noticed and eyed he carefully. "You can't get us back can you?"

"I can!" Ava stood up, showing she was fine.

"Don't worry about it, I'll trans again and fly back, you can trans into whatever."

"No." Ava told her firmly. "You don't know what its like to fly that far, you wont make it. I know the aerodynamics, wind speed, all that jazz."

"Your arms are torn." Lily told her skeptically.

"You need to dance the night away with James," Ava told her matter-of-factly. "All I need to do is hold some blimey flowers.

"James," Lily murmured with a look of shock. Had she been so trashed she forgot she was getting married! Looking at he clock hanging on the wall, she jumped up. "We've got to go!"

"I know! I know!" Ava tried to calm her down. "I've thought it out, so go hop in the shower. And we'll be ready to go. Don't worry, I'll have you back in time."

Lily tossed a look over her shoulder on the way to the bathroom, ripping her clothes off as she did so. What an event! First the rehearsal problems, the blocking, the blasted superstition, now this? She was able to laugh at it all but that didn't stop it from being hectic. It was pretty funny to see her maid-of-honor have to substitute for her in the bride position, as it was bad luck for a bride to go through a mock ceremony instead of her real one. Ava and James? Never, never would work, the whole wedding party, including the officiate, agreed. Luckily, James let her down easy, and Ava said she would get over it someday.

Lily came out and found the whole room cleaned, everything nice and neat, and the receipt of the bill laying on the table- Ava had left it there for her to put in her pocket, which she did. Sitting on the open window ledge was a hawk, carefully preening her feathers. With a sigh, she transfigured back into a ladybug, and crawled up onto the hawk leg, finding a careful spot.

Ava flew faster than she had ever tried, feeling different now that she was sober. Once she got across the Irish Sea, and onto the edge of Wales, she headed back down for a breather. If she could get to a decent spot, they could aparrate the rest of the way.

…By the time they got back to the flat, they found they had guests in form of bridesmaids, wondering where they where. Lily's mom had left a message for her to call her back when ever she got the chance, not seeming to concerned and knowing her daughter.

Lily was taken to hair appointment while Ava went to pick up the dresses from the cleaners. She went to the reception hall, making positive all was well there. Then she went to the site of the wedding. She talked with the horticulturist and she compromised with what Lily wanted and what he could do. Meeting the photographer and the musicians, she was running ragged so Lily wouldn't have to worry. Thank the magic for an evening wedding.

When the time came, guests started arriving, the ushers setting them on their respective sides. Lily waited in one end of the hall, James at the other. James had little to do but really contemplate if this was the right move. Lily was doing so at the other end as well. Peter stayed with James, as Sirius and Remus helped out with sitting people. Ava managed to get into her dress with minimal trouble- her arms ached with every movement. She bit it back and ignored it for what she could and helped Lily into her poufy dress. She settled every whim of Lily's, from different color stockings to a glass of water to hearing her second-guess the whole thing, like only a best friend could.

The ceremony went through in relatively smooth manner. Though, some remembered it better than others. After sitting all the relatives, Sirius, Remus and Peter walked up along the side to stand with James, who stood trying to take deep breaths. Sirius smacked him on the back discreetly, following in his obligations as best man. The music started and the march began.

Down the aisle slowly came a bridesmaid, followed by the next at a rhythmical pace. Ava came down on the designated time, carefully holding her flowers so as to look pretty and yet minimize effort. She flashed James a smile, hoping he was prepared. When Lily came walking out, James didn't remember or see anything else but her. When it came time for their vows, they soared through, love bursting from every promising word.

"James, for now and for ever." Lily wrapped up her bit, holding his hands and looking into his eyes. "I welcome any and all the challenges that may come our way. With you by my side, nothing will daunt me."

James slipped his ring on to her finger and began his part. "Lily, I," he took a deep breath. Lily's heart skipped a beat. "When I first asked you to marry me, all I could think about was making you my wife. Now I know better."

Lily froze, was he letting her down? Telling her he couldn't do it? His hazel eyes on her, he continued. "Now, all I can think about is making you happy." With that, Lily couldn't hold back her tears anymore, the happiness shined in her face.

Ava smiled as she watched her friend, holding her bouquet. Her eyes went in search of Sirius and found him looking over at her as well. They shared a smile. Her eyes gave a quick run over Remus and Peter, quickly returning to their favorite sight. Sirius' blue eyes were set on her, and hers on him. She heard the officiator's voice and it brought her attention back to the ceremony.

He announced the Potters and they headed down the aisle. All the cheering and clapping was splintering. Ava and Sirius met in the middle where he held his arm out to her. Carefully taking the offered arm, she walked with him as they headed to the back to await pictures. Soon followed behind by the rest of the party.

As they waited off to the side, Lily and James' families due in any moment, Ava snuck off really quick as the rest congratulated them. She came back with a bottle of champagne and a round of glasses. After pouring them all, she gave them a private toast. "To the Potters."

"To the Potters," The rest of the party cheered.

After getting their fill of pictures for the families, all headed to the reception. Leaving the happy couple in peace, the rest went in. Lily really wanted to change clothes, but decided against it, the time, the effort, and the chance to wear the dress again. The cheering began again once the Potters entered the room.

The supper was simply lovely. Cake was set out for those who cared, Lily and James taking a small bit of time to cut it. Music began to play, and they had their first dance. Ava stood off with the marauders watching the two dance by, enjoying each other. Her hand slid into Sirius'. With their first dance finished, they stayed on the floor anyways to have some fun, each dancing with their in-laws. Sirius took Ava out to the dance floor, and picked her hand from her side.

He worried over her pained expression. She slipped her arms around his waist as he wrapped his arms around her, dancing extra slowly not quite in strike with the song. He took in the feel of her as she explained why she was feeling so unbendable.

"I sort of got us in trouble." She told him with a light laugh. "I flew Lily to Eire last night, and back this morning."

Sirius stopped dancing for a minute, taking a step back to look at her. She fidgeted slightly under his gaze. He stepped back, wrapping his arms back around her, and feeling hers slid around his waist. "Imp."

"Well," she smiled, even though she couldn't see him. "I hear, from the bridesmaids that is, that in the prophet apparently some people got arrested last night in Diagon Alley."

"Hmm." He murmured into her hair.

"Something about drunken late night Quidditch?" He just laughed and pulled her closer. They were quite a couple of rascals they were.

Lily came over with James, insisting they switch partners for a quick dance, as James took Ava and Sirius took Lily. They all got filled in on the past night's events. Afterwards they met up in the hallway, Lily with a wizard camera.

"Gather round." She gestured to them to move in together. Ava shook her head and walked over to her, taking the camera from her hands.

"You go, we need a picture of you with your boys."

"And you." She locked her arms with James.

"And you don't need a picture of me so shattered." Ava laughed as she took a picture of the three. She told them how she would need to cut off her arms to spite her body now that she'd gone and wrecked them. They laughed and she took the picture, catching the right moment.

Later, Lily made the rounds making sure to dance with everyone before she and James left on their Honeymoon. James gave Ava a quick spin around the dance floor, thanking her for all the plans she took care of, all the trouble she got his wife into, and all of it that she got her out of. They headed off to France for a week; making their goodbyes and they were gone.

The marauders stood there until they couldn't see their car anymore. The dark sky hid their faces from each other. Ava leaned against Sirius, trying to keep her arms un-raised. Sirius turned and grinned at his friends.

"Lets go finish it off." They all turned and strode inside towards what as left of the bar. Most of the guests wandered out after the couple had left. The numbers slimmed down to die-hards.

Sirius sat back, legs on the table as Ava danced with Remus, giving him the same explanation. Peter sat next to Sirius in the same manner, trying to look as nonchalantly cool. Sirius could see Remus and Ava bantering back and forth, but he could also see the gentle way Remus held her as to not cause her any extra pain. They danced more than the one song, always having the best of time together.

Finally, Sirius realized he had something to talk with Ava about. He kicked his feet off from the table, startling Peter, who looked over, envious of Sirius' unconscious elegant grace. Sirius picked up his top hat, which he had left on the main table, and popped it on, walking over to cut in and giving his tails a flip.

"Ah, Moony," he dropped his hand on his friend's shoulder, "Let me take this hellion off your hands."

Remus grinned at him still holding her delicately, but stepping aside for Sirius. "Hellcat's all yours."

"Such wicked words from such a handsome mouth."

"Mm-hmm." He pulled her in taking her gently again in his arms, supporting her, whom he knew to be tired. He looked over to see Remus give him a nod as he danced with a bridesmaid.

He didn't say anything for some time as he just enjoyed the moment. She was taking pleasure in it as well, but having him stand so strong and brace her, she found herself lulled into a state as he rhythmically swayed with her. Not quite falling asleep, she was very relaxed as her legs barely moving from all the action they took during the day.

"Hey," he softly called to her. "Luv,"

"Mm?"

"How do you do?"

"Mm."

He snickered quietly, rubbing her back. "I had a thought to bounce off you. You up to it?"

"Mm?"

"Nah," he shook his head, careful not to juggle her. "You need to talk if you really want to find out."

"Mm." But she picked her head up to find his blue eyes sparkling down on her. She couldn't help but smile back. "What, luv?"

"What do you think about moving in together?" he tried to read her look. He gouged for a response. "This time, we know what were doing."

She tilted her head to the side as she thought about it. She set her head against him, as he thought that look had reminded him of when he first met her. He hadn't said why he had thought of living together. Not that he had consciously. It just felt right this time. Seeing Cain he knew he didn't want to be like that, the one who let her get a way. And while he was nowhere near ready for the marriage-he could at least say the word now- commitment, he was ready for this. As long as she was.

"Of course," she said not even raising her head. She knew he was waiting for a response, which she kept simple. She gave him a tight embrace--sod her arms. He picked her up, having slipped his hands down to her waist, and gave her a quick spin around before setting her back down and holding her up again.

With his natural spontaneity, Sirius went out onto the veranda, leading Ava gently by the hand as he walked ahead of her. The sight was beautiful, frost dancing about, glazing the unwary. The night sky pitch black as were the surroundings, save for the stars above.

Ava and Sirius looked up at them, both reveling in the sheer brilliance of the sight, the magnificence of it all. Ava could see her breath as she breathed out and she rubbed her naked arms to get warm (Lily would choose scanty dresses for a winter wedding!) and somewhat to comfort them.

Sirius saw her cheeks flushed by the winter winds and ran a finger over her high cheekbone and down her face. He shrugged off his coat and wrapped it around her, she slipped her arms carefully through the sleeves and kissed him on the cheek. He smiled as she played with the tails swinging them about for a moment.

"How do I look?"

"Smart." He laughed. "Lovely, my dear."

Finally she looked back up at the stars. Standing behind, he slipped his arms around her, more to keep himself warm now that he was without his jacket.

"How countlessly they congregate
O'er our tumultuous snow,
Which flows in shapes as tall as trees
When wintry winds do blow

As if with keenness for our fate,
Our faltering few steps on
To white rest, and a place of rest
Invisible at dawn,

And yet with neither love nor hate,
Those stars like some snow-white
Minerva's snow-white marble eyes
Without the gift of sight."

He spoke softly, the words emoting from his memory. He felt Ava tilt her head back onto him, turning her head slightly to hear him.

"Beautiful." She said, feeling him smile-and the opportunity to tease him. "Yank." Ava didn't have anything against Americans, but wouldn't have thought Sirius for the poem sort, nor to keep up with Yankee comings and goings.

"I remember reading it, and loved it because I love the stars." Sirius sounded thoughtful.

"It suits you well."

"You'll still love a yankee, then?"

"But of course." She touched her elbow playfully to his side to tease him. She'd love him still even if he had horns and a tail.

After a moment they both fell quite, still in awe of the stars. He smiled down to her, not that she could see. "Do you remember our first Christmas? The Yule Ball?"

Ava smiled to herself, turning her head again so Sirius could hear her. "You remember that first Christmas?" Not that it was so long ago, she reminded herself.

"When you did not want me, or so you professed?" he ragged on her.

"I played it so for quite some time, well I might say." Too well was implied by both.

"So you did."

"You gave me this." She touched her hand to her necklace, the choker with a star clasp. His hand touched it as well, unaware that he did so until his hand was over hers.

"Yes."

"And you kissed me on the cheek."

"Mm-hmm." He let himself slid into the memory. He remembered he wanted to kiss her, but didn't want to pressure her. He let himself kiss her on the cheek though. Back then they had just been friends. She had gone through some personal problems and was getting over them. And he was just a friend. Thought he wanted more, later finding out so did she. He laughed. "I remember."

"Forgive the sweetness at my words, for their not even mine but wash well," she wrapped her arms around his, which held her close. "I ran up the door, closed the stairs, said my pajamas and put on my prayers, I turned off the bed and hopped into the light, all because you kissed me goodnight."

"Truly?"

"Truly, luv." She turned in his arms and held him close, forgetting the chill about them.

:: Mm-mm! Sorry, I could not resist throwing some sugar in there! Everyone deserves nice maudlin moments occasionally. Besides, if you can't read about, where else are you going to find it?(btw- the poem is Stars, by Robert Frost.I dont know abut Ava's lil bit, anonymous...)

But, stay tuned kids, more fun to come. No, I'm certainly not done yet!