Chapter 37: Eine Hochzeit
A/N: That's German. I decided that I wanted a title in German! Muahaha! Woo. Anyway... here I go! I'm hoping to get these next to chapters up before I leave. I'm leaving tomorrow... so I'm hoping to write this and the pregnancy so I only have birth and death after I get back. Plus a couple one shots I'm going to TRY to get finished!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Eine Hochzeit
Parchment was scattered across the table and my hair was up in a messy bun. Plans had been made; I was going back over them to finalize them and to make sure that they turn out the way I want them. James was making food for us in the kitchen and I was scribbling notes on the corners of the parchment.
"Dinner's ready."
"Okay," I called; sitting back down and working instead of going towards the kitchen.
"Lily?" James popped his head in the room and stared.
"Hi," I replied looking over the guest list. Let's see... Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, my parents, James' uncle, aunt—
I saw James come into the room with two plates and set one in front of me. I moved quickly and it fell to the floor. I swore loudly trying to pick up the broken plate pieces.
"I've got it," said James, picking up the plate and kissing my forehead. "Just calm down."
"Our wedding is in less than two months James—I can't calm—I have to continue making sure I like it the way it is—make sure we've got the R.S.V.P—oh! I have to order the flowers!"
"Lily, Lily," James said leaving the broken plate forgotten on the floor. "Your mother told you to wait for her to come over to help—"
"I can do it myself!" I said angrily.
James looked at me for a second before picking up the plate and taking it into the kitchen. I sighed, walking into the kitchen and I found him sitting on the counter eating. I took the plate out of his hands and leaned up to hug him. He hugged back slightly.
"You don't need to over work yourself," he said as he pulled me onto his lap.
"I'm not... I just... I don't know. I want to make sure everything's perfect."
"As long as you're there... it's perfect," he replied leaning down to kiss me.
"Nice pick up line," I laughed leaning back on his shoulder.
"I wasn't aware that I needed a pick up line," he grinned. "I thought I already won you over."
I rolled my eyes, "How about we clear the table and eat in there?"
"Don't you like the romantic setting of—"he looked around "—dirty dishes and... cabinets all around us?"
"I think I like this better than dim lights and roses all around," I joked.
"The guys are still dragging that proposal out," he laughed.
"Why's that?"
"You turned me into a sap."
I laughed. "It was romantic. And I treated you good for that, didn't I?"
He grinned. "Oh yeah."
"Pervert," I said, jumping off the counter and taking his forgotten plate, climbing the stairs to our bedroom.
I came home from work, three weeks later, to find that everyone was over; the girls and the Marauders. All of them were dressed in Muggle clothes... nice ones, at that. I set my bag on the counter and went do join them in the foyer.
"There's the top girl!"
I yawned. "What's going on?"
"Bachelor and Bachelorette party!" Sirius exclaimed.
I kissed James' cheek and sat down on the couch. "Maybe I'm wrong—and correct me if I am—but I thought that they were supposed to be separated."
Sirius laughed. "Yeah, they are. We're going out drinking and you girls are staying here to talk about books—or something. See you!"
"Oh no you don't," laughed Dorcas. "We're going out!"
James laughed. "Seriously?"
I probably would have gone against going out since I was so tired but James' face made me want to go out. "Seriously." James laughed harder after I said this. "Why are you laughing?"
"No reason," he lied grinning towards the Marauders. "I'm just trying to picture you—Lily Evans, Head Girl—out partying! Drinking! And dancing like a gi—"
I stared at he cut himself off. "Dancing like a what, James? Do tell."
He blushed. "Like... um... a ..."
"Girl?" Dorcas offered.
James backed away. "No... No... I didn't mean that—"
Just then an owl flew into the room. I took it off and read it quickly. My eyes went wide as they traveled over it.
"It's from Amos," I said shakily. "There's been an attack. They need me—"
"I'm coming," announced James.
"Don't let it ruin your night—"
"This is a big chase," he said reading it over my shoulder. "Voldemort! That's it... let's go."
Our friends stared at us. "Fine."
James and I Apparated on to the spot. Diagon Alley seemed darker than usual and it seemed cold. James and I turned around and saw why. There were at least a dozen Dementors being fought by the Order and Ministry officials. Seconds later I heard the group Apparate behind me. Dorcas ways being sarcastic.
"That's great—we're in the bloody Order and Lily wouldn't even tell us where the attack was."
I threw an apologetic smile. "Come on... Remember happy thoughts."
Everyone nodded and advanced forward. James was trying to fight off two dementors at once and as I went over to help I noticed Sirius was there ready to help. I sighed and continued to fight a masked Death Eater. Amos walked past me sending the Cruciatus curse as he went.
The hairs on my neck stood up and I turned around forgetting the fact that there was a Death Eater behind me. I felt my knees give under me as I felt pain screech through my veins. I whimpered making a couple people glance at me.
"Mudblood," spat the Death Eater moving towards Dorcas.
There was only one person I knew that talked like that—Snape. I looked up barely able to move when I saw that Voldemort was cursing as he went. James rushed over to my side.
"Lily... Lily," he panted trying to help me up.
"Snape hit me with the Cruciatus curse," I mumbled.
"Snape?!" he asked loudly. A Death Eater turned around and sent a curse our way but James ducked.
"Well, well... who have we got here?" asked a cold voice. "Oh no... this won't be fair at all... the Mudblood can't even stand up... tsk tsk. Who is my Death Eater who cursed her?"
One of the Death Eaters turned around and Voldemort hit him with the Cruciatus curse; but he didn't scream in pain, he didn't even whimper.
James stood up and sent a hex at Voldemort, which he easily dodged. Laughing, he tried to hex James, who ducked out of the way too.
"All right, Potter," he said coldly. "If you want to play a game... we'll play a game. Just remember... your death is going to be slow and painful."
"So will yours," said James malicely.
Voldemort laughed. "I highly doubt that."
"Hello Tom."
Voldemort stopped laughing. "Dumbledore?!"
The old wizard stepped towards him. "Yes..."
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" Dumbledore dodged it by moving two inches to his left. Voldemort sneered. "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Once again Dumbledore dodged it. From behind James cursed Voldemort. Voldemort fell to his knees but got up quickly and turned towards James.
"Tom?"
Voldemort glared in annoyance before turning back towards Dumbledore. "My name is VOLDEMORT! But I understand if you are too frightened to speak it, Dumbledore—"
"Your name is Tom." Dumbledore smiled sweetly. "James take Lily and leave."
"But—"
"Take her and leave," Dumbledore said sternly not taking his eyes off of Voldemort.
"I'd rather not witness this, James," I whimpered against his chest.
James heaved a sigh before Apparating back to our house. We didn't say anything the entire time. I sat down on the couch, sprawled out.
"We need to take you to a Healer."
I shook my head. "I don't want to. I want to stay here—"
"Lily," he said dangerously low. "I'm taking you to St. Mungo's—"
"James—"
"Lily!"
I sighed. "Fine."
"How long will she be staying?" I heard James ask. My sleeping potion had just worn off and I opened my eyes slowly. James was dressed in his robes but he looked like he hadn't showered since I had been brought into the hospital.
"We're not sure," the Healer said quietly. "Could be days—weeks—"
"My wedding's in less than two weeks!" I yelled loudly.
"Lily," James said kissing me on the cheek.
"Hi," I said coldly. "I'm not getting married in this hospital!"
"Ma'am we need to treat your condition—"
"I have been hit with the curse before!"
The Healer stared. "And you have been treated?"
"I didn't need to be treated! It barely hit me."
The Healer tutted, before walking towards the door. "I'll see if I can find a date where you'll be able to get out of the hospital."
James sat on the edge of the bed. "Your mother and Dorcas have the whole wedding set up just the way you wanted it—"
"When can I see it?! What if they didn't—"
"Lily, calm down," James soothed. "They know how important this is to you."
I nodded, letting out the breath I had been holding. "You need to shower," I laughed jokingly.
"I've been worried."
"I've only been in here for two days—"
"Two days?" James said. "More like a week."
"What?!"
"Our wedding is in four days, Lily."
"WHAT?!" I stared. "I was sleeping for that long?!"
"They needed to treat you and you had one hell-of-a strong potion."
"Four days?"
"Four days."
"I'm leaving," I said Apparating home.
James followed me. "Lily, you can't—stop being irrational—"
"Four days until my wedding and they want me to sit in a bed?"
"Do you want to live to see your wedding?" he asked coldly.
I stopped walking away and looked back at him. "Excuse me?"
James sighed. "I didn't mean it like it sounded."
He moved closer to hug me and I allowed him. "Wait a minute," I said as he moved away. I pulled his robe back towards me and smelled it. "You smell like whiskey—and—smoke."
James reddened. "Bachelor party—"
"You had your Bachelor party when I was sleeping—?"
"I was on call if you woke up," he muttered quietly.
"What happened at your party?"
"We went drinking like we were going to—"
"Dancing?"
"Err—no," he said firmly.
"No? Are you sure?" I asked sweetly, looking up into his eyes were I saw he wouldn't meet mine. "Did you dance with a girl?" I asked clearly.
He nodded. "I—"
I smirked. "I don't mind. It's not the end of the world. It was your Bachelor party. No strippers though?" I clarified.
"I've got my own personal stripper," he said grinning, going to hug me.
"Stop right there," I said warningly. "Go take a shower."
"If you go back to St. Mungo's I will," he said defiantly.
"Fine, but if they want me to stay more than a day more—I'm Apparating home."
"And my behind you," he replied, kissing my forehead and jumping up the stairs four at a time.
"Are you sure I look all right?"
"Shut up," laughed Dorcas. "You looked gorgeous the first time you wore it, and you look gorgeous now. Here, ask Sirius."
Sirius who was walking past the door stopped in his steps. "Ask me what?"
"Doesn't Lily look like a Queen?"
"A hot Queen," Sirius said, nodding his head in agreement. He laughed dodging Dorcas' hand while running out of sight.
"Do you think I look fat?" I asked subconsciously.
Dorcas laughed. "With the amount of sit-ups you've been doing the past four days—not to mention the ones you did before the attack in Diagon Alley—are you mad?"
I smiled. "Well, I want to look okay!"
"You look better than okay," Amelia said, coming into the room.
"Thank you girls—for being a part of this mad wedding!"
"I still can't believe you're marrying James Potter," laughed Amelia, sitting on a chair, and straightening her dress. Since all three girls had somewhat brown hair they wore dark blue dresses. I made it so each style dress was different. Amelia's was longer with no sleeves; Dorcas was shorter with sleeves; and Marlene's was medium with one sleeve, kind of a George-of-the-Jungle style. Because Dorcas was half blood and my mother was helping so much, we were having a Muggle wedding.
"Do you think we're too young?" I asked nervously.
"Of course not," Amelia said assuringly. "I meant that you used to despise him and now... wow... you're so in love, Lil."
I smiled. "Thanks for putting up with me this whole time," I said laughing. "Who would have guessed?"
"I can't wait until you have kids!" Dorcas said smiling. "I hope you name her after me!"
"Or me!" laughed Amelia.
"No! Me, especially Lil!" Remus joked, stopping in the doorway. His hands were on either doorframe and he was grinning.
"Remus does sound like a girl name, come to think of it," teased Amelia.
"I'll watch out for you," he promised pointing towards Amelia. "You're my dance partner."
"I am?"
I laughed. "Yeah... Dorcas and Sirius, James and I, Peter and Marlene, you and Remus."
"Thanks! Stick me with him," she said, mock glaring.
"Oh thanks," he laughed. "You look beautiful, by the way, Lil. James is going to drool at the alter."
I laughed. "Thanks so much. It means a lot that you all are so supportive."
Remus winked before continuing his way down the hall.
"See? Even Remus complimented you without us asking him," laughed Dorcas.
I grinned at Amelia's blush. "You set me up! And I was just getting over him too!"
I laughed. "Then get over him. James invited a load of Quidditch players to come here! I suppose he still likes the attention."
"Are the Prewett brother's coming?" Amelia asked eagerly.
"And Caradoc Dearborn, Benjy Fenwick—I think he even invited some of the Hogwarts ghost!"
"That boy," smiled Dorcas, looking at the mirror.
She moved aside letting me take a look at myself. The dress went down to my ankles; which is just right because along with some added length, it used to be my mother's. She is tall and thin like Petunia; the dress went down to her knees, which is pretty sad for me at least.
"Do you think James wants me to be taller?" I asked flattening the dress. "Should I wear the other shoes I bought?"
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Because I'm sure James is going to stop the wedding because he realizes he has to look down to see you."
"Being shorter is better for shagging," added Dorcas.
Amelia and I stared. "I don't know what has gotten into you lately," I laughed. "You're either more honest... or just more talkative. Have you always been this honest?"
Dorcas laughed. "I am Sirius Black's girlfriend."
Amelia nodded. "How could I forget? You talk about him in your sleep."
Dorcas redden. "I... I think I'm going to go—"
"Snog Sirius?" I offered, laughing.
"Makes sure the cake's in place."
I smiled looking over myself in the mirror. I was never a fan of make-up, but they had convinced me to put on a little bit of lipstick, along with a small amount of blush and eye liner. Amelia came up by my side and hugged me lightly.
"You're getting married."
"I'm getting married."
Thoughts ran through my mind until I heard a knock on the door and Remus entered. "We'll be starting in like—two minutes."
"Two minutes?" I laughed.
"James is at the alter," he said smiling.
I started breathing deeply. "Thanks."
"Good luck."
"I'm going to need it," I said to nobody in particular as Amelia grabbed her bouquet along with Dorcas', then after another hug she walked out into the church. My stomach was turning at full speed now. I opened the window and realized that it was lightly snowing outside. Perfect. Just perfect. The reception is partially outside so it's going to be lovely to dance with James in the snow.
I heard another soft knock on the door and I realized that my father was there waiting to give me to James. I heaved a sigh and opened the door, bouquet in hand. He smiled warmly as I wandered out towards him.
"You look lovely."
"Thank you, daddy," I said kissing his cheek.
"I love you pumpkin."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged him. "I love you too!"
I heard the music play and I knew it was time for me to walk down the alter and meet my soon to be husband. Just thinking that brought a huge smile to my face. I pulled the veil over my face, keeping it hidden. As I walked out, everyone stood and I saw my mother become slightly teary eyed. James was standing there and his mouth dropped slightly as I walked down the aisle. Sirius poked James, who went up and offered his hand.
My father did, probably the most difficult thing in his life. He stepped forward and gave my hand to James. He was smiling broadly, and it reminded me so much of the little twelve year old boy that ran into the common room ecstatic for making the Gryffindor House Quidditch Team. Pulling the veil over my face, he rested it on my hair, which I wore down, in slight curls, because that's how James always liked it best.
The priest started the service and I kept my eyes locked with James'; I heard soft sighs from the audience and it made me smile broader. The priest asked for our rings and Sirius handed James both boxes. He slipped mine off first. Usually they were a golden band; but he had once again entwined an L and J with diamonds around the entire band. I gasped and he grinned down at me. His band was bland and I looked at it frowning.
"Your is plain," I whimpered.
He titled my chin up. "It's all right."
"No... I wanted it to—"
"This is your day, Lil. Smile please," he whispered. "For me... Please, Lil. The ring's perfect."
"Are you sure?" I asked quietly.
"Positive," he said, rubbing a finger over my palm. I sighed and nodded. I wasn't able to smile until James look at his ring fondly. He grinned running his finger across it. I giggled as we linked hands when the priest ask us to give our vows.
"You go first," I whispered.
"You go first," he offered.
"No you," I flirted.
"No you," he said grinning.
"I'll go first, if you want." James and I laughed at Sirius' comment. And I bit my lower lip.
"Okay, I'll go first," he whispered. "Lily..."
I smiled as he searched for words. He looked at the ground and I moved the hair out of his face, making him look up and speak.
"Ever since I met you... I knew that I wanted to marry you. Of course, I was eleven—and you were my first ever crush—but... I know you weren't completely interested in dating at age eleven... so I waited. And let me tell you, I've waited long enough."
He grinned at me before continuing. "I love you. You know that. And when I proposed to you, all I wanted to do was make you smile. All I wanted to do was kiss your tears away. I wanted to make sure you'd be forever happy—with me. And now all my dreams are coming true. All those late nights with my best mates thinking of how to woo you finally paid off.
"Knowing you love me makes me smile... it makes me want to live another day. But you becoming my wife... makes me want to live an entire lifetime, just to be with you."
The crowd awed and I let one tear fall from my eye; and like promised, James kissed it away. I smiled up at him before saying my vows.
"I never really believed that if something is as great as you think it is, it's worth the wait. I never really believed that there was one person out there for you. I never really believed in love. Until I met you. Of course, when you were eleven, nobody would have guessed that we'd be here, at the alter, becoming husband and wife.
"After you told me on the train that you loved me... it threw me off, to tell you the truth," I smiled gratefully and he looked down intently, tears welling up in his eyes. "In seventh year, I gave you a chance. I was surprised that I did, but... I did. I realized that you were in love with me... the least I could do was give you a chance. Then I fell for you and we became a couple.
"I didn't believe that good things are worth waiting for. Until I met you. Because I know that I waited for you my entire life, but I didn't realize you were there; right there in front of me, until the day you told me you loved me. I'm so glad you waited for me. I love you."
I let more tears fall and he kissed them away as well. I closed my eyes, just to feel him as close to me as he was. The crowd awed, and I know I heard loud sniffs coming from my mother.
"Lillian Marie Evans. Do you take this man, James Harold Potter, to love and cherish through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, 'til death do you part?
"James Harold Potter. Do you take this woman, Lillian Marie Evans, to love and cherish through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, 'til death do you part?"
James and I nodded at the same time; we had planned it so we both said yes at the same time. In unison we said, "'Til death do us part."
"And with the power 'vested in me by the Lord our God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. James... you may now kiss your wife."
Tears fell freely down my cheeks as James smiled down, before kissing me softly on the lips. It was the best kiss of my life.
Everyone clapped loudly and I saw Sirius clasp James on the back, trying to hide the tears he was letting well up in his eyes. James kissed me again and carried me out of the church; people throwing, not rice, but lilies at us as we made our exit.
My father had arranged for James and I to take a limousine to the reception while all the others Apparated there. Sirius and Remus were going to help my parents get there; any other Muggles would be helped as well, then have their memory modified.
James pulled me into the limo and kissed me. I wiped the tears away that were falling down both our faces. The driver continued on his way as we kissed in the back seat When I pulled away from his kiss he mock glared.
"What did you do that for, Potter?!"
I stared. "What did you say?"
"Potter?" he asked innocently. "It's your name, isn't it?"
"Yes," I said smiling broadly, wiping another tear off my face. "Yes it is!
James pulled me along the crowd and I felt seventeen again, getting pulled along acting overly ecstatic just to be in his presence. I had been at the reception for two hours and after changing, I had received hug after hug, linking hands with James and receiving loads of congratulations.
Most of James' Quidditch buddies joked around with him winking and making comments about what a snag I was.
"Took you long enough," one of the Prewett brother's joked, punching James' arm and kissing my cheek. "Congratulations!"
My mother was in tears and I tried not to laugh at her. "Mum... stop crying! It's just—"
"My baby's grown up!" she sobbed pulling me into a hug. James hugged my father and in pairs (James with my mum, and my dad with me) we danced along the dance floor.
I must have danced with everyone at least twice! I had so much fun running around and then I finally realized it was time for James and I to stick cake in each others faces. I laughed as he pulled me along. I wiped some on James' nose before licking it off; which I received taunting for.
James, on the other hand, covered his hands in the icing and spread it all over my face. He proceeded to lick it off with my laughing like a maniac.
"Keep it clean!" laughed Sirius. "There are little kids here who don't appreciate that!"
James laughed, looking up at Sirius. "Who? You?"
The crowd laughed at the jokers who were grinning at each other. After the cake incident we cleaned up and I heard someone stand up—Sirius—and start on his speech.
"Okay, okay. So maybe my speech won't be as romantic—or boring—as James' was," he said laughing along with the crowd ("Hear! Hear!" from Remus and Peter, laughing). "But... I'll try my best. James is my best friend! Lily is his girlfriend—well was a fiancé too—and now a wife. Lily Potter! Can you believe it? I sure can't.
"Go going James!" He said clapping. "I was getting bored of thinking of ideas to woo her with, anyway."
The crowd laughed and James prompted with, "I think you've had enough to drink!"
Sirius winked our way. "Enough joking," he said sobering. "These are two of my favourite people in the world. I would never want anyone else to end up with either of them. Nothing can match Lily's temper like James' smooth talking. And nobody can make James deflate his head like Lily's blunt anger!"
I smiled fondly at James.
"I'm going to end this speech with some a quote. Spoken by none other than Lily Evans Potter, 'I wouldn't date you if it were a choice between you and the giant squid!'"
I blushed and everyone laughed... Sirius had been telling them about our fifth year, previous to his speech; James was ducking out of sight.
"And I ask this," Sirius said turning towards me. "The giant squid mustn't have been a ladies man, eh?"
Everyone laughed and clapped as Sirius stepped down from the stage. I felt James tug my arm and pull me out towards the snowing ground.
"Let's sneak in a quick slow dance," James whispered.
"Shhs," I said back. "I don't want anyone to hear."
I rested my head on his shoulder and he kissed my cheek before—
"If you'd bring your attention to the couple dancing out in the snow, it'd be most appreciated."
James groaned. "Thanks, Sirius."
"No problem, mate," he said, wrapping his arm around Dorcas.
Everyone watched James and I dance in the snow and I heard cameras clicking all over the place. My mother mostly, was snapping a load of pictures and even Amelia and John were taking in memories behind the camera lens.
"I want to thank you all for coming," I said loudly. "James and I were so happy to spend it with you."
"But alas... when one thing ends another must begin."
"Oh go on your honeymoon already!" Sirius yelled; he must have been a little tipsy by now.
James and I laughed. "We'll see you all in a week—"
"Or month," James grinned.
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks again!"
"Don't miss us too much!"
I wrapped my arms around James' waist as we drove away on Sirius' motorbike; he couldn't drive anyway. I waved to the group before burring my face into my husband's shirt. I giggled at this.
"What are you giggling about?" he asked grinning at me.
"I just... I was just thinking about a very special person."
"Oh really?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"My husband."
"Oh, you have a husband? Have I met him before?"
"Once or twice," I said smiling.
"Lucky guy, eh?"
"No... I'm a lucky girl."
I wrapped my arms tightly around him as we traveled to our destination: a beach house with one bloody big bed!
A/N: That's German. I decided that I wanted a title in German! Muahaha! Woo. Anyway... here I go! I'm hoping to get these next to chapters up before I leave. I'm leaving tomorrow... so I'm hoping to write this and the pregnancy so I only have birth and death after I get back. Plus a couple one shots I'm going to TRY to get finished!
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Eine Hochzeit
Parchment was scattered across the table and my hair was up in a messy bun. Plans had been made; I was going back over them to finalize them and to make sure that they turn out the way I want them. James was making food for us in the kitchen and I was scribbling notes on the corners of the parchment.
"Dinner's ready."
"Okay," I called; sitting back down and working instead of going towards the kitchen.
"Lily?" James popped his head in the room and stared.
"Hi," I replied looking over the guest list. Let's see... Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, my parents, James' uncle, aunt—
I saw James come into the room with two plates and set one in front of me. I moved quickly and it fell to the floor. I swore loudly trying to pick up the broken plate pieces.
"I've got it," said James, picking up the plate and kissing my forehead. "Just calm down."
"Our wedding is in less than two months James—I can't calm—I have to continue making sure I like it the way it is—make sure we've got the R.S.V.P—oh! I have to order the flowers!"
"Lily, Lily," James said leaving the broken plate forgotten on the floor. "Your mother told you to wait for her to come over to help—"
"I can do it myself!" I said angrily.
James looked at me for a second before picking up the plate and taking it into the kitchen. I sighed, walking into the kitchen and I found him sitting on the counter eating. I took the plate out of his hands and leaned up to hug him. He hugged back slightly.
"You don't need to over work yourself," he said as he pulled me onto his lap.
"I'm not... I just... I don't know. I want to make sure everything's perfect."
"As long as you're there... it's perfect," he replied leaning down to kiss me.
"Nice pick up line," I laughed leaning back on his shoulder.
"I wasn't aware that I needed a pick up line," he grinned. "I thought I already won you over."
I rolled my eyes, "How about we clear the table and eat in there?"
"Don't you like the romantic setting of—"he looked around "—dirty dishes and... cabinets all around us?"
"I think I like this better than dim lights and roses all around," I joked.
"The guys are still dragging that proposal out," he laughed.
"Why's that?"
"You turned me into a sap."
I laughed. "It was romantic. And I treated you good for that, didn't I?"
He grinned. "Oh yeah."
"Pervert," I said, jumping off the counter and taking his forgotten plate, climbing the stairs to our bedroom.
I came home from work, three weeks later, to find that everyone was over; the girls and the Marauders. All of them were dressed in Muggle clothes... nice ones, at that. I set my bag on the counter and went do join them in the foyer.
"There's the top girl!"
I yawned. "What's going on?"
"Bachelor and Bachelorette party!" Sirius exclaimed.
I kissed James' cheek and sat down on the couch. "Maybe I'm wrong—and correct me if I am—but I thought that they were supposed to be separated."
Sirius laughed. "Yeah, they are. We're going out drinking and you girls are staying here to talk about books—or something. See you!"
"Oh no you don't," laughed Dorcas. "We're going out!"
James laughed. "Seriously?"
I probably would have gone against going out since I was so tired but James' face made me want to go out. "Seriously." James laughed harder after I said this. "Why are you laughing?"
"No reason," he lied grinning towards the Marauders. "I'm just trying to picture you—Lily Evans, Head Girl—out partying! Drinking! And dancing like a gi—"
I stared at he cut himself off. "Dancing like a what, James? Do tell."
He blushed. "Like... um... a ..."
"Girl?" Dorcas offered.
James backed away. "No... No... I didn't mean that—"
Just then an owl flew into the room. I took it off and read it quickly. My eyes went wide as they traveled over it.
"It's from Amos," I said shakily. "There's been an attack. They need me—"
"I'm coming," announced James.
"Don't let it ruin your night—"
"This is a big chase," he said reading it over my shoulder. "Voldemort! That's it... let's go."
Our friends stared at us. "Fine."
James and I Apparated on to the spot. Diagon Alley seemed darker than usual and it seemed cold. James and I turned around and saw why. There were at least a dozen Dementors being fought by the Order and Ministry officials. Seconds later I heard the group Apparate behind me. Dorcas ways being sarcastic.
"That's great—we're in the bloody Order and Lily wouldn't even tell us where the attack was."
I threw an apologetic smile. "Come on... Remember happy thoughts."
Everyone nodded and advanced forward. James was trying to fight off two dementors at once and as I went over to help I noticed Sirius was there ready to help. I sighed and continued to fight a masked Death Eater. Amos walked past me sending the Cruciatus curse as he went.
The hairs on my neck stood up and I turned around forgetting the fact that there was a Death Eater behind me. I felt my knees give under me as I felt pain screech through my veins. I whimpered making a couple people glance at me.
"Mudblood," spat the Death Eater moving towards Dorcas.
There was only one person I knew that talked like that—Snape. I looked up barely able to move when I saw that Voldemort was cursing as he went. James rushed over to my side.
"Lily... Lily," he panted trying to help me up.
"Snape hit me with the Cruciatus curse," I mumbled.
"Snape?!" he asked loudly. A Death Eater turned around and sent a curse our way but James ducked.
"Well, well... who have we got here?" asked a cold voice. "Oh no... this won't be fair at all... the Mudblood can't even stand up... tsk tsk. Who is my Death Eater who cursed her?"
One of the Death Eaters turned around and Voldemort hit him with the Cruciatus curse; but he didn't scream in pain, he didn't even whimper.
James stood up and sent a hex at Voldemort, which he easily dodged. Laughing, he tried to hex James, who ducked out of the way too.
"All right, Potter," he said coldly. "If you want to play a game... we'll play a game. Just remember... your death is going to be slow and painful."
"So will yours," said James malicely.
Voldemort laughed. "I highly doubt that."
"Hello Tom."
Voldemort stopped laughing. "Dumbledore?!"
The old wizard stepped towards him. "Yes..."
"AVADA KEDAVRA!" Dumbledore dodged it by moving two inches to his left. Voldemort sneered. "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Once again Dumbledore dodged it. From behind James cursed Voldemort. Voldemort fell to his knees but got up quickly and turned towards James.
"Tom?"
Voldemort glared in annoyance before turning back towards Dumbledore. "My name is VOLDEMORT! But I understand if you are too frightened to speak it, Dumbledore—"
"Your name is Tom." Dumbledore smiled sweetly. "James take Lily and leave."
"But—"
"Take her and leave," Dumbledore said sternly not taking his eyes off of Voldemort.
"I'd rather not witness this, James," I whimpered against his chest.
James heaved a sigh before Apparating back to our house. We didn't say anything the entire time. I sat down on the couch, sprawled out.
"We need to take you to a Healer."
I shook my head. "I don't want to. I want to stay here—"
"Lily," he said dangerously low. "I'm taking you to St. Mungo's—"
"James—"
"Lily!"
I sighed. "Fine."
"How long will she be staying?" I heard James ask. My sleeping potion had just worn off and I opened my eyes slowly. James was dressed in his robes but he looked like he hadn't showered since I had been brought into the hospital.
"We're not sure," the Healer said quietly. "Could be days—weeks—"
"My wedding's in less than two weeks!" I yelled loudly.
"Lily," James said kissing me on the cheek.
"Hi," I said coldly. "I'm not getting married in this hospital!"
"Ma'am we need to treat your condition—"
"I have been hit with the curse before!"
The Healer stared. "And you have been treated?"
"I didn't need to be treated! It barely hit me."
The Healer tutted, before walking towards the door. "I'll see if I can find a date where you'll be able to get out of the hospital."
James sat on the edge of the bed. "Your mother and Dorcas have the whole wedding set up just the way you wanted it—"
"When can I see it?! What if they didn't—"
"Lily, calm down," James soothed. "They know how important this is to you."
I nodded, letting out the breath I had been holding. "You need to shower," I laughed jokingly.
"I've been worried."
"I've only been in here for two days—"
"Two days?" James said. "More like a week."
"What?!"
"Our wedding is in four days, Lily."
"WHAT?!" I stared. "I was sleeping for that long?!"
"They needed to treat you and you had one hell-of-a strong potion."
"Four days?"
"Four days."
"I'm leaving," I said Apparating home.
James followed me. "Lily, you can't—stop being irrational—"
"Four days until my wedding and they want me to sit in a bed?"
"Do you want to live to see your wedding?" he asked coldly.
I stopped walking away and looked back at him. "Excuse me?"
James sighed. "I didn't mean it like it sounded."
He moved closer to hug me and I allowed him. "Wait a minute," I said as he moved away. I pulled his robe back towards me and smelled it. "You smell like whiskey—and—smoke."
James reddened. "Bachelor party—"
"You had your Bachelor party when I was sleeping—?"
"I was on call if you woke up," he muttered quietly.
"What happened at your party?"
"We went drinking like we were going to—"
"Dancing?"
"Err—no," he said firmly.
"No? Are you sure?" I asked sweetly, looking up into his eyes were I saw he wouldn't meet mine. "Did you dance with a girl?" I asked clearly.
He nodded. "I—"
I smirked. "I don't mind. It's not the end of the world. It was your Bachelor party. No strippers though?" I clarified.
"I've got my own personal stripper," he said grinning, going to hug me.
"Stop right there," I said warningly. "Go take a shower."
"If you go back to St. Mungo's I will," he said defiantly.
"Fine, but if they want me to stay more than a day more—I'm Apparating home."
"And my behind you," he replied, kissing my forehead and jumping up the stairs four at a time.
"Are you sure I look all right?"
"Shut up," laughed Dorcas. "You looked gorgeous the first time you wore it, and you look gorgeous now. Here, ask Sirius."
Sirius who was walking past the door stopped in his steps. "Ask me what?"
"Doesn't Lily look like a Queen?"
"A hot Queen," Sirius said, nodding his head in agreement. He laughed dodging Dorcas' hand while running out of sight.
"Do you think I look fat?" I asked subconsciously.
Dorcas laughed. "With the amount of sit-ups you've been doing the past four days—not to mention the ones you did before the attack in Diagon Alley—are you mad?"
I smiled. "Well, I want to look okay!"
"You look better than okay," Amelia said, coming into the room.
"Thank you girls—for being a part of this mad wedding!"
"I still can't believe you're marrying James Potter," laughed Amelia, sitting on a chair, and straightening her dress. Since all three girls had somewhat brown hair they wore dark blue dresses. I made it so each style dress was different. Amelia's was longer with no sleeves; Dorcas was shorter with sleeves; and Marlene's was medium with one sleeve, kind of a George-of-the-Jungle style. Because Dorcas was half blood and my mother was helping so much, we were having a Muggle wedding.
"Do you think we're too young?" I asked nervously.
"Of course not," Amelia said assuringly. "I meant that you used to despise him and now... wow... you're so in love, Lil."
I smiled. "Thanks for putting up with me this whole time," I said laughing. "Who would have guessed?"
"I can't wait until you have kids!" Dorcas said smiling. "I hope you name her after me!"
"Or me!" laughed Amelia.
"No! Me, especially Lil!" Remus joked, stopping in the doorway. His hands were on either doorframe and he was grinning.
"Remus does sound like a girl name, come to think of it," teased Amelia.
"I'll watch out for you," he promised pointing towards Amelia. "You're my dance partner."
"I am?"
I laughed. "Yeah... Dorcas and Sirius, James and I, Peter and Marlene, you and Remus."
"Thanks! Stick me with him," she said, mock glaring.
"Oh thanks," he laughed. "You look beautiful, by the way, Lil. James is going to drool at the alter."
I laughed. "Thanks so much. It means a lot that you all are so supportive."
Remus winked before continuing his way down the hall.
"See? Even Remus complimented you without us asking him," laughed Dorcas.
I grinned at Amelia's blush. "You set me up! And I was just getting over him too!"
I laughed. "Then get over him. James invited a load of Quidditch players to come here! I suppose he still likes the attention."
"Are the Prewett brother's coming?" Amelia asked eagerly.
"And Caradoc Dearborn, Benjy Fenwick—I think he even invited some of the Hogwarts ghost!"
"That boy," smiled Dorcas, looking at the mirror.
She moved aside letting me take a look at myself. The dress went down to my ankles; which is just right because along with some added length, it used to be my mother's. She is tall and thin like Petunia; the dress went down to her knees, which is pretty sad for me at least.
"Do you think James wants me to be taller?" I asked flattening the dress. "Should I wear the other shoes I bought?"
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Because I'm sure James is going to stop the wedding because he realizes he has to look down to see you."
"Being shorter is better for shagging," added Dorcas.
Amelia and I stared. "I don't know what has gotten into you lately," I laughed. "You're either more honest... or just more talkative. Have you always been this honest?"
Dorcas laughed. "I am Sirius Black's girlfriend."
Amelia nodded. "How could I forget? You talk about him in your sleep."
Dorcas redden. "I... I think I'm going to go—"
"Snog Sirius?" I offered, laughing.
"Makes sure the cake's in place."
I smiled looking over myself in the mirror. I was never a fan of make-up, but they had convinced me to put on a little bit of lipstick, along with a small amount of blush and eye liner. Amelia came up by my side and hugged me lightly.
"You're getting married."
"I'm getting married."
Thoughts ran through my mind until I heard a knock on the door and Remus entered. "We'll be starting in like—two minutes."
"Two minutes?" I laughed.
"James is at the alter," he said smiling.
I started breathing deeply. "Thanks."
"Good luck."
"I'm going to need it," I said to nobody in particular as Amelia grabbed her bouquet along with Dorcas', then after another hug she walked out into the church. My stomach was turning at full speed now. I opened the window and realized that it was lightly snowing outside. Perfect. Just perfect. The reception is partially outside so it's going to be lovely to dance with James in the snow.
I heard another soft knock on the door and I realized that my father was there waiting to give me to James. I heaved a sigh and opened the door, bouquet in hand. He smiled warmly as I wandered out towards him.
"You look lovely."
"Thank you, daddy," I said kissing his cheek.
"I love you pumpkin."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged him. "I love you too!"
I heard the music play and I knew it was time for me to walk down the alter and meet my soon to be husband. Just thinking that brought a huge smile to my face. I pulled the veil over my face, keeping it hidden. As I walked out, everyone stood and I saw my mother become slightly teary eyed. James was standing there and his mouth dropped slightly as I walked down the aisle. Sirius poked James, who went up and offered his hand.
My father did, probably the most difficult thing in his life. He stepped forward and gave my hand to James. He was smiling broadly, and it reminded me so much of the little twelve year old boy that ran into the common room ecstatic for making the Gryffindor House Quidditch Team. Pulling the veil over my face, he rested it on my hair, which I wore down, in slight curls, because that's how James always liked it best.
The priest started the service and I kept my eyes locked with James'; I heard soft sighs from the audience and it made me smile broader. The priest asked for our rings and Sirius handed James both boxes. He slipped mine off first. Usually they were a golden band; but he had once again entwined an L and J with diamonds around the entire band. I gasped and he grinned down at me. His band was bland and I looked at it frowning.
"Your is plain," I whimpered.
He titled my chin up. "It's all right."
"No... I wanted it to—"
"This is your day, Lil. Smile please," he whispered. "For me... Please, Lil. The ring's perfect."
"Are you sure?" I asked quietly.
"Positive," he said, rubbing a finger over my palm. I sighed and nodded. I wasn't able to smile until James look at his ring fondly. He grinned running his finger across it. I giggled as we linked hands when the priest ask us to give our vows.
"You go first," I whispered.
"You go first," he offered.
"No you," I flirted.
"No you," he said grinning.
"I'll go first, if you want." James and I laughed at Sirius' comment. And I bit my lower lip.
"Okay, I'll go first," he whispered. "Lily..."
I smiled as he searched for words. He looked at the ground and I moved the hair out of his face, making him look up and speak.
"Ever since I met you... I knew that I wanted to marry you. Of course, I was eleven—and you were my first ever crush—but... I know you weren't completely interested in dating at age eleven... so I waited. And let me tell you, I've waited long enough."
He grinned at me before continuing. "I love you. You know that. And when I proposed to you, all I wanted to do was make you smile. All I wanted to do was kiss your tears away. I wanted to make sure you'd be forever happy—with me. And now all my dreams are coming true. All those late nights with my best mates thinking of how to woo you finally paid off.
"Knowing you love me makes me smile... it makes me want to live another day. But you becoming my wife... makes me want to live an entire lifetime, just to be with you."
The crowd awed and I let one tear fall from my eye; and like promised, James kissed it away. I smiled up at him before saying my vows.
"I never really believed that if something is as great as you think it is, it's worth the wait. I never really believed that there was one person out there for you. I never really believed in love. Until I met you. Of course, when you were eleven, nobody would have guessed that we'd be here, at the alter, becoming husband and wife.
"After you told me on the train that you loved me... it threw me off, to tell you the truth," I smiled gratefully and he looked down intently, tears welling up in his eyes. "In seventh year, I gave you a chance. I was surprised that I did, but... I did. I realized that you were in love with me... the least I could do was give you a chance. Then I fell for you and we became a couple.
"I didn't believe that good things are worth waiting for. Until I met you. Because I know that I waited for you my entire life, but I didn't realize you were there; right there in front of me, until the day you told me you loved me. I'm so glad you waited for me. I love you."
I let more tears fall and he kissed them away as well. I closed my eyes, just to feel him as close to me as he was. The crowd awed, and I know I heard loud sniffs coming from my mother.
"Lillian Marie Evans. Do you take this man, James Harold Potter, to love and cherish through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, 'til death do you part?
"James Harold Potter. Do you take this woman, Lillian Marie Evans, to love and cherish through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, 'til death do you part?"
James and I nodded at the same time; we had planned it so we both said yes at the same time. In unison we said, "'Til death do us part."
"And with the power 'vested in me by the Lord our God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. James... you may now kiss your wife."
Tears fell freely down my cheeks as James smiled down, before kissing me softly on the lips. It was the best kiss of my life.
Everyone clapped loudly and I saw Sirius clasp James on the back, trying to hide the tears he was letting well up in his eyes. James kissed me again and carried me out of the church; people throwing, not rice, but lilies at us as we made our exit.
My father had arranged for James and I to take a limousine to the reception while all the others Apparated there. Sirius and Remus were going to help my parents get there; any other Muggles would be helped as well, then have their memory modified.
James pulled me into the limo and kissed me. I wiped the tears away that were falling down both our faces. The driver continued on his way as we kissed in the back seat When I pulled away from his kiss he mock glared.
"What did you do that for, Potter?!"
I stared. "What did you say?"
"Potter?" he asked innocently. "It's your name, isn't it?"
"Yes," I said smiling broadly, wiping another tear off my face. "Yes it is!
James pulled me along the crowd and I felt seventeen again, getting pulled along acting overly ecstatic just to be in his presence. I had been at the reception for two hours and after changing, I had received hug after hug, linking hands with James and receiving loads of congratulations.
Most of James' Quidditch buddies joked around with him winking and making comments about what a snag I was.
"Took you long enough," one of the Prewett brother's joked, punching James' arm and kissing my cheek. "Congratulations!"
My mother was in tears and I tried not to laugh at her. "Mum... stop crying! It's just—"
"My baby's grown up!" she sobbed pulling me into a hug. James hugged my father and in pairs (James with my mum, and my dad with me) we danced along the dance floor.
I must have danced with everyone at least twice! I had so much fun running around and then I finally realized it was time for James and I to stick cake in each others faces. I laughed as he pulled me along. I wiped some on James' nose before licking it off; which I received taunting for.
James, on the other hand, covered his hands in the icing and spread it all over my face. He proceeded to lick it off with my laughing like a maniac.
"Keep it clean!" laughed Sirius. "There are little kids here who don't appreciate that!"
James laughed, looking up at Sirius. "Who? You?"
The crowd laughed at the jokers who were grinning at each other. After the cake incident we cleaned up and I heard someone stand up—Sirius—and start on his speech.
"Okay, okay. So maybe my speech won't be as romantic—or boring—as James' was," he said laughing along with the crowd ("Hear! Hear!" from Remus and Peter, laughing). "But... I'll try my best. James is my best friend! Lily is his girlfriend—well was a fiancé too—and now a wife. Lily Potter! Can you believe it? I sure can't.
"Go going James!" He said clapping. "I was getting bored of thinking of ideas to woo her with, anyway."
The crowd laughed and James prompted with, "I think you've had enough to drink!"
Sirius winked our way. "Enough joking," he said sobering. "These are two of my favourite people in the world. I would never want anyone else to end up with either of them. Nothing can match Lily's temper like James' smooth talking. And nobody can make James deflate his head like Lily's blunt anger!"
I smiled fondly at James.
"I'm going to end this speech with some a quote. Spoken by none other than Lily Evans Potter, 'I wouldn't date you if it were a choice between you and the giant squid!'"
I blushed and everyone laughed... Sirius had been telling them about our fifth year, previous to his speech; James was ducking out of sight.
"And I ask this," Sirius said turning towards me. "The giant squid mustn't have been a ladies man, eh?"
Everyone laughed and clapped as Sirius stepped down from the stage. I felt James tug my arm and pull me out towards the snowing ground.
"Let's sneak in a quick slow dance," James whispered.
"Shhs," I said back. "I don't want anyone to hear."
I rested my head on his shoulder and he kissed my cheek before—
"If you'd bring your attention to the couple dancing out in the snow, it'd be most appreciated."
James groaned. "Thanks, Sirius."
"No problem, mate," he said, wrapping his arm around Dorcas.
Everyone watched James and I dance in the snow and I heard cameras clicking all over the place. My mother mostly, was snapping a load of pictures and even Amelia and John were taking in memories behind the camera lens.
"I want to thank you all for coming," I said loudly. "James and I were so happy to spend it with you."
"But alas... when one thing ends another must begin."
"Oh go on your honeymoon already!" Sirius yelled; he must have been a little tipsy by now.
James and I laughed. "We'll see you all in a week—"
"Or month," James grinned.
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks again!"
"Don't miss us too much!"
I wrapped my arms around James' waist as we drove away on Sirius' motorbike; he couldn't drive anyway. I waved to the group before burring my face into my husband's shirt. I giggled at this.
"What are you giggling about?" he asked grinning at me.
"I just... I was just thinking about a very special person."
"Oh really?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"My husband."
"Oh, you have a husband? Have I met him before?"
"Once or twice," I said smiling.
"Lucky guy, eh?"
"No... I'm a lucky girl."
I wrapped my arms tightly around him as we traveled to our destination: a beach house with one bloody big bed!
