The Elemental Guardians, aka Voldemort's Mistakes Chapter 35: Weddings, a harry potter fanfic

A new chapter! Yay! And a proper long one, not a shortie like the last couple.

And it's out reasonably soon afterwards!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. The next few chapters may be quite fast-paced, and somewhat angsty, so enjoy the pure fluffiness of this. Yes, some bits are a little repeated, but read the vows! I'm proud of them.

Also, Chapter 34 has been replaced. I made a mistake with my timeline. Bill is in his first-year at Hogwarts, and the twins have already been born. Just re-read the bit with Molly in it to understand, please!

As for Teasing, Teaching and Time-Travel, I've got serious writer's block on it, so any suggestions/tips/questions/desires/evil goings on are appreciated. I don't think that's going to be as long as this. I might skip a lot.

As for this chapter… Well, enjoy!

Chapter 35: Weddings

Summer, 1986:

Months passed quickly, easily. Alura delivered a healthy baby boy a few weeks early in April. The delighted parents named him Robert Damion, and named Radella and Kevin Pierson (one of Damion's closest colleagues) as godparents.

The 'Guardians' had not appeared again, and Voldemort's attacks were becoming swifter, more specific, and often more brutal to anyone who lay in his way.

But more recent was the Marauders' and the Enchanted's excitement over two of each group's members' weddings.

In simpler terms – Sirius and Kathryn, and James and Lily.

They had, in true Marauder style, decided to have a joint wedding, exchanging places from bride and groom to maid of honour and best man respectively.

And so, on the twentieth of June, 1986, the two couples were busy preparing to get married. Or, in actuality, having their stag and hen nights (literally, in James' case!).

XXXXX

"You didn't!" Radella gasped, choking on her drink.

"I did!" Kathryn laughed. "Next morning, he wakes up and says, 'Hello, how did you end up in my bed?' I killed myself laughing. He had no idea who I was!"

"What did he say when you ended the spell?" Lily wanted to know.

"Told me that he'd rather wake up recognising the face of the woman he adored than wake up to someone he didn't know." Kat smiled. "He was really sweet about it. Of course, then he exchanged my headache potion for a stamina potion, which didn't exactly have the desired effect."

Alura snorted. "At least not for you!"

"Ah, the matrons of honour!" Kathryn teased Alice and Alura. "Any tips on keeping a hubby happy?"

"Wake him up with lots of kisses if he doesn't get up." Alice suggested.

"Use sex as a behaviour modifier!" Alura giggled.

Kat choked. "I already do that!"

Lily shook her head. "Nope, he does!"

The girls burst into laughter again, exchanging stories they'd never give whilst sober.

Thank Merlin for Hangover potions.

XXXXX

"Sirius! You can't tell them that!" James gasped.

"Why not?"

"We do not want intimate details of your sex life! Kat's like my sister!"

"She has more than enough big brothers already." Sirius informed him, casting a careful look at Jack and the twins.

"Hey, we're not that bad. And we don't want to hear about Kat like that even more!" Joseph informed him.

"It's just wrong." Jonah shuddered in agreement.

Sirius shrugged. "Well, did I tell you about the time in fourth-year when we hexed Snivellus 'til the point he went crazy…"

XXXXX

21st June, 1986:

Kathryn woke up the next morning with a banging headache. "Urgh…" She groaned, and stumbled towards the nearest bathroom. She and the girls were staying at Magic's Haven, in the 'Wild Wing' as it had come to be called in reference to Kat and her friends' presence. The number of families staying there was currently very low. Her aunt and uncle were still staying, as were three other families, but they tended to stay together. Various children would stay during the day.

Kathryn rifled through the medicine cabinet, finding the hangover potion and swiftly glugging some down. A few seconds later, it took effect. She opened her eyes properly and breathed a sigh of relief. Looking closer, she found her bottle of 'Prevention Pills', and took one, knowing she'd have the next two weeks free from worry. Besides, there were always spells for it. This provided a safe fallback.

It was then that she realised it was quarter past nine in the morning. The wedding began at two.

Her eyes widened. "Lily, 'Della, 'Lura, Alice! Up! We've only got a few hours!" She yelled, running back into her room.

And from there, hell ensued.

XXXXX

Merlin's Hall:

Sirius paced in the waiting room of Merlin's Hall. He and Kat, as the longer engaged of the two, were getting married first. He was sweating heavily in his Muggle shirt and trousers, the ceremonial open dress robes thrown carelessly over the arm of the settee.

"She's taking forever! What if she doesn't come? What if she decides that she doesn't want to marry me? What if she has a vision it's a terrible mistake?" Sirius ranted.

"Sirius!" James grabbed his shoulders. "Kat will come. She's been engaged to you for nearly four years, she loves you intensely, and her visions have predicted you married with a kid, remember?"

Sirius stopped, sighed and nodded. "Yes, yes they have, thank Merlin."

Damion laughed. "It happens to all of us. I was a nervous wreck on my wedding day."

"And James proposed on your wedding day." Sirius grinned.

Remus fluttered his eyelashes, clasping his hands to his chest in imitation of the girls. "How romantic!"

Sirius laughed. "Nearly Kat's reaction!"

"Mr Black?" A voice from the door spoke.

Sirius turned, his slate-grey eyes wide. "Yes?"

"It's time."

Sirius took a deep breath, and followed the man to take his place, his friends behind him.

XXXXX

"You look beautiful, Kathryn." Jack informed his sister. "Now I've got to go, otherwise Sirius'll have my head."

Kathryn smirked. She knew her brother enjoyed this as much as everyone else. She looked at her friends, and then her two little sisters.

Leila looked amazing in her white and turquoise gown. Her blue eyes were excited, her dark blonde hair, identical to her elder sister's, caught up in several hairgrips. She looked every inch the sophisticated seventeen-year-old, about to enter her last year at Hogwarts.

Adalia had more of her father's colouring, with the dark, chestnut hair she shared with her older brothers (Paul had blonde hair). The turquoise of the gown suited her equally well, and the fourteen-year-old held herself with the assurance of an Orenda and younger sister of several pranksters.

Kathryn grinned at Lily. The bridesmaids' gowns had been specifically chosen because of the style. A simple, elegant, spaghetti-strap white dress underneath a sheer turquoise overdress, boat-cut, with loose, flared sleeves. It meant that their differently styled wedding dresses weren't so noticeable as bridesmaids, and that they could easily change places.

"Are you ready?" Lily asked her friend.

Kathryn nodded, and placed a ring fitted to Sirius, her wand, and a white cord on the deep green cushion Lily held.

"Do I look alright?" Kat asked nervously.

Lily smiled. "Kathryn, you look perfect. Now put that veil on."

Kathryn nodded, and slid the grips that held the veil in place into her hair. It spilled over her face and back, the flowers decorating her hair in a wreath elegant and pure.

Both had opted for white because of tradition, but also because it symbolised new beginnings.

A knock on the door was her father. He mother kissed her cheek and left to take her place.

Kathryn steeled herself, and opened the door to see her father.

"You look amazing, love." He smiled.

"Thank you, Daddy."

XXXXX

The tension in the Hall was palpable. No one could ignore the number of Aurors in the room, whether on or off-duty. Many of the off-duty Aurors wore their ceremonial robes, suitable for combat if necessary.

Then the wedding march began.

First came Kathryn's sisters, both of whom stood tall and smiling, flowers in their hair, holding small bouquets of roses.

Next followed Alura and Radella, both looking amazing, and smiling at their lovers stood behind Sirius. Alura smiled as she spotted her tiny son with her mother in one of the rows.

Finally Lily, and James' eyes threatened to pop out as he saw her. If she looked this good for their own wedding, staring in an hour…

The march increased in volume as a veiled beauty stepped into the Hall, walking by her father in grand ceremonial Auror's robes of black and gold/red thread, a number of medals pinned on one breast.

But the attention was aimed at the woman beside him. An elegant white gown, tight bodice and flowing skirt, with thin straps over her shoulders to cross at the back clad a slim, but curvaceous body. White roses sat high on her head, the veil just behind, flowing covering a delicately made-up face. Her hair was caught up, a few wispy curls touching her shoulders and neck. A bouquet of white and red flowers was held in one hand. But it was the radiant smile that was visible through the veil that caught the most attention.

Dumbledore, a qualified Kernan, stood at the front of the Hall, smiling.

"Today has been chosen to witness the union of two powerful and wonderful magical users. Who here gives this witch to this wizard?" Dumbledore asked.

"I, Olden Orenda, Head of the Orenda Clan, give my daughter Kathryn Farrah Orenda, to this wizard, Sirius Calhoun Black." Olden stated.

"Very well, then we shall begin." Dumbledore stated.

Olden placed Kathryn and Sirius' hands together. "I give my blessing and the blessing of my ancestors."

Kathryn handed her bouquet to Leila as she turned to face Sirius.

"Before this ceremony begins, does anyone oppose this union? Speak now, or forever hold your tongue?" Dumbledore asked.

Sirius tensed, almost certain his mother would appear and start shouting her mouth off. When no one spoke, he smiled in relief.

"Then let the ceremony go ahead." Dumbledore smiled. "Sirius Black, recite your vows."

Many witches and wizards spoke their own vows, since marriage was magically binding – there was no such thing as divorce in the wizarding world.

"I, Sirius Calhoun Black, take thee, Kathryn Farrah Orenda, to be my lawfully wedded wife in the eyes of law, magic and heart. I will love thee, cherish thee and protect thee. I will stay by thy side, in sickness, in health, in war, in peace, in poverty, in wealth, in life, in death, in this life, in the next. I have loved you for a long time, Kathryn. The day you woke up was a wonderful day for everyone, but no one more than me. If I recall, my reaction was something about another 'hot girl' being in school." Several laughs went around the room. "You were and are more than that. You are beautiful, kind, thoughtful, intelligent, brave… And despite your wicked temper and inability to cook, I love you more than life. I will keep by your side always, only evil could part me from you. You are my world, Kathryn, my reason, my conscience, my guide. My love for you is eternal. You complete me. You are my soulmate."

There was barely a dry eye in the room after that speech. By the end of Kathryn's, there wouldn't be any.

"Kathryn." Dumbledore prompted the young woman who was staring in wonder.

"I, Kathryn Farrah Orenda, take thee, Sirius Calhoun Black, to be my lawfully wedded husband in the eyes of law, magic and heart. I promise to love you and keep you from now until my dying day. In sickness, health, war, peace, poverty, wealth, life, death, this life, the next, I am yours eternally. I don't know how long I have loved you, Sirius. In my coma, when I read about you? Or that day we confessed, I do not know. But I do know that I will love you for a long time. I will love you forever. No matter what keeps me from your side, I will love you eternally. Ever since the day I first remember meeting you… I had just woken up from my coma. James accused me of flirting with you, suggesting I hadn't yet recovered. I don't think I'd ever been feeling better in my life. I had met you. My love, my other half, my soulmate. I need you as fire needs the earth's bounty to burn. I need you as the earth needs fire to cleanse her. I will be by your side, in spirit, if not in body. Never doubt me and my love, for I know yours is as eternal as time. I love you. I always will."

Lily blinked back tears. What could her promises hold in comparison to this?

"Then as proof of your love, exchange rings." Dumbledore ordered.

Sirius picked up a terran, Celtic-style ring from the crimson cushion James held.

"In the name of life, magic and heart, with this ring I promise myself to thee, now and always." Sirius placed the ring over the three middle finger of her left hand, resting over her ring finger, before sliding it on to join her betrothal ring.

Kathryn turned slowly to pick up the Celtic-style terran ring for Sirius. Turning back, she looked into his eyes as she spoke.

"In the name of life, magic and heart, with this ring I promise myself to thee, now and always." She murmured, before sliding the ring onto his left ring finger.

"And the joining of wands and magic." Dumbledore murmured.

Both turned to take the wands from their friends and took a step back to place the tips together.

"With the joining of these wands, we promise ourselves to each other in magic, life and heart." They spoke together, and then incanted, "Amor comparare ars magica."

A bright white light shone, entwining the crimson and silver-white auras of the two lovers in the air. The guests watched in awe at the amount of raw power displayed as the other parts of the binding magic took place – blue, gold, scarlet, silver, mixed them and joined them.

Kathryn and Sirius gasped as the magic flung up, and then plummeted back down to enter their bodies. Both handed their wands back to their friends.

"And the Handfasting." Dumbledore ordered.

Kathryn and Sirius turned to their maid of honour and best man respectively, to have the either white or black rope bound loosely around their wrists. They turned back to face each other.

Dumbledore held a red rope in his hands. Sirius and Kathryn placed their right and left hands (respectively) together.

"With this rope I shall bind you both together in heart, magic and life." Dumbledore stated calmly. "Do you, Sirius Calhoun Black, take Kathryn Farrah Orenda as your wife, and be bound to her eternally?"

"I do."

"And do you, Kathryn Farrah Orenda, take Sirius Calhoun Black as your husband, and bound to him eternally?"

"I do."

"Then with this rope you are bound to each other in heart, magic and life." Dumbledore stated. He took the long ends of the ropes around their wrists, then the red rope, and knotted them together. In an older form of the ceremony, he plaited the three ropes, in a sign that the new couple's lives would now be forever entwined.

"The ceremony is thus complete and I pronounce you man and wife in the eyes of law, magic and heart. Place your fingers upon this paper." Dumbledore handed a piece of paper to them.

They placed the forefingers of their 'bound' hands to the paper, and watched as it magically recorded their marriage.

Dumbledore murmured to them, "A copy will be sent to your home." Then he straightened, and looked up at everyone. "May I present Mr and Mrs Sirius Black. You may kiss the bride."

Sirius smiled at his new wife, and pushed her veil up and over her head. His eyes rested a moment on her lovely face, before he swept her into his arms to experience the first exhilarating kiss of their marriage. Kathryn melted into him, arms about his neck, as she pushed all the love and desire she had for him through that kiss.

My wife. Sirius stated telepathically.

My husband. Always.

A cheer went up from the guests, and they smiled as they broke apart.

Dumbledore began speaking.

"If you remain here, James Potter and Lily Evans' wedding will begin in a few minutes." His eyes sparkled.

Sirius and Kathryn led the way down the aisle, followed by the others.

"And now, Mrs Black?" Sirius asked Kathryn.

"Now we get Lily her veil and let her and James have a bit of the limelight. But we both leave in our bridal gowns." Kat smiled.

"Very well." Sirius gave her a soft kiss. "See you in a few." He grinned at James. "C'mon, mate, let's get you ready."

James suddenly went pale as they headed to the 'male' waiting room.

Kat and Lily, followed by the others, entered theirs, preparing for the day's second wedding.

XXXXX

Harold Potter frowned as he waited.

"Who's giving Lily away?" He asked. Since Lily's parents had been killed last year, there wasn't anyone who could do so.

Paige, his wife, shook her head. "I don't know. She said she'd arranged for someone to do so, but she wouldn't say who. There's not a lot of older men she's that close to."

"I'm just glad Katrine and Calhoun didn't appear." Olden gave a grateful sigh.

"Who?" Jack asked from his place behind them.

"Sirius' parents." Harold informed him, a fist clenched.

"Bastards." Olden snarled.

"I agree." Paige sighed. "Thank Merlin he and James became friends. I've lost count of the number of letters we've had from Sirius. He was as much our son as James."

"He will bring honour back to the name of Black. He will embrace their original, true ideals, but none shall know the truth until a Black once more graces Hogwarts School." Elise predicted, her voice harsh. She sagged against Olden.

The others looked at her, wide-eyed.

"Was that a…"

"I think she had a vision, yes." Olden responded.

Jack looked worried. "She's getting as bad as Kit. God, I hope nothing happens."

"So do we all, Jack, so do we all." Olden murmured.

The wedding march began to play.

Harold grinned. "Wedding, take two."

XXXXX

Lily hovered at the entrance. A quick glance saw James and the others ready and waiting. She looked at the man she had asked to give her away.

"Thank you so much for this, sir." She smiled.

"Lily, you and your group have earned the right to call me Alastor several times over." Alastor Moody informed her. He was the only person, other than Dumbledore, Lily could think of asking to give her away, and Dumbledore was marrying them.

"Still, thank you. You're the only person I could have give me away." Lily smiled.

"Hey, since I'm married now, am I the matron of honour instead?" Kathryn asked.

"Possibly. You've got everything?" Lily asked, anxiously.

"Ring, wand, silk cord, yes, Charmer, I have everything." Kathryn grinned. Charmer had been her recent nickname for her friend. It was a corruption of her old nickname 'Charm', made all the more appropriate by Lily's skill in the subject.

"Alright. Then 'Lura, 'Della, in you go." Lily ordered.

They grinned at her and left.

Kathryn gave her friend a peck on the cheek before following, both hands holding the cushion.

And then Lily followed them into the Marriage Hall of Merlin's Hall.

XXXXX

James was surprised when he saw Alastor Moody leading Lily down the aisle. Though he guessed it made sense. He was the only man other than Dumbledore and their friends she was very close to.

"Today has been chosen to witness the union of two powerful and wonderful magical users. Who here gives this witch to this wizard?" Dumbledore asked, smiling.

"I, Alastor Moody, give this witch, Lily Althea Evans to this wizard, James Harold Potter, as their superior and friend." Moody stated.

"Then this wedding may go ahead."

Moody placed James and Lily's hands together, smiling. "I give my blessings, and I'm sure your parents do as well, Lily."

Lily nodded, holding back a sob.

"Before this ceremony begins, does anyone oppose this union? Speak now, or forever hold your tongue?" Dumbledore asked.

A silence hung on bated breath, teetering on the edge. Would any oppose this? Did any have cause?

It seemed not, for none spoke.

"Then the ceremony may go ahead. James Harold Potter, recite your vows." Dumbledore commanded.

James took Lily's hands in his as she passed her bouquet to Radella.

"I love you, Lily. I will always love you. When I left, I did it to protect you, but I never realised how hard it was going to be, to live without you. I bless the day Kat and Frank found me and knocked some sense into me, bringing me back.

"I love you. I will protect you with my life and my death. I will never leave you again. You mean the world to me. You always will. I will never lie to you unnecessarily – necessary lies would be my friends' secrets and Christmas presents." He gave a rueful grin. "I will never hurt you. I will be there for you in any state of life. I will be yours, forever.

"I, James Harold Potter, take thee, Lily Althea Evans, to be my lawfully wedded wife in the eyes of heart, law and magic."

Lily smiled. That was her James, simple and poignant.

"Lily." Dumbledore prompted.

"James, I love you. As you said, I tried to leave to protect you, but it didn't work. I missed you every step of the way with a hurt that was more painful than anything Voldemort can inflict.

"I love you. I will keep you, care for you, protect you and cherish you until we die and beyond. I will die for you and ours. I want to love you, live with you, heal you. I want to bear our children with happiness and truth, knowing that they are what our love has produced. I will die as willingly for them, as for you. I will hold you in my heart forever.

"I, Lily Althea Evans, take thee, James Harold Potter, to be my lawfully wedded husband in the eyes of heart, law and magic."

"Then as proof of your love, exchange rings." Dumbledore ordered.

James picked up a simple terran ring from the cushion Sirius now held.

"In the name of life, heart and magic, with this ring, I thee wed." James smiled, holding the ring first over her middle finger, her forefinger and then her ring finger, sliding it onto her left hand.

Lily picked up the matching ring from Kathryn's cushion. She performed the same ceremony as she spoke.

"In the name of life, heart and magic, with this ring, I thee wed." Lily smiled, slipping it onto James' left ring finger.

"And now the joining of wands and magic." Dumbledore intoned.

They both took their wands and placed the tips together.

"With the joining of these wands, we promise ourselves to each other in magic, life and heart." They spoke together, and then incanted, "Amor comparare ars magica."

As with Sirius and Kat, magic flew around them. The bright white aura of the spell mingled with Lily's green and James' blue as they raced around them. Other colours entwined with them – silver, gold, scarlet, amber, violet. Then it raced down, back into their wands and their bodies, leaving the lovers to jolt a little.

They handed their wands back to their friends.

"The Handfasting."

Lily turned to Kathryn, who loosely looped the white cord about her wrist. Sirius did the same with James black one.

Dumbledore turned to them, red cord in his own hands.

Lily and James pressed their two hands together.

"With this rope I shall bind you both together in heart, magic and life." Dumbledore stated calmly. "Do you, James Harold Potter, take Lily Althea Evans to be your lawfully wedded wife and be bound to her eternally?"

James looked into Lily's deep green eyes. "I do."

"And do you, Lily Althea Evans, take James Harold Potter to be your lawfully wedded husband and be bound to him eternally?"

"I do." Lily replied, her eyes steadily on James'.

"Then with this rope you are bound to each other in heart, magic and life." Dumbledore stated. He took the long ends of the ropes around their wrists, then the red rope, and knotted them together. Again, as with Kat and Sirius, he used the older form of the ceremony, plaiting the three ropes to symbolise that the new couple's lives would now be forever entwined.

"The ceremony is thus complete and I pronounce you man and wife in the eyes of law, magic and heart. Place your fingers upon this paper." Dumbledore handed a piece of paper – the marriage certificate – to them.

They placed the forefingers of their 'bound' hands to the paper, and watched as it magically recorded their marriage.

Dumbledore murmured to them, "A copy will be sent to your new home." Then he straightened, and looked up at everyone. "May I present to you Mr and Mrs James Potter. You may kiss your bride." He smiled.

James smiled even more, delicately lifting the light, chiffon veil that covered Lily's face. He cupped her cheek with one hand, and boldly had his first kiss with his new wife.

Wife… I think I love that word. He smiled as he kissed her.

I think husband is better. Lily responded, kissing him back just as fervently.

A cheer went up from their guests.

"And now, I think it is time for the two new couples to face everyone." Dumbledore informed them.

Kat slipped out of the turquoise overdress to reveal her wedding dress once more, and untransfigured her veil so it spilled again. Then Sirius went over to her and slipped the Handfasting rope/cord over her wrist once more.

Taking her bouquet from Leila, Kat took her place beside Sirius, and they grinned at Lily and James.

"Always doing things together." Lily smirked.

"It is but our curse." Kat rejoined.

"If we get pregnant at the same time, I'll worry." Lily stated.

"So will I!" James and Sirius responded.

The wedding march played again as the two couples left the marriage hall to enter the entrance hall to the Banquet/Ballroom where the reception would be held.

It was time to party.

XXXXX

"What is it?" Kathryn asked Dedalus Diggle, holding a strange contraption in her hands.

"It's a Godiver!" Diggle stated. He was a friend of Sirius' Uncle Alphard, therefore Sirius had invited him.

"Wasn't Godiva that woman in the middle ages who rode around a town naked?" Kathryn frowned.

"Ver, Kat, not va!" Sirius teased. "As for what it does…" He whispered in her ear. Kat abruptly turned bright red and put it down hastily. Sirius grinned. "Thanks, 'Lus."

"Always a pleasure, Sirius. Your uncle, Merlin bless him, was a very good man. One of my best friends, very good man…"

Sirius nodded, and picked up another gift. It was heavy, and there was a sound of something moving within a box.

"Well, open it!" Kathryn told him.

Sirius obeyed, to be confronted with a black statue of a strange-looking woman.

"What the…?" He began, eyes wide.

"Who was that from?" Kat wanted to know, and found the card. "Ah, this would be Damion and Alura's contribution. He'd definitely having been a Marauder, had he been in Gryffindor."

"Why?"

"That, my beloved husband, is a fertility statue."

Sirius put it down as quickly as Kat had rid herself of the Godiver. "What?"

"Exactly. 'Lura, get yourself and your husband over here!" Kathryn's voice rang out.

Alura smirked at Damion. "Think they opened our present?"

"Think they did." Damion replied in kind.

"Yes, oh marvellous newlyweds?" Alura asked.

"Why, pray tell, do we have a fertility statue standing in our gift-pile?" Kat wanted to know.

"Because you two are notoriously hard to buy for. Besides, I don't want to be the only Enchanted mother!"

"It's a little tricky with the war on…"

"Kat, remember the comment about letting Voldemort dictate our lives? Waiting until a lull is letting him do so."

Alura and Damion left (Sirius thanking them with a grin), leaving Kathryn deep in thought.

James and Lily were having just as much fun, having opened their own fertility statue, a whip (make of that what you will) and a set of very interesting potions.

Lily sighed. "What I wouldn't give for three toasters and six boxes of wine!"

James laughed. "We can get the wine, but toast is nicer over the fire!"

All the same, both ended up with nice sets of cutlery (they looked silver, but were far more valuable at a metal similar, but less expensive, than terran), crystal glasses, and crockery. Lily and Kat both grinned, some things were always the same, Muggle and magical alike.

Finally, it was time for the meal, and the speeches.

Dumbledore went first. "It has been my honour to marry these two couples today. I have watched them at Hogwarts. I have watched them laugh, cry, learn and fall in love. I have taught them, and I can honestly say that I don't think I'll ever have such unusual students."

Sirius snorted. "Wait until our kids get there."

Dumbledore smiled. "Indeed, I shall. So, I propose a toast. To Lily and James, and to Kathryn and Sirius!"

"Lily and James. Kathryn and Sirius." The guests toasted.

James now stood. "As Sirius' best man, I'm supposed to regale you with embarrassing stories and funny facts about him and Kathryn. Unfortunately, Sirius is doing a speech for me in a few minutes, and I don't want to risk it." Laughter.

"Anyway, I remember the first time I met both of them, though Kat doesn't." James smirked as his friend poked out her tongue. "Very mature, Kathryn. We were five years old. It was some Ministry ball. Kat and my parents were there because our dads were Aurors, Sirius' in thanks because they'd just made some donations to St. Mungo's. We were all incredibly bored. Dress robes did not go down well." By this point both Kat's and James' parents were chuckling. Kat wasn't sure what he was saying, and Sirius just grinned.

"So, like so many children, we made our own fun.

"It's a shame that so many people didn't appreciate the champagne suddenly tasting like cat urine and there being hot chilli peppers in the dips."

Everyone laughed, Kat included.

"Actually, I thought the dips were better." Olden interrupted.

"That's because you have no taste buds left from all the hot food you eat." Elise informed him.

"Oh."

"Anyway, that began a beautiful friendship, though we didn't often see Sirius, our families being 'blood traitors' and Kat's mother being Muggle-born. All the same, we did what we could. But just before we went to Hogwarts, disaster struck.

"Sirius had escaped to Kat's for the day, and whilst they were playing, Kat ran into the forest. By the time she was found, she was deep in a coma, having been attacked by Lord Voldemort. Those were horrible days. All the same, we survived, and visited Kat in hospital every summer and Christmas.

"And then the miracle occurred. Kat woke up, seemingly completely recovered. I wasn't sure, because the first time I saw her, she was flirting with Sirius." Kat whacked him upside the head. "Ow!"

"I was not flirting!"

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, that began an interesting few years. Sirius seemed happier than he had in ages, but he'd also run away from his parents that summer, so that could have been it. All the same, by the end of Sixth-year, they were dating and happy, nauseatingly so. Seventh was just as bad.

"I owe a lot to these two. Kat dragged me back from America after my two-year disappearance that was technically all Voldemort's fault."

Kathryn snorted.

"It was! Funnily enough, the same night I left, they got engaged. So they couldn't celebrate."

"Don't think so highly of yourself, Potter, we celebrated." Sirius informed him.

"Before you realised we'd left."

"True, true."

"Anyway, what led us to today has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. But I'll always remember that day when Kat and Sirius ended up in detention after being walked in on by –" James' mouth was suddenly smothered by Kat's hands.

"That was because you and every other hormonal couple in Hogwarts got to the best spots first!" She snarled.

James batted her hands away and shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not. Anyway, in conclusion, Sirius and Kathryn were meant for each other. They have the same wicked sense of humour, desire to pull pranks and fierce loyalty. They were meant to be. To Kathryn and Sirius!"

"Kathryn and Sirius!"

After a few moments, Sirius stood up, a wicked glint in his eye.

"Well, I never thought I'd see the day where little ol' Jamsie and Lily-flower tied the knot. After all, Lily once informed James that she'd rather go out with the giant squid than him! As we can all see, that was a very short relationship." Kat whacked her husband on the arm. "Ow, I was only joking! But, it seemed, after a few accidents, and a growing friendship, Lily and James were finally caught snogging on the train back home at the end of Sixth-year. It took Kat yelling that Lily was Harry's – James' future son's – mother to get them to stop. Looks like she was right, eh, mate? By the way, can I be godfather?"

"Sirius!" Kathryn hissed.

"What?"

"Shut up and get on with the speech."

"That's what I'm doing!"

"Do you want a wedding night?"

"On with it then. Well, they spent their Seventh-year as Head Boy and Girl, putting kids in detention for snogging and then nicking the best places for themselves. Then, after my stupid cousin told them both that to stay would harm their loved ones, they both ran away. James, I can excuse, he's got that nobility complex and excess of Gryffindorishness. Lily, I thought you had more sense! Anyway, two years later, Kat and I got to knock some sense back into them, and they were back here. We were all supposed to get married last summer, but it didn't happen. And now, today. Isn't it a lovely occasion?

"To be honest, when James saw the eleven-year-old girl who turned his hair blue to match his eyes in first-year, I'd never have thought that he'd marry her, despite his comment, 'If she does that again, I'll marry her'. I think it was a threat, but I'm not sure. All the same, it was her favourite pastime throughout First-year.

"So, I ask that everyone raises a glass to this mad couple and wish them well in the future." Sirius grinned, picked up a champagne flute. "To Lily and James!"

"Lily and James."

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, I believe it is time for the new couples' first dances." Dumbledore spoke.

Sirius smiled and bowed to Kat. "My lady."

She stood, accepting his hand, and gave a curtsy. "My lord."

James held out a hand to his wife. "Lily."

"James." Lily took it and they made their way to the dance floor.

"What song was picked?" Kathryn asked.

"I don't know. Moony insisted that he choose."

"Oh no."

"Oh yes."

And the music began. And Kathryn sank into the wonderful song.

Never knew I could feel like this

Like I've never seen the sky before

I want to vanish inside your kiss

Every day I'm loving you more than this

Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing?

Telling me to give you everything

Seasons may change, winter to spring

But I love you until the end of time

Come what may

I will love you until my dying day

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place

Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace

Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste

It all revolves around you

And there's no mountain too high

No river too wide

Sing out this song I'll be there by your side

Storm clouds may gather

And stars may collide

But I love you until the end of time

Come what may

I will love you until my dying day

Oh, come what may!

Come what may!

I will love you!

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place…

Come what may

I will love you until my dying day!

Kat spun in her husband's arms, smiling at him. "I love this song."

"So do I." Sirius smiled at the woman in his arms. "And it's true. I will love you until my dying day."

"As will I."

Lily smiled up at James. "Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place."

"I love you until the end of time." James whispered back.

After another song, Sirius felt a tap on his shoulder. He saw Olden smiling at him. "Mind if cut in?"

Sirius smiled. "Certainly not, so long as I can dance with my illustrious mother-in-law."

"Ack, I'm too young to be one of those." Elise sighed.

"You certainly look so, fair queen of Magic's Haven." Sirius smirked.

"I thought I was the fair queen." Kat put her hands on her hips as her mother giggled.

"Nay, you are my beloved empress."

"Oh. That's all right then." Kat smiled, and turned to her father. "Hi, Daddy."

"Hi, Kit-Kat." He smirked.

Kathryn winced at the nickname. "That was definitely an aspect of my coma."

"Nice to know you based your imaginary father on your real father."

"Yep."

"I'm glad you're happy, Kathryn. But if he ever hurts you, just remember. You've got three big brothers and a father who'll do anything for you."

"And Paul's a biter." Kathryn laughed. "And that's if anything's left after I, Lily, and James have got through with him. Besides, Sirius loves me, Dad, I know he does, I can feel it. He'll never hurt me."

"Even if…"

"Dad, he'll never hurt me." Kathryn emphasised.

"That's good to know. Now get back to your husband."

Kathryn smiled dreamily as she went back into Sirius' arms. "I think that's my favourite word."

"What?" He asked.

"Husband."

"Ah, I don't like it half so much as wife. My wife. Kathryn Black, my wife." Sirius looked at her.

Suddenly Kathryn began giggling.

"What?"

"Can you imagine Moody trying to address our team? 'I want Potter and Black coming in from the right, Longbottom and Black on the left and Potter and Longbottom in the middle.' It'll be a nightmare!"

"Or he'll just use our first names."

Kathryn's eyes widened. "Really? You think?"

"Maybe. He might make someone else brief us, just to annoy them."

"We were bad enough without the names."

Sirius laughed. "I know."

Across the dance floor, Lily danced in James' arms, thinking only of the bliss she felt. Sobs came to her throat, as she remembered who wasn't there.

"Lily? Lily love, what's wrong?" James asked, pulling away a little, looking down at her.

"Mum and Dad – they couldn't be here to see this!" She murmured, her voice broken. "James, they would have loved it! The Handfasting, the magic, the ceremony, the reception… everything! They saw Petunia married, but they didn't… they didn't get… get… to see… me." Lily sobbed.

"Sh, sh, love. I know your parents wouldn't want you crying for them on your wedding day. Think about the happy things. They're there, they're watching us, looking over us from the next life. They can see us, we're happy, we're together. They know that Voldemort hasn't stopped us from living. We're living, Lily, we're not letting us beat us down."

At that moment, a black raven entered, and delivered a red envelope to Dumbledore.

The music stopped as everyone stared, and Dumbledore opened it.

"HA, LAUGH AND BE MERRY WHILE YOU CAN, FOOLS, I'M WAITING FOR YOU! REMEMBER THE HAPPINESS ON THEIR FACES, DUMBLEDORE, WHEN YOU BURY THEIR HORROR-STRICKEN CORPSES! ENJOY YOUR MERRIMENT WHILE IT LASTS, IMBECILES, BECAUSE YOU'RE ABOUT TO LIVE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE! MANY HAPPY RETURNS! LORD VOLDEMORT!"

Kathryn buried her head in Sirius' chest, fear gripping her.

Lily screamed. "Shut up, you bastard! Shut up! We'll never let you destroy us! Never! Never!"

"Lily, Lily, shush, shshsh." James whispered comfortingly, holding her close.

She calmed herself, letting him hold her.

Dumbledore stood, anger swathing him like a cloak. "Voldemort will not win. We will beat him. And the easiest way to do that is to enjoy ourselves. So, back to the reception! Eat, drink and be merry."

"Well, it's better than nitwit, blubber, oddment and tweak." Kathryn muttered, to Sirius' amusement.

"It is that." He smiled. "Now how about we take his advice?"

XXXXX

And later that night, each couple safely in their honeymoon suites – Lily and James in Rhodes, and Kathryn and Sirius in Crete – they made sure they enjoyed themselves.

Love is a precious commodity in a life where evil looms. They took full advantage of it.

Their wedding nights were very memorable.

XXXXX

A/N: Did you enjoy it?

I hope so, I'm very pleased with it.

As for reviewers, well some questions I have to answer!

To dragonjem – I am fully intending on writing a story of Harry's sixth-year. However, that will not be started until I've finished this, and I might wait until Half-Blood Prince is out. It will obviously be AU, but I can use some of the themes that brings up! And the fates of all the characters will be decided there! I will not abandon this. This was my first really serious fic, so it's kinda my baby!

SarahtheBardess – I liked that last line too. I just love things like that. It comes from me – I have a deadly sharp tongue. Unfortunately, it tends to get me into trouble!

WildcatAMF – it was just that bit at the beginning. I like the States. Though part of me might be getting back for the way Britain is often portrayed in some TV shows (it is not the land of tweed). Despite this, I still adore Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I don't mean to. It just comes out.

Wild One – Are you same person? Anyway, thank you, and here's a lovely long chapter. And yes, that flamer really bugged me. I even changed the comment in the first chapter. Twice! I will not change it again! Though I admit, the first time, it wasn't a very nice comment. I'm just pissed at Tony Blair for making £3000 more expensive for me to go to university (that's in the region of $6000-7000!), and really right-wing politicians annoy me. I'm somewhat atheist (or at least non-religious), I'm definitely something of a feminist (but I like to be girly as well) and I'm a smart woman who's never had a boyfriend. I'm seventeen. I either intimidate them, or I'm undateable. On the other hand, I'll have plenty of time for that in university. That was a rant, wasn't it? Sorry!

Eliot – nice long chapter, isn't it?

babygirl1990 – I'm very flattered!

Rubber-duckiesofdoom – I love your penname. I can spell because… I just can. There's some people at school who have atrocious spelling. I just like big words. And plenty of other people can spell perfectly well! Brits and Americans just tend to spell things differently. And call things different names. E.g. Pants are trousers here. Usually pants is an abbreviation for underpants! Which, for Americans, might be shorts, as in boxer shorts. I'm rambling again.

END OF REPLIES!

I told myself I wouldn't reply anymore, but I couldn't help it!

Anyway, I hope this was adequate. The name is going to be changed to 'The Elemental Guardians', since 'Curses, Prophecies and the Elemental Guardians' is the name of the whole thing, and I've decided to place them in two stories – this is getting very, very long! Plus it'll just be easier.

Right, I've decided to start a new game at the end of these.

Challenge:

'Frailty, thy name is woman!'

Who wrote it, who said it, and what am I studying? That's me, me, I have to write an essay on it! That should help! Prizes of cookies to those who guess right! And possible named characters!