Disclaimer: Obviously all the wonderful characters and names belong to the illustrious J.K. Rowling. I could only hope to be half the author she is, but here's my humble work of fan fiction anyway.
It'll be starting any minute. There's Prongs and Padfoot now. They're waving at me. I wave back and plant a goofy smile on my face.
Prongs asked me to be a groomsman but I turned him down. After all, a groomsman isn't a best man is it?
No.
Sirius is Prong's best man. Even though we always said we were all each other's best mates. But I know the truth. Sirius is James' best mate because they're equals. Even Remus is closer to them than I am.
I always get left in the cold. I'm the fall guy, the dummy, the almost squib. I'm the weak link in the Mauraders chain. I'm nobody.
How I wish I were looked up to. How I wish I were the leader, the hero, the one everyone looks to for inspiration.
How I wish I were James Potter.
Then I'd be the champion. I'd be the Quidditch star and top student, leader of the Mauraders and Head Boy. I'd be the one everyone looks to and respects. I could lord over everyone like the beloved King James. And I could get a woman like Lily to love me.
No.
Not like her. Specifically her.
I want Lily Evans to love me. There isn't any woman I've ever seen who's as perfect. Sophisticated. Smart. Kind. Breathtakingly beautiful. Truly the greatest reward for a star like James. If I were James I would show her off to everyone – a living reminder of my greatness. But I'm not James.
The organist is beginning to play – I can see the little flower girl coming down the aisle.
Time to put your game face on – you're extremely happy for your friend and not at all jealous. You can do this. You can watch Prongs marry the woman of every man's dreams. You will do this because it's expected of you, and you love James and Lily too much to ruin their big day.
And because she doesn't love me that way.