A/N: I know I said that I'd update every two or three days, but four is close! Actually, this chapter was really difficult for me to get the way I wanted it . . . and I'm still not completely happy with it. But, I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think. Thanks again for reading and reviewing!

I don't own Harry Potter's world.

Plans and a Wedding

Death Eater plots were the farthest thing from Lily's mind as she and James Apparated to his parents' house early on Sunday morning. They found the Potters engaged in their usual Sunday ritual of rushing to be ready to leave in time to make it to Mass. Lily, who had never witnessed Sunday morning with the Potters before, was amused by the sight. Mrs. Potter was trying to hurry her makeup application, while Mr. Potter was searching for the church offertory envelope. Hetty was running around, trying desperately to help them get ready. James grinned as he watched.

"They've been like this since I was a little boy," he informed Lily. "And I can tell you exactly what's going to happen next."

"What's that?"

"Dad's going to be ready first, but Mum's going to come downstairs and act like he's holding her up."

Lily looked at him in disbelief. "You're crazy. Your parents aren't like that!"

"No, I'm completely serious! It happens every Sunday!"

Lily laughed. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Then keep watching."

Mr. Potter came toward them, tucking the church envelope into his jacket pocket. "Well, look who's here! I'm glad you two could make it," he said, shaking James' hand.

"I was a bit more concerned that you two wouldn't make it," James grinned.

Mr. Potter smiled. "Sarcasm on a Sunday?"

James laughed. "Oh, why not?"

Mr. Potter shook his head, and kissed Lily's cheek. "How are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm much, much better, Mr. Potter," Lily smiled. She took James' arm. "James has been wonderful for me. Without him, I don't know where I'd be right now."

"Well, I'm glad he was able to help you so much. Margaret and I have been worried about you."

"I'm sorry that I worried you."

"Don't be. You're family now, Lily. Everything that affects you affects us, too."

She smiled again, suddenly feeling warm and happy. She should have realized that she would never really be alone.

Heels clacked against marble as Mrs. Potter rushed down the stairs. She was still clasping her earring, her face contorted with the pressed time.

"Harold, are you ready?" she asked. "We need to get going if we're going to get seats!"

James gave Lily a pointed look, and she stifled a giggled. Mrs. Potter looked at them, her face lighting up with a smile.

"James! Lily! You made it! Oh, I'm so glad!" She hugged both of them, kissing their cheeks. "It's wonderful to see you again."

"You, too, Mum," James grinned. He winked at Lily over his mother's shoulder. "We need to leave, don't we?"

"Oh, yes, you know how crowded that church can get. Do you have the envelope, Harold?"

"Right here," Mr. Potter said, patting his pocket. "Shall we be off, then?"

"Yes, let's go."

Lily had never been to Mass in the Potters' church before. She and James always attended a church closer to their homes. She was impressed by the church's grand appearance; for a moment, she wished they had decided to get married there. But, as she thought of getting married somewhere other than the church she had attended since birth, she knew she couldn't do it. Somehow, it just wouldn't be right.

Mrs. Potter insisted that Lily needed to meet their priest at the end of Mass, which sent them into a rather lengthy line to greet him. Lily smiled as she watched the older man chatting with his parishioners. He certainly seemed to be very well-liked.

As they waited, a very tall young man with blond hair and twinkling blue eyes walked toward them. Lily didn't think anything of it, assuming he wanted to join the line to greet the priest; she was surprised to see him stop near them.

"James?"

James looked around, his face lighting up as he recognized the speaker. "Danny!"

James immediately stepped out of line to greet his friend. Frowning slightly, Lily followed, standing a step behind him.

"It is you!" the man called Danny exclaimed. He reached over to pull James into a hug.

"I can't believe it!" James exclaimed. "How have you been?"

"Good, good," Danny replied. "I can't believe I'm seeing you! Where have you been hiding, mate?"

"Me? I've been home for every holiday! Where have you been?"

"Oh, here and there," Danny said. He glanced at Lily, who was still standing uncertainly behind James.

James followed his gaze, and took Lily's hand, pulling her forward. "This is my fiancée, Lily Evans. Lily, this is Danny Johnston. Danny was my best mate when I was a little boy."

"I'm pleased to meet you," Lily smiled, reaching out to shake his hand.

"And you," Danny grinned. He looked from Lily to James. "I had no idea you were getting married!"

"Well, if you came home more often, maybe you would have known," James teased.

"Have you been talking to my mother?" Danny laughed. "She always says the same sort of things!"

"Seriously, mate, where have you been?" James asked, sobering.

"Studying," Danny replied. "I only took short holidays from school, and when I was home, it was just to see the family. But, it paid off – I'm going to be a doctor."

"Really?" Lily asked with interest. "What kind of medicine are you studying?"

"Cardiology," he said promptly.

"Impressive," James grinned. "But you always were the smart one when we were in school together."

"Oh, don't let him fool you," Danny grinned, looking at Lily. "James could give me a run for my money in every class."

"I'm sure he could," Lily smiled.

"And Lily always gave me a run for mine," James grinned, pride in his fiancée showing in his eyes.

"You went to school together, then?"

"Yes," Lily smiled.

Danny grinned. "And I suppose you've been in love since first year?"

"More like seventh," James laughed. "But that's a long story. However, if you're thinking of sticking around, maybe we can get together so you can hear it."

"I'll be around for a little while longer," Danny said. "I'm going to school in London, so I'm sure you'll see quite a bit of me."

"Excellent!" James exclaimed.

"Lily, come and meet Father John," Mrs. Potter said, stepping up next to them. She looked up at Danny, studying him uncertainly for a moment before recognition flashed through her eyes. "My goodness! Danny!"

"Hi, Mrs. Potter," Danny grinned.

"I can't believe it!" she cried, reaching up to hug him. "Look at you! You're taller than James now!"

"And it's about time," Danny laughed.

"I was always taller than he was when we were little," James informed Lily.

"I see," she smiled. She looked up at Danny. "And I'm sure he held it over you, too."

"Naturally," Danny replied easily. "Look, go say hello to Father John. I'm staying with my parents for now, James, so you'll be able to get in touch with me there."

"I will," James promised. "It's great to see you again, mate."

"You, too," Danny said, shaking his hand. "We'll have to get together to catch up soon. It was great to meet you, Lily."

"And you," Lily replied.

Danny winked at her, slapped his hand against James' shoulder, and disappeared into the crowd. Lily smiled, and looked up at James.

"Why didn't you –?"

"Lily, this is Father John," Mrs. Potter said, cutting off her statement.

Lily turned her smile to the priest, who was waiting to shake her hand in greeting.

Once Lily had been introduced to Father John, they set off for the restaurant James' parents had chosen for brunch. They informed Lily that it was a family tradition to go there after Mass on Sundays. This was confirmed the moment they stepped inside the restaurant; the staff knew the family by name.

"You've never mentioned Danny before," Lily commented as they took their seats.

James shrugged. "I haven't thought of him in years, to be honest."

"They were great friends," Mrs. Potter said. "You should have seen how heartbroken James was to leave him when he started school. We were rather worried he wouldn't be able to get over leaving his best friend."

"He was your best friend, but you don't want him to be part of the wedding?" Lily asked.

"We'll have to invite him, of course. But, really, I think I'm closer to Sirius, Remus, and Peter than I am to him at this point." He shrugged again. "You bond with your friends differently when you're older."

"True," Lily said slowly. "I do feel rather bad about it, though. I mean, you were both thrilled to see one another."

"Danny's a great guy," James smiled. "I wished for years that we'd be able to go to school together – like Mum said, I was crushed when we had to go to different schools."

"We were hoping the boys would be able to go to school together, too," Mr. Potter admitted. "But, unfortunately, Danny didn't qualify to go to school with you two."

Lily smiled, hating that they had to speak in code in public. "That's a shame."

"It turned out all right in the end," James smiled, giving her hand a squeeze. "He seems happy, and I know that we are. We'll invite him to the wedding. I definitely want him to be there."

"I did want to talk about the wedding," Mrs. Potter said, addressing herself to the young couple. "What plans have you made?"

"Well, we have the church and the banquet hall reserved," James said. "And you do know the style, right?"

"Strictly traditional," Mr. Potter replied, giving them a wink.

"Lily, do you have your dress yet?" Mrs. Potter asked.

"No," Lily said a bit nervously. "The girls and I keep talking about going shopping, but we haven't made it yet."

"We're going on Saturday, then," Mrs. Potter said decisively. "You don't have all that much time before the wedding, and your gown is something that you can't leave until the last minute. I'll make a reservation for us. Bring your bridesmaids, and we'll see if we can find their dresses, too."

"Mrs. Potter, you do know that there are only certain dress shops that I can go to . . ."

"Oh, yes, sweetie, don't even think about it! I know the perfect place! I was in Harold's sister's wedding, you know, and she took us to the most darling dress shop in London. Actually, it was her mother-in-law who picked it, and we all just loved it."

"My uncle was Muggle," James muttered to Lily.

She nodded slowly. Remembering all that had happened to James' family, she didn't quite know what to say.

Mrs. Potter sighed, her eyes focusing on something only she could see. "Ah, that was such a happy occasion. I never would have dreamed . . ." She trailed off, and sighed again. Then she shook her head, as if to bring herself back from some far-off place. "Well, that's all in the past now. Will Saturday work out for you?"

"I think so," Lily replied. She looked at James. "Minnie and Adam's wedding is in two weeks, right?"

"Right," James affirmed.

Lily looked back at Mrs. Potter. "I'll talk to my bridesmaids, but it should be fine."

"Perfect! I'll send you an owl with all the details!"

"Prongs! Get up, mate!"

James groaned, and struggled to open his eyes. "Why?"

"We're going shopping!"

James squinted up at Sirius. "This is a bizarre dream. That's all it is. There is no way in the world that Sirius Black would wake me up before 10 on a Saturday morning to go shopping. It just isn't possible."

Sirius laughed. "I mean it, Prongs. Moony's already in the shower, and Wormtail's on his way over."

James finally opened his eyes fully. "You really are calling out the entire crew on a Saturday morning."

"That's right, I am. This is a big occasion."

"And what, pray tell, are we going to shop for?"

"A flying motorbike."

"Olivia, get up!"

Olivia mumbled something incoherent, and turned over, burying her face in her pillow. Lily looked at Dana helplessly. Dana laughed.

"Get up, you lazy bum!" she cried. She grabbed Olivia's pillow, and yanked it out from under her. Olivia's head hit the bed with a thud.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed. "What are you trying to prove?"

"That you need to be out of bed," Dana laughed.

"It's Saturday!" Olivia moaned. She reached for her bedside clock, pulling it into her line of vision. "It's really early on Saturday! What are you two trying to do to me?"

"We have to meet James' mum in an hour!" Lily exclaimed. "Remember? Dress shopping? She made an appointment for us?"

"Oh, hell," Olivia moaned. "All right, I'm up!"

"Good," Dana smiled. "Come on, Lils. Our work here is done."

"Make sure you dress as a Muggle," Lily said as they moved toward the door. "Remember, this is a Muggle dress shop!"

"Hell," Olivia muttered again. "You and your Muggle weddings!"

Laughing, Lily and Dana walked out of Olivia's room, closing the door behind them. Olivia moaned again, and slid out of bed.

A soft crack broke through the air as Laura Apparated into the living room. She looked around, and spotted Lily and Dana coming down the hall.

"Good morning," she smiled. "I know I'm early, but I was really afraid I'd be late and hold everyone up."

"No, Liv has that honor today," Dana said cheerfully. "We just pulled her out of bed."

"Rather literally," Lily grinned. "She'll be ready in time, though. No worries."

"Even if she's not, we'll be there on time," Dana giggled. "Did Lily mention that she's driving?"

"Well, you guys got James and I the car," Lily said. "The least I can do is to drive you to an appointment for my wedding."

Laura giggled. "I think she's talking about your lead foot, sweetie."

Lily laughed, then frowned. "You may mock me now, but we'll see who's laughing when we get there on time after Liv nearly makes us late!"

Dana shook her head. "Sorry, Lils. I forgot that no one insults your driving."

"That's right," Lily grinned. "And don't you forget it!"

Thanks largely to Lily's driving skills, they arrived at the dress shop just as Mrs. Potter did. She waved to the girls as she got out of her car, and met them at the front entrance.

"Hello, hello!" she smiled. She kissed Lily's cheek. "How are all of you? I'm so glad you could make it today!"

Lily smiled. "Here, let me introduce everyone. Girls, this is James' mother. Mrs. Potter, this is Dana, Olivia, and Laura."

Mrs. Potter shook each girl's hand, smiling a greeting. She looked at Olivia and Laura for a moment as if trying to sort them out.

"Which one is dating Sirius, and which one is dating Remus?" she asked.

"I'm dating Remus," Laura said at once.

"And I'll claim Sirius," Olivia smiled.

"At least someone will," Mrs. Potter laughed. "That boy . . . sometimes I thought he would drive me to an early grave!" She laughed again. "They're all sweet boys, really – and Harold and I loved having Sirius over so much when you all were in school. It truly was like having another son."

"He always speaks very highly of you," Olivia replied. She smiled. "He says that everything he knows about families, love, and respect he learned from your family."

Mrs. Potter flushed slightly. "He said that?"

"Many times."

She blinked quickly, trying to drive back the tears that threatened to surface. She did love Sirius like a son, but she had never realized that he felt so strongly about her family.

"Come on," Lily said with a smile. "Let's get inside and start shopping!"

They began with the bridesmaids' dresses. Lily had the time of her life searching through the hundreds of dresses on the racks. She managed to narrow it down to five styles, all in a rich, deep red wine color. She gave each girl an armful of dresses, and sent them into the dressing rooms.

All three girls came out in the first dress, each wearing a disgusted expression. They took one look at each other, then looked at Lily, who was seated next to Mrs. Potter to watch the fashion show.

"NO!" they all said in unison.

"All right, I get it!" Lily laughed. "Next option!"

Thirty minutes later, a dress had been chosen. All the girls had managed to agree on one style that they liked more than the others. While Dana, Olivia, and Laura were having their measurements taken, Mrs. Potter and Lily began searching for a wedding gown. A helpful salesgirl accompanied them throughout the store, making suggestions. In the end, Lily had at least ten dresses to model.

The first four dresses that she tried on were easily eliminated. They were all too fussy for Lily, who maintained that she wanted a simple dress. She picked through the remaining dresses in the fitting room, trying to decide which one to try next.

"How about this one?" the salesgirl asked, holding a dress for Lily to see. "It's very simple, yet elegant. Touch this silk. It's going to feel like heaven against your skin."

"All right," Lily agreed.

The salesgirl helped her into the dress, then stepped back so that Lily could see the result. Lily's breath caught in her throat as she looked at her reflection.

"Is that really me?" she whispered.

"It is," the salesgirl smiled. "I take it you like it?"

Lily nodded, running her fingers over the silk that hugged her sides. "I feel like a princess in this dress."

The salesgirl smiled again. "Let's see what everyone else thinks, shall we?"

Lily nodded, and stepped out of the dressing room.

Mrs. Potter and the girls had been chatting, but their words died on their lips as Lily appeared in front of them. Olivia and Dana both gasped, while Laura's mouth dropped open. Tears gathered in Mrs. Potter's eyes again.

"Oh, Lily, sweetie, I think we've found it," Mrs. Potter said, wiping at her eyes.

"You like it?" Lily asked needlessly.

"Like it?" Olivia whispered. "Lils, it's gorgeous!"

"You look like a princess," Laura said softly.

"I feel like a princess," Lily admitted.

Dana reached up to wipe her own eyes. "That's your dress, Lil. There's no competition."

Lily looked away from her companions to study her reflection in the mirror. Her vision blurred as tears pressed against her eyes. "I'm really getting married," she whispered, beaming through her tears. "I'm going to marry James!"

She looked at Mrs. Potter, who was still trying to stop crying, and thoughts of her own mother raced through her mind. What wouldn't she have given to have her mother with her, helping her chose a wedding gown? Different emotions crashed over her so quickly that she couldn't even stop to name them. She bit her lips to stop the sobs that were now fighting to escape.

Mrs. Potter watched Lily fighting for control for a moment, instantly realizing what must be going through her head. She stood to her feet, and moved to stand next to her future daughter-in-law. She adjusted the material of the dress, and looked at Lily in the mirror.

"Lily, I have never seen anyone look so beautiful in her wedding gown. Never." She looked away from the mirror, and made eye contact with Lily as she reached out to touch her hair, gently smoothing it back. "I know that you miss your mother terribly, and I would love nothing more than for her to be here with us right now, crying over the sight of you in your wedding gown with me."

She stopped playing with the younger woman's hair, and placed her hands on Lily's cheeks. "I would never in a million years try to take her place in your life or your heart, Lily, but there's one thing that I want you to know. From the moment James first brought you home for Christmas, I've thought of you as my daughter." She smiled through the tears that wouldn't stop falling. "I love James with all my heart, but I've always wondered what it would be like to have a little girl. Now I know that I've never had a daughter of my own because I was waiting for you to step into my life."

Lily couldn't speak through the tears that were cascading down her cheeks. She reached out to hug Mrs. Potter. In marrying James, she was gaining more than a husband. She was gaining parents who were ready to welcome her with open arms into their home, their lives, and their hearts.

"Where's my silver bracelet?"

"I can't find my other shoe!"

"Are you two ever ready on time?"

"Shut it, Dana!"

Dana laughed. "All right, who needs help more?"

"She's only looking for an accessory!" Olivia cried. "I can't possibly go to this wedding in one shoe!"

"Liv wins," Dana laughed. "Sorry, Lils, but you're on your own to find your bracelet."

"You'd better not treat me like this on my wedding day!"

"We have four more months till your wedding day," Dana replied. "Maybe I'll be more willing to help you by then."

Olivia and Dana had just found the missing shoe when the roar of an engine split the air, followed by silence. The next sounds were those of cracks as James and Sirius Apparated into the girls' flat.

"Anyone home?" Sirius called.

"What on earth did you two use to get here?" Dana asked as she walked down the hall to greet the two men.

"My new motorbike," Sirius said proudly. "Will it be safe on the street? You don't have any crazy kids around who will damage it, do you?"

Dana looked at him in disbelief. "You bought a motorbike?"

"It's not just a motorbike. It flies, and it has an invisibility feature," Sirius said helpfully. "And before you even ask, Liv knows all about it."

Dana shook her head. "I can't believe it."

Sirius grinned. "Where is Olivia?"

"Right here," Olivia said, hopping down the hall as she put on her newly-found shoe. "We're almost ready."

"And we thought we left late enough," James laughed. "Weren't we supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago?"

"No one asked your opinion, Potter!" Lily yelled from her bedroom.

"Uh-oh," James grinned. "I'd better go see what her problem is."

"Lost accessories are her problem!" Dana called after him as he walked down the hall toward the bedrooms.

"Lil?" James tapped on her partially-open bedroom door. "Are you all right?"

"I can't find my silver bracelet!" Lily moaned, her eyes very bright. "It's the one that my mum gave me for my birthday last year, and I hardly ever wear it, but I thought that Minnie and Adam's wedding was a special occasion, so I should –"

"Lil, stop," James said with a smile, laying a finger across her lips. "I'll find your bracelet."

"Really?" she asked, feeling close to tears.

"Really," he replied. "If you need it, I'll find it for you." He looked straight into her eyes. "Lil, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Of course I want to wear that bracelet. I won't lose it or anything. I'm always really careful with it."

"Not that. I mean, do you want to go to the wedding?"

"Minnie and Adam are our friends," Lily replied. "Of course I want to be there for them."

"But a wedding . . . so soon . . ." He trailed off, uncertain as to how to make his point.

Lily nodded, understanding what he meant. "It's going to be hard. I know that. But it's not like Pet . . . like last time. Order members are going to be there, and security is going to be very tight." She looked up into his eyes. "It's not just about Adam and Minnie, though. I don't want our wedding to be the first wedding I attend after Petunia's. That would be too hard."

James nodded. "You're completely sure, then?"

"Yes, I'm completely sure. I want to be there for our friends, for us, and for me. I want to do this."

He nodded, and pulled out his wand. "In that case, you're going to need one more accessory. Accio silver bracelet!"

Ten bracelets zoomed toward him. Dana squealed as her bracelet was pulled from her wrist. James caught the bracelets in one hand, and waited for Dana's scream.

"James!" she yelled. "What are you trying to prove?"

"Sorry!" James laughed. "I'll bring it back in a second!"

Even as the words left his mouth, he could hear the sound of her heels as she marched down the hall. She appeared in the doorway, her expression a cross between anger and amusement.

"Be more specific next time you use the summoning charm," Dana said as she crossed the room. She grabbed James' hand, and pulled his fingers open. She looked at the bracelets in his palm for a moment, then picked one up. "I certainly hope one of those is Lily's," she muttered as she left the room.

James grinned, and held his hand out for Lily to examine the other bracelets. "Were you looking for one of these?"

"This one," Lily said, extracting one bracelet from the others. She gave James a beaming smile, and stood up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "You're my hero. Thank you."

"I'm a hero, and all I get is a kiss on the cheek?" James asked with a teasing smile, placing the extra bracelets on her dresser.

"Well, if you can clasp this for me, then we can negotiate," Lily teased. She held out her wrist with the bracelet balanced on top of it.

James shook his head, and clasped the bracelet. Then he turned her hand over, and placed a kiss in her palm.

"You look beautiful," he said, raising his eyes to meet hers. He raised his hand to touch her hair, but decided against it after looking at the intricate style. He ran his fingers over her cheek instead.

Lily flushed. "You look quite handsome, yourself. Are those new dress robes?"

"Yeah, Mum said that my old ones weren't fit for humans to wear anymore."

Lily smiled, and stepped closer to him. "Well, I like these," she said, running her hands over his broad chest.

"I'm glad," he said in a hoarse whisper. He pulled her close, and leaned down to kiss her neck. "Mmmm . . . you smell wonderful."

Lily shivered slightly as his breath touched her skin. She smiled, and ran her fingers through his hair. "Thank you," she murmured.

"What are you doing?" he asked, pulling back to look at her. "I spent forever trying to get my hair to lie flat!"

"It looks better when it's messy," she replied, giving him a special smile. "Now kiss me, and let me mess it up properly."

James complied at once, and captured her lips with his own. She combed her hands through his hair, loving the feel of it falling through her fingers.

"James! Lils! If we don't leave right now, we're going to miss the wedding!"

James and Lily broke apart and looked at each other for a moment, trying to regain their composure. Lily giggled, and reached up to brush at James' hair.

"I think I went a little overboard," she said.

James grinned. "I'm sure it looks fine."

Lily finished with his hair, and stepped over to her mirror to look at her own. "It looks exactly the same as it did before," she marveled. "How did you do that?"

"Actually, I tried to avoid touching it," James replied. "And let me tell you, it was torture the whole way!"

"Well," Lily said, giving him a rather seductive smile, "if you're a good boy tonight, I'll let you do whatever you want to it later."

James grinned again. "I'll be on my best behavior."

"Well, don't go too far with that good behavior thing," Lily giggled. "I may not recognize you by the end of the night!"

James laughed, and ushered her out of the room ahead of him. They were halfway down the hall when he reached out to grab her from behind. Lily gave a little shriek as he grabbed her bottom.

"Are you all right?" Dana exclaimed.

"Fine," Lily replied, turning to give James a murderous look.

"What?" James exclaimed. "You said not to be too good!"

Olivia and Dana both giggled, and Sirius and Aidan gave one another knowing grins.

"When did you get here, Aidan?" Lily asked, trying once again to regain some of her composure.

"Right after Sirius and James," Aidan replied. "Sirius even took me outside to see his new motorbike while James was helping you find your bracelet . . . or was it your tonsils?"

Lily's face turned redder than her hair, and Sirius burst into laughter. Dana smacked Aidan with her purse.

"You leave Lily alone," she said with a smile.

Sirius turned his laughter into a loud cough, trying to get himself under control.

"Come on, guys, let's get out of here."

The wedding was beautiful. Adam and Minnie had chosen to have an outdoor wedding, which they held on the rather extensive grounds of Minnie's parents' home. The very thought of being married outside made Lily nervous, but they had beautiful weather for it.

"That was really nice, wasn't it?" James said as they stood up after the ceremony ended. He gave Sirius, who was on Lily's other side, an evil grin. "Maybe we should get married outside, Lil."

Lily turned to him with horror. "Not on your life! With my luck, we'd have rain, wind, hail . . . I don't even want to think about it!"

Sirius laughed. "Actually, with your February wedding date, I think you'd have a blizzard."

"Thanks for giving me one more thing to worry about," Lily moaned.

James laughed, and pulled her close. "Everything is going to be fine, love. We're going to have the most wonderful, beautiful wedding ever."

Lily smiled, and kissed his cheek. "You're sweet."

"So are you."

Peter cleared his throat. "Hey, guys, you're sort of holding up the line here."

"Sorry!" James said quickly, turning to join the other guests who were congregating around the tables and dance floor across the yard.

"No problem," Peter replied with a smile.

James looked at Peter sharply, noticing that his smile didn't seem to take the sadness out of his eyes. He hung back a minute, ushering the others ahead of him.

"Are you all right, Wormtail?"

"Sure," Peter shrugged. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know . . . I guess you just seem a little down."

Peter sighed. "It's sort of tough, I guess. This is the first wedding I've been at since Kathleen . . ." He trailed off uncertainly. "I have to get over it though, right? I mean, I have your wedding coming up. I want to be in high spirits for that one!"

"Are you sure you still want to be there?" James asked, his eyes showing his concern even as a sense of déjà vu overtook him. Hadn't he just had a similar conversation with Lily? "I mean, if it's too hard . . . I don't want to force you to do something you'd rather not . . ."

Peter shook his head. "Your wedding isn't about me, James," he said, smiling sadly again. "It's about you, and it's about Lily. If I can't be there for my friends when they need me, then what kind of a friend would I be?"

James smiled, and clapped his hand down on Peter's shoulder. "You're a good man, Peter. If you need anything, or just to talk . . ."

"I know," Peter said quietly. "And believe me, I don't know what I'd do without you, Sirius, and Remus. You guys have always been there for me."

"And we always will be. Just like you'll always be there for us."

Peter sighed. "I feel like I'm not anymore. I mean, you guys are all in Diagon Alley, and I'm stuck at home . . ."

"Peter, no matter where you live, you'll still be our friend. Don't you ever forget that."

Peter nodded. "I know."

"Come on," James said, smiling again. "Let's go join this party!"

The party hadn't really started yet when James and Peter joined their friends at a circular table. Sirius was complaining about the lack of food as they sat down.

"So let me get this straight," Sirius said. "We can't eat until the bridal party does?"

"Right," Olivia replied.

"Well, why aren't they eating?"

"They're having their pictures taken," Dana said.

"And they couldn't do that later?" Sirius whined.

"Do you ever think about anything but food?" James laughed.

"Did you spend seven years at Hogwarts with him?" Remus laughed. "Don't you remember that our first mission once you got the invisibility cloak was to find the kitchens? I think you can answer that one for yourself!"

James laughed with him. "Fair enough."

Sirius looked from James to Lily. "If you two expect us to have our pictures taken between the ceremony and the reception, you'd better feed us before the wedding."

"I can attach a feedbag to you like a horse, if you'd like," Lily said sweetly.

Sirius grabbed his napkin, and threw it at her. "That's what I think of your and your humor."

"Oh, you know you love it," Lily laughed, tossing the napkin back at him.

"Now, now, children, play nice," James laughed. "I'm sure we'll only have to wait a little longer to eat."

The bridal party finally returned from what Aidan referred to as their "photo shoot," and the reception began. Adam and Minnie entered to the sounds of a string quartet, which began to play a waltz. The newly married couple danced, while their guests applauded. Sirius groaned again.

"Why can't they just let us eat?"

As if in answer to his question, the song ended, and the bridal party took their seats at the head table. The plates on each table filled themselves with food.

"Finally!" Sirius grinned.

"Maybe you were on to something with that feedbag, Lil," James laughed.

The sun set during dinner, and fairies began appearing to light the backyard. As the meal ended, the plates disappeared from the tables, and the wine glasses refilled themselves. The sting quartet left, and a band took its place. Adam and Minnie shared another dance, then others began to join them on the dance floor.

"Shall we?" James asked, looking at Lily with a smile.

She nodded with a smile, and took his outstretched hand.

James led her onto the dance floor, and wove her in among the other couples. He smiled as he looked down into her upturned face.

"Are you having fun?"

"So much," Lily replied. "I hope that our wedding is this magical."

"It will be," James assured her. "It'll be magical if for no other reason than that I'm marrying the girl of my dreams."

Lily flushed. "I love you, James."

"I love you, too." He leaned down to kiss her, then pulled back to look into her eyes again. He loved her eyes. At that moment, he felt like he could spend an entire day just looking into them.

For several moments, they danced in silence, caught up in the moment, and in being together. The song ended, and another song began. Its tempo matched the first; James and Lily barely stopped for a beat.

"What's with all the slow music?" James asked.

"James, it's a wedding," Lily laughed. "We're not exactly at a night club, here!"

James gave her an appraising look. "Do you know how to salsa?"

"Excuse me?"

"Can you salsa dance?"

"No," Lily laughed. "Can you?"

"Can I?" James cried. "I think someone needs a demonstration!"

"James, be serious!" Lily laughed.

"I am!" He left her alone, and ran off toward the band.

"Oh, no," Lily muttered, watching as he spoke to the bandleader.

"It's all set," James said cheerfully as he returned to her. "The next dance will be a salsa."

"Well, you'd better find yourself a partner who knows what she's doing."

"You'll be fine."

The song they had been dancing to ended, and the band began the next song. This one had a considerably different tempo. Lily gasped as James pulled her into his arms.

"Just follow my lead," he said.

Lily tried desperately to keep up with him, but she had no idea what she was doing. She started to get frustrated, then changed her mind. So she didn't know what she was doing. So what? James did, and he was having the time of his life. She gave up trying to do it perfectly, and tried her best to have fun, laughing at her mistakes.

"Now you're getting it!" James cried.

Lily laughed again. "You're lying through your teeth, Potter!"

The song ended, and James pulled Lily into a hug.

"That was fun," he laughed.

"I was awful, wasn't I?" she said, scrunching up her face.

James laughed again, and kissed her nose. "Yeah. But did you have fun?"

"Yeah, I did."

"That's what counts. Thanks for trying for me." He laughed again. "Next time, just follow my lead! I'll show you what to do."

"You say that like there's going to be a next time," Lily laughed.

James grinned. "Oh, there will be. You just wait and see."