"This is ridiculous," James hissed at Sirius as he tried for the fifth time to tie his bow tie.
"You're worked up."
"Of course I'm bloody worked up!"
"Can't imagine why," Sirius drawled.
"Aren't you supposed to be happier than you've ever been?" Peter unhelpfully commented. "You've been wanting to marry her since fifth year."
James refrained from commenting that it was actually since third year.
"This bow tie won't tie-"
"Because you're tying it wrong," Sirius butted in, also unhelpfully.
James couldn't wait for one of his three idiot best mates to get married so he can lounge around in expensive robes drinking expensive booze whilst commenting unhelpful things to them. Revenge would be sweet. They were purposely being insanely calm when there was so much to do.
"There's a million and one things to do for the Order and I'm getting married! Remus should be at the hospital with Haley, Marlene should be helping Pomfrey to administer the antidote to the students, and we should all be there to question those students on what happened when they were petrified. Not to mention we've still got three floors left to cover! I mean a whole summer and we only covered four out of seven floors."
"It's better than Wormtail would get in a potions assignment," Sirius remarked.
"We've been distracted because of the wedding," James said convinced.
"Will you stop being such a baby?" Remus finally asked. "Haley is fine. A little banged up but fine. Marlene knows that it isn't important that she administer the potion to unpetrify the students than that they get unpetrified. And we did excellent work this summer scouring that castle for a room no ones ever been able to find before-"
"Riddle found it. Twice!" James objected.
"Well, he only found it once, he just went back to it," Sirius pointed out.
"You don't know that! It could be a moving room. A moving unplottable room. A room that only shows itself once a year or at a specific time or-"
"We'll find the room, James, and it's going to take time, and that's okay," Remus assured.
"It did take us eight hours to search Slytherin Common Room wall to wall, ceiling to ceiling," Peter pointed out.
"We don't have time! Students go back to Hogwarts today!"
"And we wouldn't have found the Chamber of Secrets today," Remus pointed out. "Next on our list was the fourth floor corridor."
"Do you think this is his way of saying he doesn't want to marry Lily?" Sirius asked out loud as he downed a goblet of firewhiskey.
James glared at him. Revenge would be ever so sweet when that day came.
"You're an absolute tosser. Of course I want to marry her!"
"Then stop being a heroic idiot. Rome wasn't saved in a day. Have a whiskey," Sirius pushed a goblet into James' hand. "Let me tie your bow tie before you give me an aneurism," Sirius slid the tie off from around his neck, "and enjoy the best day of your life. It's you and Lily, Prongs."
James took a sip of the firewhiskey and nodded. "You're right. You're right."
"Isn't the saying 'Rome wasn't built in a day'?" Peter asked.
"So not important right now," Sirius rolled his eyes.
"No, I think Peter's right," James said. "Your whole argument is dust since you made that error."
"Oh, so I should go to the other side of the house and tell Lily the wedding's off then?" Sirius made for the door but James grabbed his wand and body bound Sirius.
"Don't be hasty!"
The four of them continued to get ready and drink — Sirius seemed determined that no one go through this wedding sober. That is, until Euphemia had come in with twenty minutes to go until the ceremony and gave them all sobering potions and forbade the house elves from supplying them with anymore alcohol until the reception.
"Lily will not have a slosh for a groom!" was Euphemia's admonishment as she bustled about cleaning up the mess the four boys had caused. She left the four men in a slightly cleaner room and with slightly moist eyes.
"You're lamenting," Sirius commented as James stared out the window, watching guests file into the huge tent that had been constructed.
"Who even says lamenting?" Peter asked.
"Pure-blood snots like Black," Remus quipped. Sirius threw a scrunched up napkin at Remus who batted it away with his hand.
"Well, he is," Sirius defended.
"What if we get married and we botch — no, what if I botch it up?" James questioned. "I mean, she hated me at one point, what if she hates me again because I do something to piss her off? Like what if I cut the grass wrong? Or what if she gets sick of how I snore? Or what if she snores and I can't handle it? And what about work? What if she gets sick of me just waifing about with no job? And if I waif around with no job it means I'll be doing the cooking and cleaning and kid stuff — when we have kids — which is fine but what if I get fat and she starts to hate me? Or what if she wants to do that stuff, especially once the kids come around? And what if I give my terrible eyesight to our kids? How can she love me if I pass on terrible eyesight to our kids?"
"Is that really what you're finishing with? Bad eyesight?" Sirius asked bored.
"I'm serious," James asked. "I don't know the first thing about being a husband!"
"You've been living with her for months," Peter pointed out.
"So?"
"You're basically already married," Remus said in a way that highlighted his concern for James' mental health. "She knows you snore. She knows you have no job and will probably become a socialite like your mother unless you get back into Quidditch. She knows you have bad bloody eyesight! James, just take a breath-"
"Or a drink," Sirius interjected.
"You're just nervous and you're wigging yourself out. I'm not going to pretend I know anything about marriage but Peter's right. You and Lily have basically been married for the last few months and I've honestly never seen a more solid couple come out of Hogwarts except for Alice and Frank."
Alice and Frank, James considered. That was a good couple to be compared to. And they were already married.
James sighed. "You're right. My nerves are wigging me out."
"This calls for more alcohol! Twinky!" Sirius shouted in vein.
"At this rate, he's going to pass out before he says 'I do'," Peter muttered to Remus.
Lily peaked out of the window and saw all the guests sitting comfortably on either side of an aisle and facing the alter and then she was crying. She was crying in her very, very white wedding dress that was now in risk of being ruined by make-up infected tears.
"Lily!" Marlene said alarmed, jumping up to grab tissues. "What's wrong?"
"I-I'm getting married," Lily wailed.
"Yes," Marlene said carefully, "you are."
This really wasn't the time to be crying and yet here Lily was with a hundred and fifty guests sitting outside. Guests Lily was supposed to walk down the aisle in front of in — Marlene checked the time — now! Marlene was moments away from her own breakdown.
"Are you," Marlene cocked her head because surely what she was thinking right now couldn't be true, "Do you not want to get married?"
Lily stopped crying for just a moment to send a shocked and offended look at Marlene before dissolving into more tears.
"Of course I want to get married! Why would you even say that?"
"Well, I don't know! You're crying in your wedding dress literally right when you're meant to be walking down the aisle!" Marlene looked at Lily who only wailed louder. "So you do want to get married?"
"Yes!"
"Then why're you crying then?"
"I don't have-" Lily cut off in a sob as she brought a tissue up to her face to dab at her face.
"What don't you have?" Marlene asked frantically as she ran through a mental list of everything Lily needed. She was wearing her dress. Her hair was done and her veil was on the hanger ready to be placed in when they were ready to go downstairs. Her make-up had been done but would now need to be redone. She was wearing the Potter earrings and she had her ring on. She was wearing her shoes and her bouquet was sitting in water. "You have everything!" Marlene panicked. "What do you mean you don't have something?"
"I don't have any clue how to be a wife!"
"I-" That was not what Marlene had been expecting. "Okay, but you've been a 'wife' since April."
"That's just living together. Being someone's wife … there's expectations right? Like a wife should cook and clean and-and be the stay at home mum. That's how my mum was. She cooked dinner every night but I don't cook, Marlene!"
"Honey, I don't think James wants you to," Marlene said with a slightly put off face at the memory of Lily's scrambled eggs during summer after fourth year.
There was a knock at the door and Marlene turned her head towards the door. "Come back later!"
"Marls, Mia says everything's ready and James is ready to go when Lily is!" Sirius called through the door.
Oh good lord, Marlene thought to herself. She grabbed Lily's hand and lead her to the bed, getting Lily to sit and crouched in front of her. "Lily, you need to stop crying like right now. I have to re-do your make-up because James, the love of your life, is waiting for you so you can get married!"
"He's going to want a refund when I come out looking like a watered down gnome," Lily wailed with a fresh set of waterworks. She flopped back onto the bed in despair. Marlene wondered if Adaline had to deal with these kind of hysterics with Alice. Maybe Marlene wanted a refund unfortunately it was too late for that and Marlene had to pull on her pep-talk pants.
"Get up you train wreck!" Marlene admonished. "You'll crease the dress and flatten the flowers in your hair!" Marlene pulled Lily up into a sitting position. "Now, listen closely, Evans. That man is incapable of wanting to refund you even if you hit him over the head with a six foot pole and gave him amnesia. You are going to be a kick-ass wife because you are a kick-ass person. You tackled Voldemort, like actually muggle-style tackled the bastard. You get shit done, Lily Evans."
"But-"
"I'm not finished," Marlene interrupted Lily interrupting. "You and James are meant to fucking be so you're going to stop crying, I'm going to fix your make-up, and we're going to get your arse down that aisle so you can marry the love of your life and I can win five galleons."
"Er, what?"
"We had a bet about when the wedding would be and I won so don't make me hand back my five galleons to Della. I've already spent it."
"You already spent five galleons. On what?"
"A Madame Primadonna bag."
"You can't afford a Madame Primadonna bag with five galleons," Lily called out.
"I had some money saved up."
"You blew a pay check on it," Lily accused.
"And the five galleons I won from Della."
"Marly," Lily tsked before zoning off. She looked back at Marlene. "Do you really think James and I will be okay?"
"You'll make the rest of us jealous by how happily married you'll be," Marlene promised. "And-"
A knock at the door again. "Jesus Christ, Black! We're coming!" Marlene shouted annoyed that pep-talk number two was disrupted. She needn't have bothered because he burst into the room to take in Lily's splotchy face and smudged make-up.
"What the hell did you do to her?"
"I was having a moment," Lily said. "But I'm fine. I'll be ready in five. Tell James I'm coming."
"Ten minutes," Marlene coughed a correction.
"Marls, a word?" Sirius asked and Marlene followed him out of the room.
"Merlin, what is with them two?" Sirius complained. "James spends his entire goddamned pathetic Hogwarts career pining after that girl and he goes spiralling on the day of their wedding about how he's going to somehow screw everything up!"
"Jesus fucking Christ! James too? Lily just had a wife-to-be existential crisis because she can't cook!" Marlene shook her head. "Even their cold feet freak outs are in sync."
"It's nauseating."
"We deserve medals for getting those two down the aisle."
"Bloody oath. Ten minutes?"
"Ten," Marlene confirmed.
She went back into Lily's room to fix her make-up and after a few charms to reduce the puffiness and redness around her eyes, Marlene re-did Lily's make-up.
"You are so lucky I am a beauty charm guru," Marlene muttered as she put the finishing touches on Lily's eyelids and Lily was back to looking like a radiant bride instead of a watered down gnome. "I added waterproofing charms to your make-up now so feel free to cry when you see how handsome James looks at the altar with no fear of him wanting a refund."
Lily laughed softly. "I pulled a you."
"You so did."
"Thank you for snapping me out of it."
"There's only enough room for one of me around here. Let's go get you hitched, yeah?"
Lily smiled and squeezed Marlene's hand. She was getting married.
James had never been so nervous in his entire bloody life. He stood at the altar with his back to their one hundred and fifty guests, holding his hands in front of him with his best mate beside him. He rocked on his feet slightly and Sirius nudged him.
"Stop fidgeting."
"Can't help it."
And he couldn't because his head was replaying everything. He remembered the first time he saw Lily on the train and she'd just been a girl with freckles and red hair then — he thought she was a Weasley, to be honest — and she had not been impressed with him but he hadn't cared then because he didn't know.
He remembered in third year when she caught him sleeping late in the common room over his Charms essay that was due the next day and she said "I'll help you if you swear not to tell a living soul". Of course, he'd told Sirius though but she didn't know that and that was the start of it all.
Then there was fourth year. He'd asked her out no less than four times. He'd asked her on the train to Hogwarts. He'd asked her to be his date to the Christmas party he and the boys had been hosting. He'd asked her again after Easter. And once more on the train home from Hogwarts. And he didn't want to sound like a creep, after the second rejection he knew that she'd say no but it was like a game they played. He'd ask in a low-key witty way and she'd declined every single one in equally witty ways. She'd even laughed at the Christmas party one.
Then fifth year, James could murder himself with a late onset of embarrassment for fifth year. They'd been on friendlier terms all year, he'd only asked her out once the entire year, and she'd declined but they'd been friendly. Then came the Debacle After the Defence Exam. He'd asked her out whilst he was in the middle of hexing her at-the-time best mate. Definitely not his best or brightest idea and he'd actually threatened to hex her too. 'Don't make me hex you, Evans' were his exact words. Then came his fumble of an apology on the train home after that fiasco. She had not been impressed, in fact, she had a few choice words to express how unimpressed she was.
Sixth year, sixth year was the year James realised he might never get Lily out of his head. The year started how the previous year ended, he was apologising to her on a train again. Then they'd somewhat regained their friendly terms after a project in Charms they'd been partners on. Then … then there was the broom closet before Herbology and a kiss and "lead the damn way".
The rest hadn't been smooth sailing but it had gotten him here, standing in fancy dress robes waiting at the end of an altar for her to walk down. The beginning of the rest of their lives.
The music started and James almost jumped out of his own skin so wrapped up in his own head. James watched the piano's keys press down seemingly on their own and heard the shuffle of everyone standing up. It was like he could see their entire relationship in flashes. Their first kiss. Their first 'I love you'. The first time she'd genuinely smiled at him. Their inside jokes. Lily smelling flowers in the greenhouse. To their soft giggles and kisses as they were forcefully segregated to different levels of the house as per his bossy mother's request.
He turned his head slightly and smiled nervously at Marlene. She looked gorgeous in a pale yellow, calf length dress and she winked at him, saying what she couldn't say out loud: wait 'til you see her.
The music changed and James swallowed hard. This was it. Merlin, he just wanted to see her already. To be married to her already.
"You should turn now," Sirius whispered in his ear. "She'll knock your socks off."
James turned and he ran a hand through his hair, letting out a puff of air because the wind had been knocked out of him because Sirius was right, of course. Lily was radiant, gorgeous, beautiful, stunning and any other flattering adjective James could think of. He ran a hand through his hair and took her in, his eyes zapping from her pretty white dress that seemed to hug her every curve to her shiny, red curls hidden under the lace veil, to the bouquet of dainty flowers she held, to the tip of her shoe peaking out as she walked.
She smiled at him, and she was everything lovely in this world all at once.
"Hi," she said almost as breathless as he felt, stepping in place next to him.
"All right, Evans?" he grinned back seeing everything he loved about her and not believing he got to marry this girl today. He lifted the veil off of her face and he wanted to lean in and kiss her but it wasn't that part of the ceremony yet — besides he had big plans for that kiss — which was stupid because he hadn't seen her since five o'clock last night and he missed her. "You're absolutely stunning."
She opened her mouth to say something back but the minister coughed and both James and Lily flinched. They faced the minister so he could marry them.
Before he knew it they were facing each other again. They'd chosen traditional Celtic vows because Lily's maternal grandparents were Scottish and it had just felt right to honour a part of Lily's heritage especially since no one in her family were able to attend. So together, their right hands clasped together with a gold rope wrapped around their hands, they said:
"You are blood of my blood, and bone of my bone, I give you my body, so two might be one, I give you my spirit, until our life shall be done. You cannot possess me for I belong to myself, but while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You cannot command me, for I am a free person, but I shall serve you in those ways you require, and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand."
"I love you, Lily," he whispered at the end as the rope floated into the air and tied into a knot. He slipped the thin gold band onto her finger, his eyes never leaving her beaming ones.
"I love you, too." She slid the thick gold band onto his finger and she laughed lightly, her eyes flickering to his hand as it got slightly stuck around his joint but with a few twists it was where it would be for the rest of his life.
"I now declare you husband and wife," the minister exclaimed. "You may now kiss the bride."
And kiss her he did because he wanted it to be memorable and not just like every other kiss. He pulled her into him and the moment their lips touched he wrapped his arm around her and murmured, "Ready?" before he dipped her and she tilted her head back in a gasp and then an exuberantly happy laugh before they were kissing again to the noise of their friends and family clapping — and Sirius wolf-whistling.
When their lips parted, James righted them again but kept her close to him and with the happiest grin, he said, "Hello, Mrs Potter."
"Hi, Mr Potter," she grinned back, her hand caressing his cheek. "God, I love you so much," she sighed happily.
James leaned in to kiss her once more before they were pulled apart by Marlene and Sirius who showered them in congratulations, then his parents — his mum was crying happy tears as she hugged both of them — the rest of their friends and more of James' family in the first couple of rows.
Eventually, they made their way back down the aisle, arm in arm and batting away rice that was being thrown at them as they smiled ear to ear at each other.
They were married.
The night was a blur of the happiest moments of her life to date. It had truly been a perfect day. She turned to her side to face James who was still sleeping soundly beside her. Her husband, the very thought of it made her giddy with joy.
She lay in bed trying to remember the previous day because she wanted it engrained into her memory forever. Euphemia's speech had been beautiful with her telling Lily that "you'll never get bored, darling. I have some five hundred and forty-seven letters from Professor McGonagall to prove it." She then toasted to the newest Potters. Sirius' speech was more on the funny side with cheesy punch-lines, a trip down memory lane — specifically Lily spreading the rumour that her and James were married in seventh year — and a toast to the most attractive couple of the 70s. James' speech had Lily blushing furiously and kissing his knuckles at the sweet things he was saying about her.
Then came the cake and the first dance and then it was all a bit of a blur as the alcohol really started making the rounds. James kept requesting for the fancy bottles to be brought out from the cellar and his parents let him — Lily caught Fleamont requesting the oldest firewhiskey they had to be brought out and she'd laughed because whilst James' personality seemed to mostly be that of his mother, his dad was clearly in there too.
Fleamont had caught her watching and she'd grinned sheepishly, sitting next to him. She rested her head on his shoulder and he patted her hand. "How are you, my dear?"
"If you and James order in anymore firewhiskey, I think I'll pass out soon," she said honestly but Fleamont just chuckled.
"Mia'll join you … Lily, I just want to say, Mia and I could not be more happy to have you as the daughter we welcome into our family."
"Oh, Monty," Lily sighed, "you're going to make me cry." She hugged him instead and said, "Honestly, I'm only marrying James so I can have the coolest in-laws ever."
"Our secret then," he winked. "Oh dear, I better intercept that." Lily looked and saw what looked to be a heated debate between Euphemia and her brother.
It didn't take long for Lily to be up on the dance floor again being twirled around by everyone and anyone.
"How's my sister-in-law?" Sirius asked her when it was his turn.
"Fantastic," Lily had told him. "How about you? No tears at losing your brother to marriage?"
"Don't worry, Evans. James and I are a package deal. You're practically married to me too now."
"Oh, the horror! Don't worry," she said after a beat, "James and I are already planning for you to have your own room in our house when we get one. James wants to spring for you to have your own guest house."
Sirius barked out in laughter and twirled her around happily before James intercepted with a tray of shot glasses and two bottles of alcohol for Sirius to mix — the infamous Giggle Water and Firewhiskey shots that Sirius was famous for.
In another quiet moment, Lily was sitting by Remus to give her feet a rest from all the dancing and he'd said, "Could you have ever imagined all this when you first met?"
Lily's eyes widened before bursting into a laugh. "Never in a million years."
"Oi, Lils!" James came rushing up to her and pulled her back up to her feet, dragging her back into the middle of the dance floor.
At one point they'd both been lifted into the air, Lily on Sirius and Peter's shoulders and James on Jack's and Remus'. And they danced and danced and danced.
Another quieter moment was in the bathroom next to the kitchens with the girls. Lily needing Ella's help to hoist her dress up so she could pee because "god damn it! If I don't pee now I'm going to explode!" and Marlene fixing her make-up in the mirror. They were all on a high giggling and talking nonsense already planning to steal food from the kitchen because their alcohol filled bodies were craving food of any sort really.
The day had seemed to pass by so quickly and then her and James were in a fancy wizarding hotel and he was peeling her dress off of her and god, she loved him. And now they'd get a whole amazing week in Italy to just — Her eyes caught on the clock on the wall.
"Holy mother — crap!" Lily sat up in bed and in the same instance her hand flopped onto James' chest a resulting huff from his mouth. "We're going to miss the portkey!"
"Hmm?"
She all but commando rolled out of bed, the sheet with her and wrapped it around her as she struggled to their suitcase to find clothes for the day. And did she even have time for a shower? She caught her reflection in the mirror and all things considered, her curls had held up — Fleamont really had been onto something with SleekEazy's.
"James!" she shouted, as she caught his reflection still lounging in bed. "We can't fail at being a married couple before we've even reach the honeymoon!"
He rolled over to face her and propped his head on his hand. "You're right, we should at least give it twenty-four hours."
She threw a rolled up pair of socks at him before stopping, "I'm gonna need those back." But he was sniggering. She shook her head and ran back over to the bed, jumping up next to him. "James Potter, stop laughing and get out of bed!"
"Lily Potter," and she caught the extra smile as he said the words, "it's a private portkey. It won't leave without us."
"Oh … But still! The portkey keeper will think we're unreliable if we're late and we don't want to keep him waiting."
He grabbed her hips and with a swift motion had her pinned under him. "Oh, the horror if the portkey keeper thinks we're unreliable. Love, it's the keeper's job to wait at the Portkey Hub all day. It's literally what he gets paid to do."
Lily shook her head. "You sound like someone who's never worked in retail. Why that may be true, Potter-"
"Uh-oh, I feel a lecture coming. Is this really how we want to start our honeymoon?"
"- we don't want to be those customers."
"And what are those customers?"
"The ones who are inconsiderate of the workers and other customers. Who think it's okay to be rude because they're paying for it. I refuse to be that customer, Potter, so get your arse out of bed!"
"What if we owl ahead and say we're going to be an hour or two late and we can make use of that incredibly fancy, give-the-Prefects-Bath-a-run-for-its-money bath tub?"
"Damn, you," she muttered. "You're lucky I'm a sucker for baths. Owl ahead, I'm going to get the bath started!" She was already pushing him off her and running to the bathroom. She'd been eyeing all the different taps and she really wanted to try the sweet pea and jasmine scents together.
"Oh my God," Lily moaned, resting her head on the edge, "why do we even need to go to Italy? I could spend a week in this hotel — in just this bath tub really."
James swam up to her, placing a hand on either side of her body. "Told you you'd love this place."
This place was the Marvellous Wizarding Lodgings, a hotel nestled in muggle London for wizard and witch tourists who wanted something about sixteen steps up from the Leaky Cauldron in terms of luxury. James had ultimately splurged on the penthouse suite which boasted a huge bath tub deep enough for Lily to stand in and be fully submerged, a huge bed that felt heavenly and a spectacular view of the River Thames and Westminster Abbey.
She straightened her head and kissed him right on the lips, cupping his face in her hands. James didn't need anymore encouragement and within seconds he was the one sitting on the ledge and she was straddling his lap as they snogged each other senseless and then came round two of marital sex.
It became so that James had to scold Lily out of the bath tub with a promise that the room in Italy would be even better. She'd scoffed all the way up until they walked into their room in Italy.
Firstly, she'd like to point out that it wasn't a room but rooms, plural. It featured a kitchen, sitting room, dining room and two doors in a wide hallway leading to a bedroom and she suspected a bathroom and it was all huge and spacious and heavenly. The balcony was huge, running the entire length of the suite with their own plunge-in pool and upon inspection of the bathroom, the bath-tub was also more accurately described as a plunge-in pool. The bed and everything on it was made from clouds and the view could be seen from every room.
Secondly, she'd like to point out that the view — despite the other amenities of the room — made the room. The view spanned the beach with its perfectly blue water and the cliffside filled with perfectly pastel coloured buildings and it made her want to move here permanently. She could never be bored of that view.
Thirdly, she'd like to point out that James had been right — the room was better than the one in London — but she would never tell him that. She couldn't have him winning the first 'argument' of the marriage, what kind of precedent would that set?
The excitement of being in a new place that was bright and sunny and was completely theirs to do as they pleased urged them out of the hotel and into the sweet bustle of the town. They walked hand in hand, a camera — the sturdy polaroid from seventh year — slung around her neck and they perused local shops, Lily indulging in a few souvenirs until James insisted they break for lunch at a cafe overlooking the beach.
"They definitely don't make food like this in London," Lily remarked and James would've agreed but he was too busy shovelling pasta down his throat.
They ended up on the beach, both of them rubbing in sunblock to their pale skin, lest they turn into lobsters for the rest of their trip, and then they lay on the sun lounges available to hire under a shared blue umbrella.
Their second day as a married couple passed blissfully as they lay under the mediterranean sun, the war had never felt further away.
Ella rolled over and smiled at Sirius, who was awake and staring at the ceiling. She wondered briefly if he was thinking of Alaia. He was so in his own head that he didn't even notice she had woken and was staring at him.
"Hey," she murmured, reaching her hand to smooth his hair down slightly. She always did like his smooth, black hair that always seemed to be shiny.
"Morning," he smiled back.
Mornings like this was why it was worth it, she thought to herself, as Sirius pulled her into him. They lay in soft silence, dosing in and out of sleep and Ella's fingers traced the tattoo he'd gotten just over his heart. The date of Alaia's birth in roman numerals with her name just underneath. To say Sirius had gotten tattoo happy over the summer was an understatement. He had now four new tattoos scattered across his body, the latest being across his fingers on his left hand. Weird symbols from some ancient alphabet that Sirius refused to elaborate on.
"Last night was good, wasn't it?"
"Yeah," Sirius agreed quietly.
"Do you think …"
"What?" Sirius prompted when she didn't continue.
"Do you think one day we could be that happy? You know, get married and maybe — maybe have another go at having a baby."
"I'm not the marrying kind, babe."
Sirius sat up in bed and reached to the bedside table grabbing his pack of cigarettes, he pulled one out and lit it with his wand. She hated that he'd picked up the habit after Marlene had told her it wasn't healthy to smoke but it fell on deaf ears with Sirius. It calmed his nerves apparently. Too bad it only set hers off.
Ella nodded but rolled over to look out the open window and she wondered if Sirius meant it. She decided that when the time came he'd change his mind. He had to. After all it wasn't like she wanted to get married right now either but someday would be nice. They couldn't just be like this forever and if being pregnant and losing the baby had told her anything it was that she wanted to be a mum someday. Maybe not someday soon but someday maybe when the war was won and behind them.
Eventually, they both rolled out of bed and Ella started sorting through some letters from Crouch and Weatherby to plan her day for tomorrow and Sirius started getting ready. Ella wished the owls would refuse to fly on a Sunday at the very least. She hated feeling like she was starting the week already behind on work and it happened more often than she cared to admit.
"Those owls ought to be paid more than Crouch does," Sirius grumbled hopping into the living room as he pulled his boot on.
"Where are you off to?" Ella asked distracted, as her eyes stayed on the letter she was reading.
"To Headquarters to see Remus."
Ella raised a brow in question. Ever since Haley Daniels had been involved in some super secret Order business that had given her a list of injuries so long she could hardly walk or talk or stay awake for that matter, Remus had been basically living at Headquarters. Ella knew Sirius knew what really went down with Remus' mission that had somehow been handed over to Haley but he refused to tell her. She didn't mind. Not really. She had enough to worry about at work than to be concerned over Order business that had clearly worked out in the end. But…
"I thought you didn't like Daniels."
"I questioned whether we should trust some American that Remus has only known for a few months."
"Uh-huh, well, Remus trusts her — hell he might even love her. And Moody seems quite pleased with the outcome of the mission she was involved in," Ella pointed out, her eyes glazing over a letter from Weatherby.
"Oh crap," she sighed as her eyes drifted over words like 'urgent', 'need you in office ASAP' and 'bloody disaster'.
"What's wrong?"
"Just work stuff," she rubbed her brow. "Crouch's meeting with the USA ambassador got moved up to Tuesday and his report still isn't ready. Bloody hell."
She noticed Sirius' resigned expression. "Go on. Tell Remus I say 'hello'. I'll hopefully be back home by six."
"Are you sure you're okay to go in? You've only been back at work for two weeks and-"
"And I'm fine," she promised, resting her hand on his. "I'll see you tonight. Try to remember that Daniels is recovering and needs peace and quiet."
"Enough with the glare, Sirius," Remus said already bored with the conversation.
"I don't trust her."
"She almost died to help the Order. And be quiet, you'll wake her."
"Well, then let's move to the kitchen." Sirius rolled his eyes at Remus' hesitation. "You won't be more than thirty meters from her. Let's go to the kitchen and grab a drink. Merlin knows we can all use one."
Haley shifted in her sleep, sniffling. "Wolf, dog, stag, doe," she mumbled.
Sirius' eyes snapped over to her in surprise and he was piqued when he saw her sleeping soundly as though she'd never said anything at all. Sirius was ready to believe he hadn't heard it at all when she spoke again.
"The other survives … doe protecting … first sacrifice."
Sirius raised a brow at Remus. "She always talk so cryptically in her sleep?"
Remus shrugged, his eyes peaking at Haley over his newspaper. "Sometimes."
"Wolf, dog, stag," Sirius noted. "You didn't tell her about us, did you?"
"Of course not. I think it's got something to do with her prophecies."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "We're not honestly back to that insane theory, are we?"
"It's not anymore insane than thinking there's a basilisk hidden somewhere in Hogwarts or that Tom Riddle is Voldemort."
"Okay but wolf, dog, stag, doe? Lily's not an animagus and why isn't Peter in it?"
"She's not an animagus but neither am I and her patronus is a doe just like mine is a wolf." Remus was quiet for a moment. "As for Peter, the only thing I can think of is that by the time this prophecy comes about Peter's … not."
Sirius shook his head and stood. "That's bullshit," he hissed. "Peter's not going to die!"
"You don't know that," Remus said sadly. "The facts are we are in a war-"
"You think I don't know that?" Sirius raised his voice.
"Sounds like the two of you could use more than one drink," an American voice said.
"I hope we didn't wake you," Remus said worriedly, his fingers sweeping her fringe out of her eyes.
"Not at all. I'd been drifting in and out for a bit. All these potions Marlene and Danielle have me on," she sighed with a yawn. "It's hard to stay awake."
"Sleep heals," Remus told her.
"I feel like a useless sack of potatoes."
"Are you two harassing my patient?" Marlene came in, shrugging off her denim jacket as she walked over to Haley.
"I would never," Sirius mocked offence making Marlene roll her eyes at him.
"Muggle clothes suit you," Haley noted and Marlene smiled.
"My mum wanted to go shopping. Robes aren't the most conspicuous in muggle London. How're you feeling?"
Marlene grabbed Haley's chart to read through Danielle's last notes and Sirius settled in his seat, stewing over what Remus had said about Peter. It couldn't be possible. There were lots of reasons why Peter wouldn't be a part of whatever Haley was prophesying about. Besides, her prophecies could be for an event decades away.
Sirius tried to rid himself of the bad feeling but if he were being honest with himself, he didn't like Haley because of her prophecies. He lay awake this morning in a total state of worry because of her prophecy about Lily. The one that alluded a child of Lily and James would need protecting. He worried for his brother. Scared they could be destined to the same cruel fate he and Ella had had to go through.
"Drowsy and useless."
"How's the pain in your arm? Danielle noted that the swelling finally started to go down."
Haley nodded. "Yeah, it's still sore and stiff but at least it isn't the size of a large lemon anymore."
"And you're ankle?"
"Feels a bit better. I can rotate it now without feeling like chopping my leg off."
Marlene nodded, "That's good. Looks like the cuts on your face are healing well, too."
"A couple more days and they'll be barely noticeable," Haley agreed.
"Okay, well everything looks good. Let me give you your potions."
Marlene went over to the medicinal potion cabinet that was specially locked so only a few members of the Order could access it — a needed measure after it was discovered Mundungus Fletcher was filching polyjuice potion, burn salves, and skelegrow to sell in the black market.
"How's Ella doing, Sirius?"
"She's good. She had to go into work today. Another last minute emergency."
"It's good to see her like this again," Marlene commented.
"It is," Sirius agreed. He had been ecstatic when his mum had been able to get through to Ella and she slowly started coming out of her depression. When she'd decided to go back to work, they took a small three day trip to the coast and Sirius felt like things could go back to normal. And they had. Mostly. "I just wish she'd stop taking work with Crouch so seriously. He's a wanker."
"Well, Alice, Della, and I were planning to go for some drinks at Golden Mermaid tonight and Nate's keen to come if Alice can convince Frank to join. You guys wanna come, too?"
Marlene handed Haley the first potion and Haley pulled a face at its disgusting smell before plugging her nose and downing it. Sirius had to admit, the woman wasn't squeamish about things.
"Oh, I was planning to keep Haley company tonight," Remus said.
"Don't bother, these potions will have me knocked out for the rest of the night. Go and have some fun with your friends."
"Well now that you have permission from the ball and chain," Sirius said sarcastically. "I'll owl Ella to meet us after she's done with - Ow!"
Sirius rubbed the back of his head and Marlene smirked as she spied Remus tucking his wand away, an innocent expression on his face.
"Tosser," Sirius muttered.
"Wanker," Remus shot back.
"Git."
"Twat."
"Arse."
"Ninny."
"Prat."
"Enough, you two." Marlene looked at Haley, "They could go on all day. Remus, you can't wear that to a bar. You look like you've been a professor for the last forty years."
Sirius sniggered at Remus' offended look. "I'll have you know this is my favourite cardigan."
"It'll look better on the hanger. Sirius," Marlene looked at him for a second, "you're fine actually."
"Because I have spectacular fashion taste and you should be ashamed for doubting me."
Long after the sun had gone down, Sirius found himself thoroughly on his way to being drunk sat between Marlene and Remus at the Golden Mermaid. Alice and Frank had disappeared ten minutes ago and had yet to return and Adaline and Nate were in the queue for drinks. Ella had yet to arrive and Sirius was complaining about it. Loudly.
"I mean, I'm glad she's out of bed and feeling more herself but all she does is work," Sirius told Remus and Marlene. "Work, work, work."
"Maybe it's just what she needs for now," Marlene tried to soothe.
"In the two weeks she's been back at work I've seen her for the equivalent of twenty four hours and all of those hours were yesterday."
"There isn't a statute of limitation on grief, you know," Remus pointed out.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Statute of limitation? You've been hanging out with the American too much."
"I absolutely love her, Remus!" Marlene gushed. "You never did tell me the full story…"
"Well, you, er, you know, about what-"
"Their furry little problem," Sirius butted in.
"Mmhmm," Marlene agreed. As Haley's healer, she'd been let in on the secret that Remus was a werewolf and that he'd been a spy in the werewolf underground.
"Well, I was at the underground and she just walked in one day," Remus shrugged. "And she looked like sunshine."
Sirius mimed gagging and Marlene whacked him on the head. "Leave him alone. He's in love and I've never seen in love Remus."
"He sounds worse than James when he used to pine about Lily."
Remus explained to Marlene how he and Haley had quickly become friends and that she took his place in the werewolf mission so that he could go home. He told her about the first time they kissed. And when they became official…
July 7th, 1979…
Remus showed up in Trafalgar Square, his eyes scanning the crowd of tourists that swamped the large square. He supposed it was why she chose this place. It was easy to get lost in the crowd.
"Don't be angry."
He whirled around and there she was. In a blue sundress and a wide brimmed hat, she looked lovelier than the first day he'd seen her. Seeing her again confirmed what he'd been telling himself ever since he read her letter. She didn't belong with the likes of Fenrir Greyback and his followers.
"I'm not," Remus said automatically.
"Is this where you say you're furious?"
"I am." He stepped closer to her, grabbing her arm lightly to steer them away from the crowds. "What the hell were you thinking? This wasn't your burden to bear."
"You don't know what burdens I have to bear, Remus Lupin. You don't belong in there, trust me, though it may have done wonders for your self-esteem. It's like a pissing contest in there for who can be a better werewolf. But you belong with your friends solving whatever's happening at Hogwarts. And you can't deny that they don't need your help."
Remus shook his head. "It's dangerous."
"I'm sure you'll survive."
"I meant you."
"I can look after myself."
"This isn't even your fight," Remus pointed out and wanting to understand why she was doing this.
"You don't know what fights I have besides I thought we established that I'm now at least an honorary member of your super secret You-Know-Who fighting club. I bet your friends are happy to have you back."
"The boys especially. The aurors are moving out of Hogwarts for the summer seeing as there'll be no students there during that time. Moody's moving us in. We'll be searching Hogwarts head to toe to try and find the Chamber of Secrets — if there is one."
"See? We're both where we're meant to be," she smiled, brought a hand up to his face to push his hair off his forehead gently, her hand lingering. "Trust me. I have a sense for these things."
"Is this the closest I'm going to get to you admitting you're a seer?"
She dropped her hand down and cast her eyes away from him, watching tourists take photos in the square.
"You want me to trust you, you need to trust me. You need to tell me the truth. Do you know something about James and Lily's future that I should know?"
"It's not that simple."
"Why did you come to England? Why did you come to the underground?"
Haley smiled softly. "You're clever."
"Tell me."
"I will when I know what it all means," she promised.
Remus sighed knowing it was as good as he was going to get for now. Besides they didn't have a lot of time. She'd have to get back soon.
"How is it at Greyback's camp?"
Haley shrugged. "Like the Underground but with meaner people. Honestly, it's like if the werewolves created a country and that country was America. It's all pride, and identity, and we-can-be-great. It's rather nauseating actually."
"Just be on your guard, yeah? And if you think your unsafe, or feel unsafe, just get out of there."
"Is that concern I hear?" she asked, slipping her arms around his neck. She looked up into his powder blue eyes that were so filled with concern and worry that she really had no choice but to be as light hearted around him as possible. He worried too much for his own good.
"Rightly so," Remus said, placing his hands softly on her waist.
"You know, Remy, you're gonna have to meet me half way because I do not possess the height of the goddamned Eiffel Tower."
"Sorry, I forgot you were as tall as a house elf."
He leaned down all the same, meeting her halfway and kissed her softly. She leaned up into it with a small hum before rocking back onto her heels effectively breaking the kiss.
"I have to get back."
"I know. You've probably been away too long already."
She nodded in agreement. "Next month. Edinburgh Castle."
"I'll be there," he promised and he brought her knuckles to his lips. "Stay safe."
She winked. "I can look after myself."
"I've no doubt about it, but all the same."
"Go be the hero of Hogwarts, and Remus … don't forget to have a bit of fun reliving your school days with your friends."
She stepped away. And again. And again. She turned and disappeared into the crowd of Trafalgar Square. Remus shoved his hands into his pockets and lost himself in the crowd until he found a quiet spot to apparate from. He apparated to Hogsmeade. He would once again be calling Hogwarts home for a little while.
Marlene threw her healing robes into the hamper as Maria walked in after a long shift.
"Gosh, if I have to hear Mr Wallace complain about his numb arse ever again I may actually take pleasure in making it numb for him."
"I need you to know that sounded incredibly dirty and Mr Wallace is just angry. He's almost a hundred and two and he wakes up every day to you forcing horrideous potions down his throat."
"Yes but I do it with a smile which he should be grateful for if not for the fact that they are keeping the old bugger alive. Where are you off to?"
"Hogwarts. Madame Pomfrey has needed to step out for a personal matter so I'm doing rounds on the students."
"Geez. Imagine having been stuck in Hogwarts all summer with only Madame Pomfrey."
"Well, they don't remember it. They were petrified. I'll see you tomorrow."
Maria waved her goodbye and Marlene hastily made her way out of the hospital. How she wished she could just go home and put her feet up and sleep. Night shifts were always the worst and the fact she now had to go to Hogwarts grated her bones.
So when she saw Sirius, Remus, and Peter in the hall she almost wanted to walk into the nearest classroom and scream her head off. Something that was only meant to take a half hour would now be extended by at least another twenty minutes.
"Adams, you gave me my third hangover over the weekend," Sirius told her, his grin proud of the feat.
"I'm sure I didn't break any records. What are you lot doing here?"
"Continuing our search for the ever elusive Chamber of Secrets," Remus answered.
"I thought you couldn't be here whilst the aurors Jack and Tilly were here?"
"You didn't hear then," Peter said. "Moody convinced Fenwick to reassign James' cousins. Only Alice and Frank are here."
"Oh," Marlene said. "Well, that's good. What's your excuse for being here then?"
Sirius smirked. "We're teaching aids."
"Come again?"
"We're assisting the teachers. I am assisting Professor Kettleburn. Remus there is assisting with the new Defence teacher — some git from Edinburgh who claims to have tamed a dragon. And Pete is with Professor Postumus in the greenhouses."
Marlene laughed. "How any of you pass for responsible adults is beyond me. What'll be James' subject then? Transfiguration? I can't imagine McGonagall's pleased to have have the lot of you running about again."
"I don't know what you're talking about. She loves us," Sirius said.
"Are you checking on the petrified students?"
"The recently un-petrified students, yes."
"Oh good. Pomfrey's banned us from talking to them until they're deemed medically fit. Let's go."
"Absolutely not!" Marlene put a hand on Sirius' chest to stop him from walking. "Those kids have been laying still as a rock for months. They've only been awake for a few days. They'll not be answering any aurors or you until they've had more time to adjust."
"Told you," Peter mumbled.
Marlene narrowed her eyes. "You lot purposely cornered me down, didn't you?"
"Been tracking you on the map since you popped into the staff room fireplace," Remus confirmed.
"I'm never inviting you lot out drinking ever again," Marlene huffed, thoroughly harrassed.
She stalked off to the Hospital Wing where she quickly set about checking up on Timmy Brumble and then Peter Miles and last but not least, Mary MacDonald. She was chattier than Marlene expected.
"Pomfrey has us all on observation," Mary said gloomily. "I never thought I'd miss out on my last few days of school only to be in Hogwarts for the following school year."
Marlene smiled. "You'll be back on your feet before you know it. Have you written to your parents?"
"Oh yeah. Mum was totally freaked out. She wants me to see a muggle doctor but I wouldn't have the faintest how to describe what happened to me in a way a muggle would understand."
"She's just worried but you can tell her that I say you're doing really well and the petrification hasn't seemed to have any lingering effects."
"She'll still worry," Mary sighed and then held up the latest copy of Witch Weekly. "I heard Lily and James got married."
"Yeah, the wedding was on Saturday. Lily hated the timing but they'd booked everything before we knew when the potion would be ready."
"And let me guess they chose September first because it was when they first met?"
Marlene laughed. She'd forgotten that Mary and Lily had kept up a correspondence that could be interpreted as friendship.
"On the nose. They're honeymooning on the Amalfi Coast now."
"I think I need a long, long vacation and the Amalfi Coast sounds heavenly."
"You've earned it."
"Others would say I haven't having been petrified for the last three months. Have they figured out who's done it yet?"
"Not quite."
"What's that mean?"
"It's complicated."
"Complicated in that Dumbledore's super secret Voldemort fighting organisation that I know nothing about is involved?"
Marlene quirked a brow and considered Mary for a moment. Had Lily perhaps let on more than she should have to Mary? Mary'd fit well in the Order. Muggle-born. Quick with a wand. Everyone talked for days when Mary had hexed Lemaire so well he'd had to stay overnight at the Hospital Wing. She had reason to want to fight. Lily liked her.
"It's called the Order of the Phoenix," Marlene said, making a split second decision. Moody would just have to deal with not being able to perform his anal background checks this time around. If Mary had a skeleton in her closet it wouldn't be of the Death Eater type anyways.
"Er, what? You're actually telling me about it? Lily's always super cagey about it."
"It's because she isn't in charge of recruits. But I am and I think you'd do well in the Order."
"Based on what?"
"Lemaire in your fourth year."
Mary laughed. "You remember that?"
"Everyone remembers that. It was iconic."
Marlene watched as Mary considered, her smile fading ever so slowly as she began to take the offer seriously. She pushed herself up so she was sitting up straight.
"I want to help whoever's on the Hogwart's case."
"I'll talk to Dumbledore and Moody."
"Moody? As in the auror Alastor Moody?" Mary said with awe in her voice.
Marlene pressed a finger to her lips. "He's mad as they come, it's probably why he's brilliant at what he does but he's a right old grouch," she warned.
"Who else is in the Order?" Mary asked curiously.
"A lot of people."
"That wasn't vague at all."
Marlene smiled. "How about I convince Madam Pomfrey to let some of your friends visit and we hold off on questions about the Order for now."
"My lips are temporarily sealed."
Lily sat atop the bed with a pout.
"I can't believe we have to leave already."
"We could stay longer," James teased, leaning on the bed to kiss her seductively.
"Mmm, you're such a terrible influence, my love."
"Mrs Potter, I would never," kiss, "ever lead you astray."
She shook her head and leaned back slightly. "Say it like you mean it next time, Potter, and maybe I'll believe you." She shifted so she was sitting on her knees and sighed. "I guess it's home time then."
"Unfortunately," James agreed grabbing her hand.
They did one last stroll through the town, stopping for breakfast at a beachside cafe before heading off to catch their portkey home.
"Hello rain," Lily sighed when they immediately got drenched upon returning to London. James shared her sentiments as he felt his socks getting soaked by the second.
They wasted no time apparating home and Lily beelined for the kettle whilst James sorted through the mail.
"You've a letter from Mary looks like. And this is from the muggle post."
"Must be Petunia," Lily said, surveying the neatly wrapped parcel. "Did the Prophet get delivered at all?"
"It did," James said grimly.
"What's wrong?"
"Two found dead in their home after suspected Death Eater attack."
Lily sighed. "That's terrible."
"It always is," James agreed.
The whiplash James received from laying on sun soaked beaches with Lily to returning to gloomy London only for the latest Death Eater attack to be splashed all over the Prophet was phenomenal. Lily and James had never switched gears faster. Suddenly, Lily was off to Hogwarts to visit Mary and James was writing to Dumbledore to see when he and the boys could get to Hogwarts again to continue searching for the Chamber of Secrets.
When he didn't hear word back from Dumbledore and couldn't find the boys anywhere, James decided Headquarters was worth a trip to see if he could find them or someone who knew something about his mission.
Poking his head into rooms as he walked down the entry hall, he found Moody sitting in the study talking to a tall woman that James had never met before. She had long black hair that was tied into a low ponytail and her robes were notably black.
"Potter," Moody acknowledged. James always did like his warm disposition.
"Er, am I interrupting?"
"No, Spaulding was just leaving."
She raised an unimpressed eyebrow at Moody's announcement.
"I'm serious, Moody."
"We're looking into it," was Moody's less than reassuring response.
The woman looked from Moody to James who unlike Moody had been taught manners.
"James Potter," James introduced, offering his hand.
"Potter? As in the Potter who owns this place?"
"You'd be thinking of my dad but I'm sure you're acquainted with my baby photos in the living room."
"I'm Charlene Spaulding."
"I haven't got all day for you two to have a tea party. Anything else, Spaulding? If not clear the room so I can have a word with Potter."
"It wasn't Death Eaters," Charlene said firmly.
"There's no other group of people who'd do something like this. There's no reason for it. The Kilbers were a perfectly ordinary family but for the fact their child was at Hogwarts. They had no muggle enemies and they barely knew enough magic folk to have enemies. But like I said we'll look into it."
Kilbers. James realised they were talking about the family whose house had been burnt down. The two people who'd died in the fire.
"The attack was odd. None of the usual markers of a Death Eater attack."
"What do you mean no usual Death Eater markers?" James frowned.
"No Dark Mark and the victims weren't tortured before being killed."
James shuddered at the fact that a lack of torture before death was a marker against a Death Eater attack.
"And no Death Eater is taking responsibility for it," Spaulding added. "No one knew about this attack. Voldemort didn't order it and neither did anyone in his inner circle."
"So maybe a Death Eater's gone rogue," James suggested.
"Death Eaters don't go rogue. You go rogue and you die. There's something else going on here."
"That's interesting," James considered. He wondered how Spaulding knew so much about Death Eater ways.
"Potter, you have a mission that doesn't concern the attack on the Kilbers," Moody reminded him. "Spaulding on your way." Moody turned to James the moment Spaulding was out of the room. "Now that you've returned from lazing about on a beach-"
"Congratulations on your marriage, James," James said sarcastically which did not earn a smile out of Moody.
"Whilst you've been gone another student was attacked, despite this, I've managed to convince Fenwick not to send in Jack and Tilly again. Only Frank and Alice will be at Hogwarts. You, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew will be staying at Hogwarts as guest teachers."
James barely had time to process anything that was just said and so, his brain stuck to the very last thing.
"Er, teachers?"
"You'll be with McGonagall. Pack a bag and get to Hogwarts. I believe the other three are already settled in. Dumbledore's agreed to have you four there for as long as necessary."
"Wait, we're living there?"
"Is that a problem?"
"No, sir," James said, already planning ways to sneak out or to sneak Lily in.
"Great. Go tell your wife. I'm sure she'll be thrilled."
James wasn't sure what she was supposed to be thrilled about, the fact that they'd apparently be starting their marriage apart or that the attack on the Kilbers was odd in a troubling way. If it wasn't Death Eaters like Spaulding was insisting, who?
aaaand Jily is officially married
Thanks for reading! xx