TALE AS OLD AS TIME
Chapter Seven: Wedding Bells
Sirius had been going to visit Charlie practically every day since the first day they had met at the Villa. At the beginning, Sirius felt confused, looking for answers to the new feelings Charlie woke deep inside of him. First it was all credited to friendship and to the simple fact that he enjoyed spending time with her.
One afternoon near the end of February, Sirius and Charlie stroll around the gardens of the Stone's Manor. The son was high in the sky, shining and bathing with warm, bright sunlight over the early blooms of certain flowers in the garden, the message was clear: Spring would be here soon.
As they walked, suddenly, a lock of Charlie's hair fell over her face, freeing itself from the blue silk ribbon Charlie had used to keep it in place. Sirius brushed back Charlie's hair, rested his hand on her cheek and looked at her in the eye. It just took him that second to understand that the feeling of peace and happiness that brimmed his being when he was with Charlie had a name: Love.
How it was that Charlie, the little girl he had known, had grown up to become the beautiful creature that stood in front of him, the woman of his soul? Sirius didn't know, it seemed to him he never would. But that was just fine with him; all he cared about was that Charlie could make his heart skip a beat of two each time she smiled.
Charlie was enjoying the touch of Sirius hand upon her face. She knew what she felt for him, she had always known. Yet so, Charlie couldn't help but being surprised when Sirius leaned down and kissed her softly, tenderly. Sirius didn't even know he was capable of such gentleness but there was something about Charlie that brought out the best of him for others to see. They let their hearts take charge, understanding that sometimes the head just gets in the way.
"Finally." Murmured Rosalind, Charlie's nanny, as she watched the young couple add a sweet love scene to the garden.
That same afternoon, Sirius wrote to Charlie's dad, asking his permission to pursue and court Charlie. After a sworn statement from Sirius that his intention with Charlie were completely serious – and after Rosalind said that Sirius had always behaved like a gentleman with Charlie – Lord Stone gave – somewhat reluctantly – his approval to the relationship.
By the time Remus' and Nan's Wedding Day arrived, Charlie and Sirius were together all the time, sometimes Sirius went to the Villa, sometimes Charlie came to visit in the palace.
The morning of the wedding, Sirius was greeting Charlie, who had just arrived to the castle, they were in the middle of one passionate kiss when they were suddenly –an in their opinion rudely – interrupted by Lily.
"Please! Control yourselves, will you?" Lily said half annoyed. "Come, Charlie, I need your help with Nan, she isn't done yet! And I have to go check the kitchens and the decorations."
"Calm down, Lily, you're going to hyperventilate." Said Charlie as soothingly as she could. "I'll go with Nan, and everything will be fine, don't worry so much."
"Thanks Charlie." Lily said, trying to breathe deep and relax. "Sirius, you go with Remus and James and make sure they are ready in time. If they are late I'm going to blame you and only you."
"Why me?"
"Because Remus is the groom and it's currently a permanent resident of Cloud No. 9. And James is irresponsible, and you happen to be standing here and if you don't do as I say I… I won't let you see Charlie for two weeks."
"You can't do that!" Sirius yelled outraged.
"Try me."
"What- What time did you say they have to be at the ballroom?"
"10:53."
"Yes, ma'am.
.-.-.-.-.-
"You're the most relaxed bride I have ever seen." Charlie said while helping Nan to put on the wedding veil.
"Yes well, I have a complete neurotic worrying about everything else." Nan said. "And I love Remus with all my heart, so is not like I'm getting cold feet. Au contraire! I'm not marrying him a moment too soon! I can't wait."
"Well, well." Lily said walking into Nan's room suddenly. "If everyone is ready."
.-..-.-.-.-.-.-
The wedding ceremony was performed by Albus Dumbledore – who was an old friend and mentor to the guys. Anabel and Remus were positively glowing with happiness and everyone they knew was happy for them. Who could they not be? If it was plain to the world to see the dept of the love they shared.
The wedding reception was slightly longer than what the groom and bride wanted, for they couldn't wait to be alone, but they stayed and enjoyed it and retired as soon at it was polite for they had a long journey to the coast where they were spending their honeymoon.
Once the groom and bride were gone, the party went on and on. It was late when everyone had retired to their chambers. Lily chose to stay behind a little, inspecting the ballroom and deciding where the cleaning was to start the next day. She was completely absorbed, making plans for the cleaning and she didn't realize that James had followed her to the ballroom. She didn't' see him opening the old music box and selecting a melody, not until said melody began to play.
"May I have this dance, Miss Evans?" James asked with a little bow.
"Why, Mr. Potter, I would be delighted." Lily said and made a little curtsy. James smiled and took her hand.
There were a few candles here and there but it was mostly the moonlight what lit up the place.
Tale as old as time,
True as it can be.
Barely even friends,
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly.
"Mr. Potter, I thought you didn't Dance." Said Lily playfully as James and her moved in perfect accord. "I mean, you refused to do so during all the party."
"I do dance, when I deem the occasion worthy." James answered with a smile.
"Oh, and is this occasion worthy?"
"Dancing with a beautiful woman always is."
Just a little change,
Small, to say the least.
Both a little scared,
Neither one prepared,
Beauty and the Beast
"This song seems familiar." Whispered Lily as she let James pull her closer and rest her head on his shoulder. Lily couldn't help to notice that they were very well matched.
"It's the Ballad of The Beauty and the Beast."
"Like the fairy tale?"
"I think so."
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise.
Ever as before,
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise.
"It's one of my favorites. I love how they realize that what they most want in the world it's each other and that it has been right in front of them all along."
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song.
Bittersweet and strange,
Finding you can change,
Learning you were wrong.
"Yeah, I know what you mean." James said as he made Lily spin and then returned her to the safety of his arms. He loved to be able to hold her like this, just hold her.
Suddenly the song faded away and they were looking at each other, barely daring to breath, it was as if time had stopped. Lily looked lovely, and James knew he had to kiss her.
Certain as the sun
Rising in the East.
Tale as old as time,
Song as old as rhyme.
Beauty and the Beast.
"You swore you went going to love anyone again. So, tell me, what is exactly what you're doing?" A little voice cried in James head as soon as his lips touched Lily's.
"What has that story about never falling in love? Eve?" A little voice said to Lily as the James deepened their kiss and she twined her arms around his neck, knowing that if she let go, she would probably fall to the floor since her legs felt as if they were made of jelly.
"SHUT UP." Both Lily and James yelled at their inner voices.
Tale as old as time.
Song as old as rhyme.
Beauty and the Beast.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Notes:
Thanks for reading
Sorry for the delay.
And I HAD to include the song! Sorry. I know it's an anachronism.