Sirius woke up with a delicate shake, drenched in sweat and gasping for air. He looked up, jumping with shock, to see Marlene's big blue eyes looming over him.
"You're okay, it's just me," she kept repeating to him. Sirius struggled to catch his breath as he sat up. He'd been dreaming about being back in the cage of a room he'd been stuck in for months, his blood going cold every time he heard the door creak open, knowing torturing was coming swiftly.
"Just breathe," Marlene coached him as Sirius' breaths slowly calmed. He'd never had a dream that felt so real, the terror still rippling through him. "You're safe," Marlene promised, sitting down on the edge of his bed.
"What are you doing in here?" Sirius asked as he slowly regained control over his body.
"I was on my way out from visiting James and heard someone thrashing around in here," Marlene explained, a drawn expression upon her face. "It reminded me of how I used to feel falling asleep right after getting rescued." Sirius' face fell as he remembered that Marlene was no stranger to everything he was feeling inside. Just months prior she'd gone through the same horror.
"Did I wake everyone up?" Sirius asked embarrassedly. Marlene shook her head.
"I don't think so, I got to you before you were freaking out too much." Sirius ran his hands through his hair, his head feeling light and fuzzy. He felt as though he hadn't slept in weeks. Since he'd gotten back to Hogwarts he'd hardly been able to properly shut his eyes for more than a few hours.
"Come on," Marlene urged him, "come get a cup of tea with me."
"You don't have to do that," he shook his head, "you should go to bed-"
"I sleep better with tea," she insisted. Marlene had to be the most stubborn person he knew. Sirius gave in, climbing from his bed and slipping on a new t-shirt before following her out of the dorm. They hadn't spoken much – not since she'd come to visit him in the hospital wing a week ago. There'd been a few words at meals and in between classes but Sirius couldn't shake the feeling that since he'd come back Marlene had been avoiding him.
He couldn't understand it. If anything, he was the one who should have been avoiding her. After three weeks of hallucinations about her coming to visiting him in the middle of the night, telling him she loved him…
"Sirius?" Marlene's voice interrupted his thoughts as the two emerged from the portrait hole.
"Yeah?"
"Why didn't you tell me about the nightmares?" she asked him, her face dark with concern. Sirius shrugged casually.
"It's not a big deal," he replied, though the purple bags beneath his eyes told a different story.
"It is a big deal," Marlene stressed. "You know I understand, I went through the same thing." Sirius rolled his eyes.
"I'm just sick to death of talking about it," he told her, sighing heavily. All anyone ever did was ask how he was doing with big, concern-filled eyes, and what was the right answer? That he was angry and traumatized all at once? That he didn't know when he was going to feel safe and normal again?
"Well I don't want your bullshit answers," Marlene told him sternly, "I want the truth."
"You're the most annoying person I've ever met," Sirius told her although deep down he appreciated her attention. He would never admit that, though. He'd never admit to her that he'd hallucinated her saving him, holding him in her arms screaming for him to live. Sirius shoved the thought aside. "Is that truth enough for you?"
"Happy to know I'm succeeding at something," Marlene grinned proudly.
"Can we just talk about something other than my kidnapping for the next hour?" Sirius pleaded. "That would be such a refreshing change." He could tell Marlene wasn't happy about the suggestion. She wasn't the kind of person who could push aside an opportunity to be a saviour and yet he wasn't going to give her a chance.
"Fine," she agreed hesitantly, "just for an hour." Sirius scoffed.
"Thank you for your sacrifice." he said, feigning drama.
"James proposed to Lily," Marlene announced as they approached the basement. "Did he tell you that?"
"He did in fact. He also told me that it went disastrously."
"Maybe he should charm the stairs to the girls dormitory to ask her to marry him one by one as she walks up them," Marlene suggested, stifling a laugh, as she tickled the pear in the portrait. It giggled and then transformed into a door knob for her to push open. Sirius looked over at her, both quickly breaking into laughter.
"Yeah, or he could just send her a Howler at breakfast," Sirius added as they turned into the kitchen, a few house-elves turning their heads to stare at the pair.
"Hullo Mr. Black," Binx, a kind, old house elf with a sock for a hat, greeted Sirius.
"Hey Binx," Sirius replied through his laughter. "Do you think we could get two cups of tea?" The house elf nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course!" He assured them before shuffling off, Sirius and Marlene taking a seat at one of the long wood tables in the centre of the kitchen, right in front of the fireplace.
"How long do you think she'll be angry with him for?" Sirius asked curiously.
"A little more grovelling and I'm sure he'll be forgiven," Marlene said without a doubt. "She was just worried, that's all. James can be such a clueless git sometimes." Sirius scoffed - that was for sure.
"Yeah, but he's so damn adorable, how can you not forgive him?" Marlene grinned.
"True," she agreed as Binx reappeared with two steaming mugs of tea. They sipped on them in silence for a moment before Sirius looked over the top of his mug to see Marlene grinning.
"What?" he demanded, hating to feel left out.
"Doesn't tea make everything better?" she asked him smugly. Sirius rolled his eyes. It did, but he'd never admit it to her.
"How's Henry?" he asked curiously, changing the subject. He hadn't seen much of Marlene's boyfriend around, nor had he heard her mention him much, and Sirius was beginning to wonder. Marlene's smile dropped quickly, her eyes falling to the surface of the table. Something was off.
"I wouldn't know," she admitted, Sirius' eyebrows rising. "He broke up with me."
"What?!"
"Turns out getting your boyfriend to give you information on rescue missions and then crashing them isn't very healthy for a relationship." Sirius wanted to feel bad, he wanted to wish they hadn't broken up, but some selfish part inside of him was jumping for joy.
"He's an idiot," Sirius assured her. Marlene looked up at him, smiling unconvincingly.
"No, I think that title's reserved for me. I took advantage of him."
"I can't imagine you taking advantage of anyone," Sirius told her honestly. What if he hadn't made that stupid promise with James? What if he hadn't been so afraid of commitment and had never chickened out? Would they even be having the same conversation? It was easy for Sirius to believe so but he doubted it. He would never be able to be what Marlene needed and they both knew it.
"Maybe I'm just not destined for commitment," Marlene said disappointedly, leaning her head against her hand. "I'm diseased or something." Sirius watched her from across the table with curiosity, his finger tapping against his tea mug in silent contemplation.
"Don't be a quitter," he told her with little pity. "That's not the Marlene I know." A sly smile came across Marlene's face.
"What?" Sirius asked, Marlene replying only with a suggestive raise of her eyebrows. Sirius watched her and for a second it felt just like old times. He felt ready to swipe all the material from a top the table and throw Marlene right down on it.
"I like this," she said suddenly, "us being friends." Just like that, the image was gone and Sirius nodded his head.
"It was nicer when I got to see your tits and have good conversation, but I suppose this will do," Sirius replied cheekily. Marlene laughed so loud he feared she might wake the whole castle.
Alice Griffith moved down along the Great Hall for breakfast, taking her usual seat at the Gryffindor table beside Mary McDonald.
"Don't freak out," she whispered into her friend's ear, Mary freezing up nervously. "Frank and I are getting married today."
"WHAT?" Mary screamed, freaking out.
"What is happening?" Emmeline asked excitedly from across the table, Gideon and her looking over.
"What are you three shouting about?" Remus asked, he and Peter approaching the group.
"Alice and Frank are getting married!" Mary blurted out to the whole group. Alice threw her hands in the air in defeat.
"WHAT?" everyone screamed in unison, Alice shaking her head.
"It's not a big deal-"
"This is a HUGE deal!" Emmeline emphasized, nearly jumping from her seat. "When? Where?" A dark expression suddenly came upon her face. "Merlin's beard…what am I going to wear?"
"Clothes, hopefully," Gideon teased her, Emmeline scowling.
"Seriously guys, it's not a big deal. It's going to be really small, no family there or anything. Dorcas is one of our witnesses and it's just at Donovan's-"
"Alice," Mary spoke up curtly, "we are your family and we're going to be there." Alice hadn't quite thought of it that way but hearing Mary say it flat out warmed her heart.
"Yeah, besides, I want to be your other witness," Remus told her. Alice felt ready to cry at any moment.
"Would you?" she asked with excitement. "Really?"
"Of course!" he assured her, his hand placed on her shoulder. "Anything for a good friend."
"I do want you guys to all be there," Alice told them, everyone's faces lit up with excitement. "We just didn't want to tell anyone until it was really all happening and seeing as it was a Hogsmeade trip today-"
"It's fine, Al," Mary promised her. "We're all very excited for you. Besides, you and Frank have been a long time coming." Alice smiled; she sure thought so. Nothing made her happier than the fact that in less than twenty-four hours she would be Alice Longbottom. Emmeline gasped from across the table.
"I have the perfect dress for you to wear!" she squealed excitedly.
"Oh Emmy, I don't want it to be a big deal-"
"Please!" Emmeline begged, rounding her gorgeous violet eyes. How could Alice say no to her when she gave her that look?
"Fine," she gave in, "show it to me."
"Boys, you guys need to go tell everyone else that they should be dressed for a wedding!" Mary pressed, Alice unable to protest the actions taking place around her. "And have the house-elves make us up a wedding cake! Emmeline and I will get the dress for Alice."
"Guys-" Alice tried to interject as they all began jumping up.
"Let's go see if we can't weasel some flowers out of Professor Sprout, Em," Mary said. Alice stood up and watched all of her friends go rushing out of the hall, her head spinning. Had they heard her say it was just supposed to be a small wedding?
"What's up with them?" Frank asked, walking down the hall towards her. Alice stood with a rather perplexed expression.
"They're planning our wedding," she explained to her fiancé in disbelief.
Lily woke up slowly, all her senses coming back into action one by one. She stretched out her arms and legs, rolling over in bed to wrap her arm around James. Instead of finding a warm body the redhead was met by cold empty space. Lily's eyes flung open and she jolted up in bed, her heart racing.
"James?!" she called out frantically. "James?!" She was about to leap from bed when the bathroom door swung open, James rushing out with just a towel around his hips.
"What's happening?" he asked in a panic, struggling to fit his glasses onto the bridge of his nose in the rush of it all. Lily sat back in the bed, her heart still pounding twice its regular rate in her chest. She stared at him, her bottom lip wobbling, her breathing staggered. For a minute she had panicked that he was gone again.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, feeling flushed and claustrophobic. She climbed out from underneath the covers, drawing her knees into her chest. James came round to the edge of the bed, sitting beside her.
"You don't have to apologize," he assured her, his hand placed on top of Lily's knee. She did, though. She found the whole thing embarrassing.
"It was just a long time," she explained, "to not have you here."
"I know," James nodded. Three weeks her boyfriend had been missing, possibly dead, and Lily still hadn't quite recovered from that trauma.
"I don't want to be scared," she explained, pressing her forehead against James'. "You're my weakness," Lily told him. "I can't lose you."
"You won't," James promised wrapping his arms around her. "I'm not ever going to leave you, not again." Lily closed her eyes. She wanted so desperately to believe him. Yet how could she when he'd broken the last promise he made? James pressed Lily back into the mattress behind her, his lips meeting hers.
"I missed you," he whispered his lips travelling down her neck. Lily's fingers lightly grasped the top of James' head, her eyes still shut. His head travelled down between her legs, Lily finding herself breathless as he removed her pyjama bottoms. This is the last position Lily had ever expected to be in with James Potter, had she told her fifteen year old self she'd be lying in bed with James between her legs she might have considered jumping off the Astronomy Tower.
"Oh…my…god…" Lily panted as James hit just the right spot. Every muscle inside of her tensed up at once and then everything just relaxed, it was the serenest of sensations. Lily was breathing heavily as James' head lifted up, her hands grasping his face pulling him towards her. She wanted him inside of her now, ripping the towel off from around his waist as James pushed into her. The pair rolled over, Lily taking the position on top. Her hands rested along his chest, his hands clutching her hips as they moved in unison. Lily didn't think anyone else in the world could make her feel the way James did. It was like having her insides set on fire every time he gave her the slightest touch.
Fifteen minutes later Lily collapsed, lying flat along James' chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her.
"I love you," he panted, Lily calmly listening to the steady beat of his heart against her ear. It was the first time she had felt completely at peace since James had been gone.
"James," she spoke softly, her boyfriend drawing lines in her back affectionately.
"Yes, dear?"
"I want you to propose," Lily told him, resting her chin on James' chest so she could stare right at him. His eyebrows rose.
"That didn't go so well last time-"
"I just don't want you to be discouraged," Lily explained. "I want it, just…maybe a few months down the line."
"Can I get that in writing?" Lily rolled her eyes.
"Oh shut it!"
"No seriously, 'I Lily Evans would like to accept your proposal in a few months,'" James teased her. Lily rolled over onto her side, still smiling at her boyfriend. "I'm always waiting for you to catch up, aren't I?" Lily paused, she'd never really thought about it that way.
"No one else moves at James Potter speed," she told him, climbing off the bed to slip her pyjamas back on. It turned out she was just in time as there was a banging on the door two minutes later. James scurried to get some clothes on as Lily watched in amusement.
"Hi," James greeted his friends, a little frazzled, Peter and Remus entering the room.
"You should both get dressed," Remus advised them.
"In something formal," Peter added with a mischievous smile.
"What's going on?" Lily asked the pair, crossing her arms.
"Nothing," Peter shrugged, the two turning for the door.
"Just a wedding!" Remus said finally before closing it behind them, James and Lily left with their mouths dropped open.
Marlene pushed open the door to Donovan's, gulping back a lump in her throat. Mary had sent her down to Hogsmeade early to make sure the place was all ready for the wedding – Marlene had neglected to mention to her friends that she and Henry had broken up and now didn't quite feel the right time.
The tables which usually filled the pub had all been pushed to the side and a tiny aisle of peony petals had been created, ending beneath a banister that read: "JUST MARRIED!" Streamers were hung along the walls, balloons floating along the ceiling top. Marlene heard a shuffling behind the bar and looked over to see Henry coming from out back. He paused in surprise when he spotted her, nearly dropping the glass he'd been cleaning.
"Mary sent me," Marlene explained nervously, "to make sure everything was ready." Henry nodded his head, his face void of any detectable emotion.
Marlene stepped forward, smoothing her hands along the surface of her dress. It was a mini green wrap dress with floral print. She'd pair it with black polka dot stockings and a pair of glossy black boots.
"Can we talk?" she asked, stepping up towards the bar. Henry had his head bowed as he focused on organizing the glasses before him.
"I thought you were just here to check if the place was ready," he said coldly, wiping the bar surface. He wasn't going to make this easy, was he?
"You owe me a conversation-"
"I don't owe you anything," Henry snapped furiously, Marlene's eyes narrowing. She was stubborn as hell; this fight wasn't ending easily.
"I don't need you to forgive me, I just need you to listen," she explained. Henry didn't say anything but at least he didn't protest. "I couldn't stay behind," Marlene admitted honestly, "you had to have known that. If you didn't realize I was going to follow, then… you didn't know me at all through everything. And I'm not using that as an excuse for my actions, Henry, but you can't put your own guilt on me as well, that's not fair." Marlene rested her elbows down along the bar casually, exhaling as she fiddled with the rest of her words.
"I didn't plan to go in there to be with him. I needed to go because since I've been a child, James and Sirius…they've been there. They're two of the few people that mean the world to me and I am never going to be that girl, the one who stays behind and blindly follows orders. That's not me." Henry met her with a burning stare.
"And what about what you did?" He demanded. "The fact that as I put my life on the line you were making out with Sirius Black?" He said the last few words as though just speaking them left a foul taste in his mouth.
"It was wrong," Marlene admitted, taking all the blame she deserved. She'd known it was wrong even while she was doing it yet she'd continued on all the same. Why was she so insistent on destroying everything good in her life? Pushing away the people who cared for her most? "It's one of the worst things I've done. I took advantage of you."
"Yeah," Henry nodded, "you did."
"I don't expect you to understand, Henry-"
"Don't patronize me," he huffed Marlene's stomach knotting.
"It wasn't romantic. I don't know if it's ever been romantic between Sirius and I. All we ever did was shag, there was no emotion involved, at least there wasn't supposed to be. I screwed up, okay? I fell in love with him and I…I got stuck in this self destructive pattern with him – because that's all we ever were. And then I met you."
"And nothing changed," Henry shrugged bitterly.
"Everything changed," Marlene told him truthfully. "I fell in love with you." That got him looking startled. Henry ran a hand through his lush brown hair. Marlene stood on the other end of the bar, watching him with admiration. He was truly a thing of beauty with his dark hair and chiseled jaw.
"I remember the first time I saw you walk into this bar," Henry spoke suddenly, "I hardly believed it was you."
"I thought I was dreaming," Marlene scoffed, taking a seat on one of the stools. Henry met her glance, the anger in his eyes all melted away.
"You're not like anyone else in the world, you know that Marlene?" Her face grew dark and serious as she watched him.
"So I've been told," she replied.
"I love you," Henry told her woefully. "But I don't think you love me too, not really."
"Henry-"
"You're in love with Black," Henry shrugged, "it's written all over your face anytime he enters a room." Marlene's jaw tightened. She couldn't deny that she cared for Sirius deeply. He was the first guy she'd ever really let herself imagine being with, and he'd broken her heart.
"You're right," she nodded, taking a deep breath. "Sirius was my first love, Henry, he's always going to have that place in my heart. He's important to me," Henry's gaze fell, clearly not wanting to hear what she was saying. "He's not you, though," Marlene shrugged. "And I love you, Henry. I want to do everything with you and I never want to be dishonest. What happened that night with Sirius, it wasn't fair. It was selfish and disrespectful to you," Marlene acknowledged maturely. "But I thought he was going to die. I was terrified that he wasn't going to make it and I hope you can understand why that might make me act irrationally and fall into old patterns of behaviour." The door to the bar swung open before either of them could get in another word. Dorcas Meadowes stumbled inside with a heavy bag of Honeydukes treats.
"McKinnon!" she cried out excitedly. "Come to help with wedding prep?"
"Of course," Marlene smiled, turning away from Henry. "What can I do?"
"Help me set up this ridiculous array of sweets I bought for the happy couple." Marlene nodded, heading over to help Dorcas with the bag in her arm. When she turned back around Henry had disappeared into the back. Perhaps she really had destroyed it all with him.
Remus and Peter had dutifully arrived at Donovan's, cake in hand, as per Mary's request. As Remus pushed open the door to the bar, Peter trailing behind, cake in hand, he was awestruck by what waited inside. Dorcas hadn't wasted any time setting up the bar to look ship shape for the event.
"More people!" Marlene squealed excitedly, rushing over to relieve Peter of his cake carrying duties. "What do you guys think? Dorcas isn't a bad party planner, eh?" The bar top had an array of Honeyduke's treats laid out on it, and Marlene placed the cake right in the middle.
"She sure knows how to put something together last minute," Remus said with appreciation.
"Where's Frank?" Peter asked frivolously. "I want to see if he's freaking out yet."
"He's in the back with Fabian and Gideon," Marlene informed him, "in very calm spirits."
"I'll have to see for myself," Peter said heading off in Frank's direction.
"I meant to ask, is Leila going to be making an appearance?" Marlene wondered, leaning back against the bar casually. Remus rolled his eyes. Before heading over he'd stopped by the Hufflepuff Common Room to invite his girlfriend but she'd been less than interested. In fact, she'd seemed a little annoyed that Remus was blowing off their Hogsmeade plans to go to his friend's wedding.
"Doubt it," he sighed, "there seems to be some kind of bad blood between her and Alice for reasons I cannot understand."
"I don't get it," Marlene shook her head, "how can she find Alice threatening in the slightest? How can anyone not like Alice?"
"I haven't a clue." Remus hadn't really discussed the problem with anyone. With his friends just being home safe from getting kidnapped his tiny relationship problem seemed miniscule. "If I'm being honest, it's starting to become a problem. Did you know she threatened Alice?" Marlene's eyes bulged with surprise.
"What?" she choked out, Remus nodding in disbelief.
"Yeah, Alice mentioned it a few days ago. Leila warned her to stay away from me." Remus didn't know what he was meant to do. Alice was one of his best friends and Leila was his girlfriend. He didn't want to have to shove aside either of them.
"What about you?" Remus asked, swiftly changing the subject from his own problems. "You and Henry doing alright?" Marlene's face fell.
"Henry and I aren't doing much of anything these days," she admitted, Remus falling clueless. "He broke up with me after the whole rescue mission."
"Shit Mar, I'm sorry-"
"Whatever." Marlene shrugged. "Guess we're both just fuck ups when it comes to proper relationships, huh?" Remus couldn't help but smile at that one. It was true, neither he nor Marlene had ever been very good at keeping things going for long. Eventually their own issues seemed to get in the way.
"I really want this one to work," Remus told her with distress. "I've never felt this way about anyone."
"You'll figure it out," Marlene replied surely, "maybe Leila's just feeling a little insecure. Maybe she just needs a reminder that you're not going anywhere." There Marlene stood, always making time to give everyone the best advice even when she wasn't feel her greatest. Remus would never understand her resiliency but he admired it.
"Is that Remus Lupin I see?" A familiar voice asked, Dorcas Meadowes appearing from out back.
"Ohh you changed!" Marlene exclaimed cheerfully. Dorcas had her hair pinned back and was wearing a long sleeved black dress with a white collar and cuffs.
"I figured I should look somewhat presentable for a wedding," she explained. Remus had to force himself to take his eyes off of her; she looked beautiful. He knew he wasn't supposed to think that. Here he and Marlene were speaking about how insecure his girlfriend was feeling and he was admiring Dorcas Meadowes' beauty.
"How're the boys?" Marlene asked curiously.
"Last I saw Fabian had pulled out a bottle of Firewhiskey." Marlene didn't look all too pleased about that.
"I'm just going to go make sure our groom isn't too intoxicated to say his vows. When's the Officiator coming?" Marlene asked, slowly moving towards the back.
"Noon!" Dorcas replied just before she disappeared. Then the bar was quiet once more, only Remus and Dorcas left standing.
"I see you brought the cake," she said, moving closer to get a look at it. It was two layers with pink icing and yellow print that said "A+F FOREVER". It was the best the house-elves had been able to do in short notice. "Very classy," Dorcas giggled.
"We thought just married would be too generic." In honesty Remus had hurried off to inform Leila of the plans and left Peter to decided on the writing, a rooky mistake. "You never came to see me," Remus said suddenly, Dorcas looking up with surprise.
"Sorry?"
"You promised you'd drop by after the rescue mission." She nodded, realization dawning on her.
"Right."
"If it weren't for Marlene telling me I might have thought you died," he told her, only half serious. Of course he'd understood why she didn't come but he had missed her company a little. Dorcas was good fun and the two always seemed to have a laugh.
"I figured you weren't that serious," she told him honestly, "not to mention we were in deep shit after Dumbledore and Moody found out about the girls tagging along."
"How is Moody?" Last Remus had heard the head Auror's leg had been blown right off.
"Stumbling a little on his new peg but he's back to his old self, bossing us all around." Remus smiled, it was as though none of it had ever happened. Were he not still plagued with fear and nightmares he might have believed it too.
"I'm glad you're safe," Remus told her, Dorcas' brown eyes lighting up the slightest.
"I'm glad you're safe too," she told him, a loud round of giggles emanating from the back. They both stared over curiously. "We should probably make sure they're not making a complete mess back there," Dorcas suggested, Remus nodding, a piece of him not wanting to leave their small moment behind.
"Come on Al," her friends prompted her. Alice was refusing to unlock the bathroom stall door. They were in the girls washroom at Donovan's, Emmeline having forced Alice to put on one of her formal dresses.
"I feel ridiculous," Alice fretted, tugging at the sides of the material.
"I bet you look gorgeous," Lily replied surely. With nervous hands Alice tugged the lock on the bathroom door, stepping out. Everyone in the room gasped.
"I'm going to cry," Mary exclaimed, throwing a hand over her mouth. Alice turned towards the full-length mirror, staring herself over. She wore an ankle length light pink dress. It had a boat neck and long sleeves that came down in triangles at the wrists. The dress came in at the waist, highlighting Alice's tiny frame.
"Here," Marlene said. With a swoosh of her wand she held a small flower crown in her hand, placing it atop Alice's short head of hair. "You're the most beautiful bride," she said proudly.
"We all know how much you wanted your mother to be here," Mary spoke up, her tone filled with remorse. "So, we all thought we'd give you a piece of advice, like we thought she might have on this day." Alice struggled to choke back her tears.
"Oh you guys…"
"I'll start," Mary decided, stepping forward and taking Alice's hands in hers. "Never compromise. You are one of the strongest, brightest witches I have ever met. Always remember that." Emmeline stepped forward now, tucking a strand of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear.
"Don't be so goddamn self deprecating," she told her, "you are strong and kind. You deserve endless respect. Never let Frank forget that. You're so lucky to have someone who appreciates and loves you the way her does." And didn't Alice know it.
"Me next," Lily insisted, her green eyes already moist.
"Oh, please don't make me cry," Alice begged, already on the verge of tears. Lily smiled weakly.
"I knew, from the first time I introduced myself to you in the Great Hall first year that you were going to be one of my best friends." Lily proclaimed, choking back tears. "You are one of the kindest and most understanding people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You brighten the lives of everyone you come in contact with and that is such a gift." Alice bit down hard on her lip to prevent the tears from flowing. "So, I suppose my one piece of advice would be to never let that light dim. The one filled with such bravery and effortless good. Always keep it bright."
"I don't know how I'm going to follow that one," Marlene sighed, coming forward now. "I don't believe in romance, I've never had much patience for it, but you and Frank made me believe that it was possible for love, and only love, to triumph over everything else."
"Let's go get you married now, you crazy bitch!" Emmeline exclaimed excitedly, throwing her arms around Alice. They all gathered around in a group hug and for the first moment all day Alice didn't wish she had her parents with her, because she already had her family there.
Marlene pushed open the door to the bathroom, Remus waiting right outside for them all.
"These are for you," he said, handing Alice a bouquet of roses. The girls all headed towards the front of the bar where Frank waited, Alice taking a deep breath before reaching out for Remus' arm.
"Am I crazy for doing this?" she asked, her nerves kicking in. "Are we too young?"
"Merlin no," Remus assured her. "If you guys hadn't been so damn smart you'd have been married years ago." Alice chuckled, the pair beginning to slowly move forward.
"I love you," she whispered to Remus, making him blush. "You're my best friend."
"You're mine too," he whispered right back as they turned the corner to see Frank waiting with the officiator, surrounded by all their friends. Alice couldn't help but break out into the biggest grin.
"You okay?" he mouthed. Alice had never been more sure of something in her life. She nodded, moving quickly up towards him.
"Hi," she said breathlessly, taking Frank's hands in hers.
"You look beautiful." Alice blushed bright pink.
"Shall I begin?" the Officiator asked kindly, Alice taking Frank's hands in her own.
"Please do," she said with a smile, staring into her fiancé's eyes adoringly. For months she'd thought she would never have the chance to marry Frank again and now here they stood. She didn't think there was anywhere else she'd rather be. She barely heard the Officiator's words as he drained on about love and commitment. It wasn't about all that for Alice. It was about the fact that she wanted Frank to be her family, she wanted them to start their own life together.
"Do you, Alice Griffith, take Frank Longbottom to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Alice's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Of course," she replied surely.
"And do you, Frank Longbottom-"
"Yes," Frank cried out before the Officiator could finish his sentence, "God, yes."
"Okay then, well I suppose, with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Without a second's pause the pair jumped forward, Alice kissing her husband for the first time, confetti tumbling down around them.
It was growing late into the evening but Dorcas had agreed with Professor McGonagall that she'd escort them all back to the castle safely once the festivities were done. James had snuck himself a beer – even though students weren't technically meant to be drinking.
Donovan had stuck on a slow record and James had Lily in his arms the pair swaying back and forth, the redhead stealing swigs of his beer whenever she got a chance.
"Get your own!" James chuckled every time she caught him slipping.
"But yours tastes so much better!" Lily exclaimed, snatching the beer from James' hand once more as he rolled his eyes.
"You thief," he smiled, Lily shrugging.
"You know what they say, never trust a redhead."
"I was tricked into falling in love with you," James sighed dramatically, Lily pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Hey, mate. Mind if I interrupt this happy gathering?" Sirius asked, coming up beside the pair.
"Not at all," Lily said, snatching the beer from James' hand and rushing off before he had a chance to get another word in.
"She is a nuisance," James said proudly.
"Come on," Sirius said, taking him by the arm. "Remus brought some party favours." James' eyebrows rose with interest, that sounded good. Peter and Remus waited out on the front steps of Donovan's, a lit joint between them.
"Care for some, Prongs?" James smirked, how could he say no?
"So, who do you suppose will be getting married next?" Peter asked with excitement.
"Come on Wormtail, how can you even ask that? Look at James and Lily, they're perfectly besotted."
"Except Lily rejected his marriage proposal," Remus said. A heavy pause ensued before all three of James' friends broke into laughter, clearly amused by his situation.
"Have I ever told you three that you're the worst?" James said, taking a large hit.
"I think we've taken friendship goals to a new level," Sirius declared. "Not only have we created a highly advanced map and become illegal Animagi together we have also managed to be kidnapped and escape death." James snorted; it was a pretty impressive list.
"Merlin only knows what the next seven years have in store."
"As long as we're together, nothing we can't handle," Sirius said, everyone in the group nodding in agreement.
"I'm grateful to have you guys in my life," Peter spoke up, "I don't know what I'd do without you." Sirius wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"Oh Wormy! You're going to make me cry." James laughed, beginning to feel the effects of the marijuana coming over him.
"Peter," a voice suddenly said, catching all of their attention. Sirius paused in the middle of ruffling Peter's hair, letting the latter free.
"Dora…" Peter stuttered nervously, straightening himself out. The young brunette smiled. James had met her once before at his New Year's party but seeing her again reminded him what a stunner she was, with dark defined features she stuck out like a sore thumb. "What are you doing here?"
"I got your message," Aldora explained, "about the wedding? I thought I'd surprise you, is that okay?" Peter gulped, nodding his head a little too enthusiastically. James couldn't quite figure out why Peter seemed so anxious about seeing his girlfriend. He jumped down, kissing her on the cheek affectionately.
"These are my friends, I think you met most of them at the party-"
"The famous Aldora," Sirius greeted her in a friendly way. He stuck his hand out for Aldora to shake. "Peter never shuts the hell up about you."
"Don't embarrass him Padfoot," Remus chuckled.
"Padfoot?" Aldora asked with amusement. All four boys stared at one another nervously.
"Erm…it's a nickname," Sirius explained quickly, "just a joke really."
"Come on," Peter said, taking his girlfriend by the hand. "Come inside and I'll introduce you to everyone." As the pair disappeared back into the bar the three remaining boys stared at one another with similar looks of unease.
"She's…interesting…" James said cautiously, not wanting to be the first in the group to place judgment on Peter's first serious girlfriend.
"She seems controlling as hell," Remus spoke for all of them. "Don't you get the sense it's like a teacher and their student?"
"Yes!" James exclaimed. "Exactly!" As usual, Remus had worded it perfectly.
"I feel like I know her from somewhere," Sirius said, his face scrunched up in concentration, "like I met her a long time ago."
"Let's just hope you didn't sleep with her," Remus sighed, Sirius glaring at him.
"I remember every girl I've slept with, thank you very much. I'm not a complete wanker." James laughed.
"And thank god for that," he said, giving his friend a pat on the back.
A/N: Longer wait than usual I know, don't hate me! Sorry if this isn't the best editing job, had to just try and do the best on my own for this chapter. If anyone is interested, the character descriptions I promised have been posted. I still have another few to complete but most of the main characters are up there. If I don't post before then, Merry Christmas to anyone who's celebrating! Even if you aren't I hope you have a great break filled with lots of Jily fluff. Xx
