A/N: I don't own the rights to any of these characters, settings or anything to do with Wizarding World.
This is a work of fiction based on the universe created by J.K Rowling.
CHAPTER TWENTYONE - JAMES
March 1979
James nervously attempted to flatten his hair as he stood in front of the mirror, his bow tie dangling around his neck and a glass of champagne in his other hand. Remus stood behind him doing up Sirius' bowtie while Peter sat sprawled on an armchair downing his glass of champagne. James' hair stuck back up again and his stomach flipped as he furiously tried to flatten it again.
"Give it up Prongs, your hair has always had a mind of its own!" Sirius called out, "Rock that messy hair baby!"
James sighed and drained his champagne, "For one day I just want it to cooperate!"
"That day will never come my dear." Sirius said, "But you're positively dashing all the same!"
James winked and poured himself another glass, "Careful Padfoot, I think I can see Remus strangle you with that bowtie."
"I just might!" Remus chuckled.
"Oh Moony my love, you could never do that to me!" Sirius cried.
James chuckled as Remus tightened Sirius' bowtie and the door opened. Fleamont beamed at James, two glasses of scotch in his hands.
"My dear boy." Fleamont said and turned to the boys, "Could you three give us a moment?"
"Of course Fleamont." Remus said tugging Sirius to his feet.
Peter swung his legs off the armchair and jumped to his feet, "I think it's about time I start ushering people in anyway."
Sirius winked at James, "I'll see you soon my dear!"
Sirius and Remus followed Peter out the door, closing it behind them, and Fleamont turned to James and handed him a glass of scotch. James took the glass and raised it to his Father.
"Here's to the best decision I've made for my life."
"To you my son." Fleamont said, raising his glass. "You've grown into such a kind and loving young man. And you're bringing such a sweet and beautiful girl into our family. I have never been more proud to be your father than I am today."
James felt his hand shake, "Dad…"
"I mean it James. You've grown up to be an incredible man and I know I don't need to tell you to take great care of that young lady. Because I know in my heart that no one will ever love her or care for her the way you do." Fleamont cleared his throat and chinked his glass against James', "So here's to you. May you be happy forever as you are today."
James drained his glass and pulled his Father into his arms, "Thanks Dad. And if I end up half the Husband and Father you are then I know I'm doing something right."
Fleamont chuckled and suddenly coughed, clutching James' shoulder tightly. James led his Father to the nearby armchair and gazed at him carefully.
"You alright Dad?"
"Oh I'm fine, the scotch clearly hit my throat in a funny way!"
"Dad-"
"What do you say I sort this bow tie out then, your hair won't flatten but you will be waiting Lily dressed smartly!"
James grinned and let his Father do up his bow tie as Sirius entered the room again.
"Everyone is starting to take their seats, you better head out there Fleamont."
"Good luck son." Fleamont said and headed to the door, "Get him to the aisle in one piece please Sirius."
"You can count on me!" Sirius replied and winked at James.
Fleamont chuckled, "If you're not out there in ten minutes I'll send Remus in!"
Sirius turned to James as the door closed, "Better make this quick then."
"Make what quick?" James asked and looked around him nervously.
"Prongs. You're about to marry Lily. Take that in for a moment."
James beamed at Sirius and felt his eyes watering, "Oh Merlin, I promised myself I wasn't going to cry!"
"Well that was stupid." Sirius laughed and held out a handkerchief, "You were always going to cry today."
"I can't think of anyone else I would rather have up there with me than you Padfoot."
"That's a bit harsh to the future !"
"I mean it. You've championed for Lily and I since we were just two kids in school and here we are."
"About to dive into heterosexual matrimony. It's positively disgusting!"
"Jealousy is a bad look for you Padfoot."
"You're a lucky man, Prongs. They don't make all of them like her you know. She's one of a kind and she's perfect for you."
"She really is."
"So how about we get there and get this show on the road. And don't worry I have many more handkerchiefs for the inevitable tears."
James pulled Sirius into a tight hug, "Thank you, my brother, my best friend. The only best man."
"You're not even married yet and you're already a right soppy git."
"Sod off Padfoot!"
"I love you too Prongs."
James followed Sirius out of the room and along the hallway to the woods outside. Remus and Peter were waiting by the clearing in the forest and James gasped at the area. Remus grinned and swung his arm around James.
"She's done something really special hasn't she."
"She really has Moony. It's perfect." James replied feeling tears form in his eyes again. Sirius handed him another handkerchief and they moved forward making their way up the aisle beaming at his guests.
The sun was setting over the clearing in the forest that was lined with carved wooden benches adorned with small lanterns of twinkling lights along the edges of the bench and the aisle. A delicate wooden archway stood at the end of the aisle with woodland greenery and wildflowers gently woven around. A small group of people sat to the left softly playing acoustic guitar and tapping drums gently. James reached the end of the aisle smiled tremendously at his guests who were dressed in a range of spring colours. Remus and Peter took their places next to Sirius as James looked along the front row catching his Mother's eye, Euphemia beamed at him and waved happily. James' stomach flipped as the guests rose to their feet.
Soft sweet guitar and gentle drums filled the air and Marlene and Alice began walking up the aisle, clutching small bouquets of wildflowers flowers and baby's breath. They beamed as they slowly moved along the aisle, their long navy blue lace dresses swaying gently around them. Marlene caught James' eye and winked as she took her place at the end of the aisle. Alice grinned at James and wiped away a tear as she stood next to Marlene.
James felt his breath catch as the guitar moved into a slow acoustic version of Queen's You're My Best Friend and Lily appeared at the end of the aisle, her arm looped through Fleamont's and her bouquet of wildflowers and baby breath clutched in the other hand. Sirius clasped James' shoulder and gave it an encouraging squeeze. Lily beamed at James as she began to move along the aisle. She wore a lace off the shoulder dress that flowed around her, her hair hung in soft curls around her shoulders with a small crown of wildflowers resting on her head. James clutched his heart and grinned at Lily as she neared the end of the aisle, Lily chuckled. In that moment James couldn't see anyone else but Lily.
At last Lily reached the end of the aisle, James stepped forward as Fleamont placed her hand in his and beamed at them both. James led Lily to the archway and Marlene took Lily's bouquet. James clasped Lily's hands in his and she winked at him.
"Hi." Lily whispered.
"Hi Evans." James said, "You are so beautiful."
"This old thing?" Lily teased, "You're quite dashing yourself. Won't be able to call me Evans for much longer though…"
"You're upgrading, yes." James teased and squeezed her hands, "Here we go."
"Here we go." Lily repeated, beaming at James.
A small, balding wizard appeared between the two of them and the guests took their seats. James kept his eyes on Lily, soaking up everything in this moment. He felt the need to pinch himself, he couldn't believe this was finally happening.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate the union of two faithful souls, Lily Evans and James Potter." The wizard official said, "Lily and James met during their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The two of them evolved over the years and began a beautiful friendship in their sixth year that blossomed into romance in their seventh and final year of school. Over the years they have cared for one another deeply, supported one another through the difficult consequences of this war and continued to love one another through every moment they live together. They are, in essence, a beautiful representation of the good we are fighting to keep in this world. They have a love and a partnership that is true, loyal and kind."
James felt Lily squeeze his hands and he watched a tear roll softly down her cheek as she smiled at him. James raised his hand to wipe away the tear, gently caressing her cheek as he did so. The wizard official held out his hand to Sirius who passed over two silver wedding bands.
"The bride and groom have written their own vows for one another." The wizard official said, turning to James. "James, please now make your vows to Lily to bind you in a lifetime of love and partnership."
"Evans." James said, his breath catching slightly. He cleared his throat. "Lily, I once told you that the best night of my life was when I first met you. But since then there have been a thousand nights with you that have been the best of my life and now, as I join my life with yours, I will have thousands more. I loved you when we were young and I feel deeper in love with you as we grew up together. I love the way you sing while you make yourself breakfast and the way you dance around the house when you're cleaning. I love how you hold a person's eye while they speak to you so they know that for that moment they are being heard. I love the crease that you get in your forehead when you read, because I know that something has captured your imagination. I love the way you lose yourself in your work and the passion you have in your voice when you talk about it. The sweet sound of your laughter and the love that carries in your voice when you greet a friend. I love starting every day by seeing your face and ending the day saying goodnight to you."
Lily beamed at James and wiped a tear away from her cheek. James steadied himself, took the dainty silver ring from the wizard official and smiled at Lily.
"I won't stand here and promise you a lifetime of riches and splendour. I can only promise you a lifetime with me and that during it I will love you more each day. I vow to support you when things seem impossible, or even just a little bit hard. I vow to hold your hand whenever you need me to and also when I just want to be closer to you. I vow to cook you dinner and make sure our home is cosy, warm and always inviting. I vow to love our children with the same tenacity and joy that I have with you. I vow that no matter what comes our way or no matter how hard life may become I will stand by your side and walk through it with you. But most importantly, I vow to kiss you good morning and again to say goodnight every day for the rest of our lives."
James slid the ring on Lily's finger and felt tears rolling down his cheek. Sirius handed him yet another handkerchief. Lily giggled and squeezed James' hands and steadied herself.
"James, there was once a time in our life that I told you I would prefer the giant squid in the Hogwarts lake over you." Lily said and the guests laughed, James chuckled and grinned at Lily who continued. "Falling in love with you is the greatest adventure I have ever been on. I often think back to the early days of walking around the castle with you, talking for hours with you and slowly falling in love with you. If I had known then that you and I would be here today I would have hurried myself along so that we could have more hours and days a part of our history. Because no time with you will ever be enough, but we can start with the rest of our lives. I love your laughter and the way you find the good things to hold on to even in the darker times. I love how comfortable and confident you are in yourself and the effect this has on those around you. I love your kindness and your bravery and I love your humility. But mostly, James, I love those first few moments with you in the morning when the world is still waking up and we only have each other. Because in those moments I feel the safest I have ever been and in those moments I don't think I could love any harder than that."
Lily stopped for a moment and wiped away her tears. James dabbed his eyes with one of Sirius' handkerchiefs and felt Lily rest the silver ring at the end of his finger slowly sliding it on as she continued to speak.
"I vow that I will always be there to wake up the world with you. I vow to laugh at the jokes you make, and to be honest when I don't find them funny. I vow that when we have children, to let you teach them how to fly. I vow to make you breakfast and build our home with you. I vow to take on whatever the world throws at us and stay by your side, because we're stronger when we're together. I vow and I promise to love you as much as I loved you yesterday and more tomorrow and after that for as long as we both shall live."
Lily slid the ring down James' finger and smiled, squeezing his hand in hers. The wizard official clapped his hands together.
"Lily and James have pledged their love to one another in front of all of you, their dear family and friends and it gives me great joy to pronounce them bound together for life. James, you may kiss the bride."
James cradled Lily's face in his hands and bent his face to hers, kissing her with so much joy he felt he would burst on the spot. He pulled his face back slightly and grinned at Lily who leant her forehead against James' beaming. James lifted Lily in his arms and spun them around on the spot.
"Bound for life." Lily whispered, "We're going to be so happy."
"Of course we are." James replied, "How could I be anything but happy when you're my wife."
"I like the sound of that, being your wife."
"Me too Potter, me too."
Lily chuckled and James turned them both to face their guests, who had risen to their feet applauding them both. James looped his fingers through Lily's and led her down the aisle waving at all their friends and family as they passed them. Once at the end of the aisle, Sirius flung his arms around them both and pulled them into a tight hug.
"Mr and Mrs Potter!" Sirius exclaimed, "Absolutely wonderful!"
James twisted his face to see Sirius crying and chuckled, "Hope you have a handkerchief for yourself you sop!"
Sirius pulled away and dabbed his face with a handkerchief, "I am prepared for everything today!"
"He really is, don't let his lack of knapsack fool you those pockets are endless!" Remus said and beamed at James and Lily, "Congratulations to you both. Beautiful vows."
"Thank you Remus." Lily said and pulled Remus into a hug, still holding on to James' hand.
"It was such a beautiful ceremony." Alice said, "I'm so happy for you both."
"Just wonderful." Marlene said, "You two will be so happy together!"
"Congratulations you guys!" Peter squeaked, "I'll start leading the guests to the reception area, see you soon!"
Peter hurried along and started ushering the guests through the forest. Remus and Sirius waved goodbye to James and Lily and joined Peter leading the guests through the forest.
Lily reached her hand up and gently stroked along James' face, James clutched her hand and softly kissed her palm.
"I am so happy to be your husband." James said, "And so honoured to call you my wife."
"Oh James… You absolute sop!" Lily teased, "Today is the happiest I have ever been."
James took Lily's hand again and led her along the lantern pathway in the forest until they reach the canopy tent nestled among the trees. James squeezed Lily's hand.
"This is perfect." James whispered.
Lily winked at James, "I can't wait to dance with you."
The white canopy was adorned with twinkling lights, remnant of the night James proposed. Round tables were scattered around the tent with centrepieces of woodland greenery and soft flickering candles. Barrels were scattered around the edges of the tent with flickering candles, space for guests to stand and rest their drinks. Along the left side of the tent was a long wooden bar with servers ready to provide drinks to the guests. Lily and James walked into tent to the applause of their guests and Sirius' voice booming across the area.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the happy couple, Mr and Mrs Potter!"
James and Lily made their way across the floor to their table. James pulled the chair back for Lily and helped her into her seat. James caught Frank's eye at a nearby table and winked. Sirius' voice filled the tent again.
"I'd like to welcome you all to the reception of the Potters. Merlin I love saying that! You'll find a menu at your table, please think of your choice for each course as we eat this evening and simply tap your plate and it will appear! There is a bar to the left that will cater to your thirsty needs and once we've eaten we'll have a few words for the evening before we dance and dance and dance!"
The guests chuckled and James took his seat, lifting Lily's hand to kiss it before noticing glasses filling with champagne around the room. Sirius cleared his throat and raised his glass to the room.
"I'd like to be the first to raise a glass to the happy couple tonight. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Potter may your evening be filled with the same joy you will feel for the rest of your lives together!"
"To Mr and Mrs Potter!" The guests chimed in response.
James drained his glass and looked around the room. He saw his parents sitting at a table with Dumbledore and McGonagall laughing as they looked over the menu. Members of the Order sat scattered around the room laughing and celebrating rather than looking stressed, angry and sad as they have done every other time James had seen them. James grinned as he watched Edgar Bones flapping about at his table while Frank laughed and Emmeline Vance read over the menu sipping on her glass of wine. The Prewett twins laughter carried across the room and James caught Dorcas' eye, who was sat at their table, and waved.
Sirius took his seat to the left of James and handed him a glass of scotch. Remus sat on Sirius' other side and Peter nestled in between Remus and Alice and was chatting away with Remus. Marlene sat in between Alice and Lily and the three of them were deep in conversation, grinning ear to ear. Lily was radiating. Sirius nudged James.
"What are you thinking for your starter? Personally I'm dying to have to the stuffed mushrooms."
James sipped his scotch and gazed over the menu, "I think I might have smoked salmon."
"A grand choice Prongs!"
"Padfoot…" James said and rested his glass on the table, "Thank you."
"You are truly blessed with my presence yes."
James chuckled, "But of course!"
Sirius laughed and nudged James, "Go on, why are you so thankful to me?"
"For being my best man and helping Lily with all of this. Today has been the best day of my life and I know we're in for a bloody good time this evening." James said.
"Just you wait for my speech!" Sirius teased and raised his glass, "There's nowhere I would rather be than by your side Prongs. You're my brother until the very end."
"Until the very end." James responded and chinked his glass against Sirius'.
The meal seemed to whirl past and the tent was filled with merry conversation, James felt a light buzz from the many glasses of scotch he had enjoyed. Throughout the dinner James and Lily were interrupted by guests wishing them well and posing for photos. James whisked Lily away here and there to have private moments together, a tender kiss in the forest surrounding the tent, a moment to hold one another and time to check in with one another and smile. They were married and James promised himself that he would spend the rest of his life protecting and loving Lily. The tables magically cleared the plates and cutlery, James leant back in his chair, his arm draped around Lily as she rested back onto him.
Sirius walked out to the dancefloor, a glass of champagne in his hand and cleared his throat, James looked down at Lily and winked.
"Here we go." James whispered.
"I wonder if there will be sort of dance involved?" Lily asked.
"Surely not…" James said.
"Ladies and gentlemen we've reached the best part of the evening!" Sirius said and elaborately twirled across the dancefloor, "Speeches!"
"Merlin's beard!" James said catching Remus' eye who just shook his head chuckling.
"I knew it…" Lily giggled.
Sirius spun on the spot and stared at James, "Some bets were taken recently about how long my speech will last… I went in with 20 galleons for 45 minutes so get comfortable people I've got some stories to tell!"
The guests chuckled and James groaned. Lily raised her hand and gently stroked along James' face. Sirius grinned and continued.
"I'm just kidding, while you would be truly blessed to hear me speak for 45 minutes we'll keep this short and sweet so we can enjoy the real comedy moment of the evening. James dancing!"
The guests chuckled again and and James blushed, Remus caught his eye and gave him an encouraging smile. Peter winked at James and looked back at Sirius who was chuckling and walking around the dancefloor.
"I met James on my first day at Hogwarts. We sat in the same compartment on the train and spent the whole ride eating candy, playing exploding snap and brainstorming ways to prank everyone once we got to school. Until that train ride I had never met anyone who made me feel as comfortable being myself as James did. My time at Hogwarts was the best time of my life so far and one of the biggest reasons for that is James Potter. He never judged me for the family I came from, he took me in when I ran away, he accepted every part of me no questions asked and I could always count on him to join me for a good pranking! One of James' best qualities is the way he cares for other people. If James loves you, you will never be loved by anyone else more than him. He took me under his wing that morning and has been walking by my side every day ever since."
Sirius stopped for a moment and smiled at James and Lily. James felt his eyes watering again and smiled at Sirius who turned back to the guests.
"I met Lily on our first day of Hogwarts as well. She was sorted into Gryffindor and sat down opposite me at the table. Lily was very gentle and sweet and I was so jealous once James was sorted into Gryffindor and he sat down next to her. Simply outrageous."
The guests chuckled again and James looped his fingers through Lily's, Sirius chuckled and continued.
"James and Lily spent the entire feast talking. Well. Lily talked and James hung on every word. When we went to our dormitory that night James told me he was going to marry her one day. I'll admit that at the time I thought he was insane and for the first five and a half years of school she just did not want a bar of him. James mate, some of your attempts were just the worst. Who remembers the time he entered the Great Hall dressed as Elvis Presley and sang Can't Help Falling In Love With You. In the absolute worst Elvis voice I've ever heard? Lily, my sweetheart, I'm so sorry I didn't stop him."
The room erupted in laughter and James heard Dorcas and the Prewett twins cackling across the tent. James looked over and saw the three of them mimicking Elvis dance moves. James blushed and drained his scotch. Sirius continued.
"Something really beautiful happened in our sixth year though. Lily and James became friends. They began to lean on one another. They learnt more about one another. They grew up a lot over that year and watching them fall in love was a privilege and something that so many people dream of finding for themselves. James and Lily found it and they found it with each other."
Sirius turned to James, "James, you're my brother and my best friend and you've found the best girl to spend your life with. Lily encourages your warmth and she grounds you. She celebrates your victories and she's there to hold you when you're defeated and down. She's one of a kind so you make sure you look after her."
James nodded at Sirius and pulled Lily closer to him. Sirius shifted his gaze to Lily, smiled and continued.
"Lily. You have been the sunshine we've all needed in our lives and none more than James. I still think you and the Giant Squid could've been something special but you've chosen my boy instead! James ignited a spark in you and I've never seen someone smile more than you. He encourages you, supports you and no matter how big or small he is there 100% when you need him. So always be there for him too. Look after my brother, he can be an idiot sometimes."
Lily chuckled and beamed up at James. There were chuckles among the guests and Sirius raised his champagne glass in James and Lily's direction.
"To James and Lily. May you both continue to be so sickeningly happy. I look forward to seeing you guys spend the rest of your lives together; the kids that will go on to shake up Hogwarts, the work you two will do in the world and most importantly the love you two will always have for each other for many more years to come. Congratulations, James and Lily!"
"To James and Lily!" The guests echoed.
James tilted Lily's head up and kissed her slowly and softly. Lily smiled into James' mouth and nodded in Sirius' direction, who was heading back to the table. James maneuvered Lily and rose to his feet, pulling Sirius into a tight hug.
"Nice speech Padfoot."
"Meant every word Prongs. Now, enjoy dancing with your wife."
They pulled apart as Unchained Melody began to play. James took Lily's hand and led her to the dance floor. He twirled her and pulled her close to him as they moved around the dance floor together.
"Smooth." Lily said, "Nice song choice."
"That was quite a speech."
"I didn't know Sirius had it in him. It was beautiful."
"He's full of surprises that one. But never underestimate his ability to speak!"
Lily giggled and rested her head on James' chest. Their guests had grouped around the edges of the dance floor. Sirius hugged Remus from behind with Dorcas and Marlene to their left holding hands. Alice was leaning against Frank, the two of them beaming at James and Lily. At last James found his parents, Fleamont had his arms around Euphemia as she cried silently and happily. James was suddenly overwhelmed with happiness he tilted up Lily's head and kissed her passionately, the room erupted into applause and golden stars began flying around them.