James arrived with Sirius at half past two, and by a quarter to three, the bride and groom had both been spoken to regarding how the day would go. The guests were all seated, Lily and Remus waited in the room off the foyer, and James and Sirius waited at the altar.

"He didn't say what was happening in that hour before dinner," Lily panicked. "What's going to happen?"

"You'll get your pictures taken, sign the marriage license, and cool down," Remus explained calmly. "Your guests will discuss the ceremony, the dress, the flowers, and James' hair as they have some hors d'ourvours."

"For an hour?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes," Remus said slowly. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she said, too quickly.

"Tell me and I'll fix it."

Lily took a deep breath. "It's just that, well, I always pictured this day a certain way. You know, the flowers, the dress, the groom –" Remus smiled. "– and it's perfect, except one thing."

"What?"

"I always – I've dreamed – of my dad giving me away," she whispered, and Remus pulled her close to him. "And he would try to be brave, but would really cry, and walk me down the aisle, both his hands on one of mine, and at the end he would lift my veil and kiss my cheek and whisper 'I love you' in my ear –" she trailed off, and Remus looked at her.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked softly.

"Will you walk me down the aisle?" she breathed. "Daddy knew you, and he liked you –"

Remus grinned. "I'd love to," he said, and Lily smiled gratefully.

A knock echoed on the door and Sirius stuck his head in. "Are you ready – wow. Lily, you're gorgeous," he gasped.

Lily could only nod, and Sirius grinned widely.

"I've told the press not to take pictures during the ceremony, but as soon as you two are pronounced or whatever there will be a storm of flashes," he warned, "so try to ignore it. And have fun, kid."

Lily smiled, and Sirius winked before leaving them. Lily and Remus looked at each other.

"We'll wait in the hall," he said.

"You have the rings? The vows?"

"Done and done," he answered, handing her the bouquet and offering his arm. She took both and he led her down the hall until they were in the foyer, out of sight from the altar. Remus put Lily's veil down and she smiled bravely as the first chords rang out from the organ. As they stepped into the aisle, the entire church stood. Even the very back pews were filled. From Order members to aurors to healers to press to friends, everyone had their eyes locked on Lily. James took half a step forward to see her better, smiling broadly as their eyes met. As the organist played Pachabel's Canon flawlessly, Remus led Lily down the aisle. They both smiled, but Lily's eyes never left James. When they reached the altar and the organ ceased, the minister stepped forward.

"Who gives this woman away?"

"I do," Remus answered, and he lifted Lily's veil and kissed her on the cheek. "He loves you – always will."

She smiled at him with tears in her eyes and he squeezed her hand before turning to James, smiling, and exchanging a nod with him. As Remus stepped back, James and Lily joined hands in front of the minister.

---

Sirius was true to his word. As the ceremony progressed, the press took not one photo. But as soon as the minister finished with "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride," the cameras went off and the guests stood up to applaud the happy couple. As James and Lily walked down the aisle to the traditional wedding march, Remus, Sirius, and the minister followed.

Lily was on top of the world. For once, everyone was together and happy. There seemed to be hope again, and she beamed at James. James was elated that they had finally tied the knot. Everything was up to the fates now, and he felt he could take whatever life threw at him.

As the minister joined the couple in the foyer, he smiled. "Would you like to sign the papers now?"

They both agreed, and moments later Sirius joined them, bringing with him the minister of magic. Remus, meanwhile, alerted the guests of the location of the reception and that they had an hour before speeches and dinner before he joined the others in the hall.

"Okay, let's get this done," Lily said impatiently, squeezing James' hand.

"Follow me," the minister smiled, and began to lead the party to his office. Both ministers led, followed by Remus and Sirius, and Lily and James trailed behind.

As they passed an empty corridor, James put a finger to his lips and pulled Lily halfway down, wrapping his arms around her, grinning.

"Well," he whispered as Lily leant against him, "congratulations, Mrs Potter."

"Why thank you, Mr Potter," she breathed, brushing her lips against his jaw.

"You look beautiful," he sighed, pressing his forehead against hers. "You should wear that dress everyday. Or nothing at all."

Lily giggled. "You're such a charmer, Mr Potter, and quite fit in that tux."

"I'm ridiculously happy."

"So am I."

The space between them diminished until they were both held in a passionate lip-lock, James leaning against the wall for support as they held each other close. Lily pressed herself against him, holding his lapel in one hand and letting the other snake its way into his hair.

As flashes went off, they broke apart, beaming.

"How does it feel to have finally married James?" one reported asked Lily, and she grinned.

"It's amazing. I don't know why we waited so long."

"Is it reassuring at all?"

"To know that I have the greatest man with me for the rest of my life? Yes. I'm glad we found each other."

"Is it everything you wanted?"

"And more."

"James, what did you think when you saw Lily coming down the aisle?"

"I couldn't," he answered happily, "she erased all logical thought from my head when I saw her standing there. I still can't string together a sentence, I'm so much in awe."

"What are you going to do after the reception?"

"Drink champagne and make love all night long," James said.

"Until noon tomorrow," Lily added, and the reporters roared with laughter and applauded as Lily and James kissed again and more cameras went off.

---

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I was overwhelmed by all the lovely reviews! Thank you! It was such a pleasnat surprise to see old and new reviewers! I'm on top of the world. And if it wasn't for school and exams there would be more posts, but alas, I need to get studying, and writing, don't worry. I'll never give up on this. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

xoxo - Jazz