Too Late

A Harry Potter fan-fiction by Lana Mush

Warnings: Character Death; you may need tissues, somewhat fluffy and angsty at the same time. (I don't even know)

Rating: I'm going to put it as PG-13 for character death, but this may change. There will be no language, though.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I think we all know who does. The idea for this goes to campanula1979. Thanks!

Info: This is a redo of .net/s/4692546/1/Too_Late. It stank, so I am redoing it! -Chorus of Yays- Also, once you are done, go read the sequel, "Too Late Again". (Pretty please with Bertie Botts on top!)

Summary: Sirius remembers all of the ups and downs of his relationship with Dorcas as he prepares to propose.

Chapter-specific details: This one takes place in seventh year. Also, Red is Lily's Marauders nickname.

Chapter Two

Best Man

Lily and James walked into the Great Hall, a smirk on both of their faces. Remus turned and gave a quizzical look to Sirius, who just shrugged and shook his head. Lily plopped down next to Dorcas, who looked at her for a moment and then squealed. Lily squealed too, and brought Dorcas in for a hug. They embraced for a minute, still squealing. When they broke apart, James was fighting back a laugh, and the other three marauders were looking at the girls with puzzled expressions on their faces.

"Hey, Moony?" Sirius asked, looking at his friend, "Why is it that girls can read each other's minds?"

"Usually, Padfoot," Remus replied, "I would have an answer for you, but today, I'm afraid I don't."

Lily rolled her eyes and thrust out her hand. There was a ring on it, an inexpensive, simple ring, but a ring nonetheless. There was a golden band snaking around her finger, with a small diamond, shiny and sparkly, set in it. Everyone stared at it for a moment before erupting with conversation.

"When will the wedding be?"

"Are you sure its legal to be engaged while n school?"

"Are you guys going to have any kids?"

"If you do have kids, will they have antlers?" The last one came from Peter. Everyone looked at him for a moment. James was the first to speak.

"Wormtail," James began, "What on Heaven and Earth have you been smoking?"

Peter blushed. "Well, I was just wondering," he said slowly, his cheeks growing even darker.

James spoke again, "Padfoot, will you be my best man?" Sirius was taken aback. Lupin and Peter were, too.

"Why not one of us?" Peter dared to ask.

"I was afraid that it would come to this," James said, "But Sirius lives with me. You two are my best mates as well, though."

"I understand," Remus said with a smile on his scarred face, "So long as you let me be an usher, or give you and Red a toast, or something!"

"Of course, Moony," James said with an air of relief.

-Flashback Over-

"Now I'll get to be the best man," James said, looking at his best friend.

"Hey, now, don't be counting my chickens before they hatch!" Sirius said, pretending to be angry. "Anyway, you never know, I may get Moony or Wormtail to be my best man."

A/N

I know, not much Sirius/Dorcas goodness going on in this one. The next one will have more, I promise! (Seriously, I've already finished the next chapter!) Also, to clear things up, "Red" is what the Marauders call Lily. I need a nickname for Dorcas. If you have any ideas, tell me. (I know that Sirius calls her Dor, but she needs one that doesn't have anything to do with her name!)

-Lana