James and Lily's wedding was perfect. Nothing went wrong and neither of them messed up their vows. Sirius had silently wondered if one of them would accidentally say someone else's name but, thankfully, it didn't happen. After the ceremony the entire congregation moved the party to the backyard of the Potter's house. The reception was small but incredibly fun. Lots of pictures were taken and for a few hours everyone forgot about the war. Speeches were given, toasts were made, cake was eaten, and fun was had. James and Lily could not have asked for a better wedding and deep down Lily was glad that Petunia wasn't there. Sirius had decided to commemorate the union of his best friend by setting off magically enhanced fireworks. They were absolutely spectacular and a fitting tribute. People began to leave at midnight until eventually James, Lily, Sirius and Remus were the only ones left. James' parents weren't staying at the house that night and were instead spending the night with Lily's parents, as the four of them had become very good friends. Sirius and Remus didn't feel as though they were intruding, and neither did James or Lily. They both felt that it was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

"Well, I don't know about you lot, but I'm beat." Sirius was leaning back and in danger of toppling off the bench completely. James and Remus laughed at him, while Lily could only manage a smile, she was so tired. Lily's hair had long since fallen out of the bun it had been in and she was leaning against James for support and warmth. The night had been absolutely perfect, weather wise, but as it had gotten later and later the weather had taken a nasty turn and a strong breeze was now blowing through the trees and straight through Lily's dress. James had draped his jacket around her shoulders but it wasn't making much of a difference unfortunately. Lily shivered and moved closer to James, who tightened his grip around her.

"I'm gonna head home." Remus stood up and goodbyes were swapped between all of them. Sirius decided that it was time he returned to his flat and said his goodbyes to James and Lily. As soon as their friends were gone, James and Lily went inside in a desperate attempt to warm their bones. James noticed that Lily had a far-away look on her face.

"Lils? You okay?"

"What? Oh, yeah, just tired." Lily smiled weakly and sat down on the edge of the bed. James watched her for a minute before sitting down next to her.

"You're not having any regrets are you?"

Lily laughed at him. "Of course not, James. Don't be stupid."

"Got you to laugh though. Lils, you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I just still can't believe that… Petunia didn't come." Lily said the last part very quickly as she had almost mentioned the letter from Severus.

James looped his arm around Lily. "I'm sorry that she didn't. But there's no point thinking about it now, is there? I mean, it was her loss anyway."

"Yeah, I know." Lily rested her head against James and sighed happily. "I'm so tired but I don't want to sleep."

"There are other things we could do."

Lily hit his arm lightly and laughed. "Probably, but I'm too tired."

"Typical."

"Shut up, James." Lily closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She had always loved the way James smelled. Unfortunately, as soon as her eyes closed, an image came to Lily's mind. It was Severus and the look on his face was one of betrayal. Lily sat up quickly and her eyes sprang open.

"Lily? What is it? What's wrong?" James was extremely worried. Lily was looking very scared and worried about something.

Lily managed to brave a smile. "Nothing. I'm fine, honestly."

"You sure?" James looked straight into Lily's eyes and saw that she was more than scared and worried. She was absolutely terrified about something.

"Of course I'm sure." Lily looked at James' eyes for a second longer before averting her eyes. And, despite them being open, the image of a betrayed Severus appeared to her again. Lily could do nothing about the tears that misted her eyes. "I'm going to shower." Lily got up and walked as quickly as possible into the bathroom. As soon as the door closed behind her, Lily sunk to the ground and let the tears flow.

…

James watched the door close and could almost make out the sounds of Lily sobbing. He stood up and went over to the door, raising his fist to knock. Something, however, stopped him. Perhaps it was the sound of Lily crying or perhaps it was just an instinct telling him to leave her be. James sighed and rested his head lightly against the door. Whatever was going with Lily wasn't just about Petunia. James went and picked up Lily's bag to put with the rest of the luggage. But James had only grabbed one handle and the bag tipped over and everything fell out.

"Damn it." James knelt down and began shoving everything back into the bag without looking at what it was. At the very bottom was a thick envelope. James' curiosity got the better of him and he opened the envelope and took out the pieces of parchment. James recognised the writing immediately.

…

Lily had long since finished crying but she remained sitting on the floor for a little while in an attempt to calm herself down. Lily stood slowly and changed out of her wedding dress into track pants and singlet top. Lily washed and dried her face before opening the door and stepping out into the room. James was sitting on the bed with his back to her.

"James?" Lily frowned when James didn't react and it was only then that she noticed her bag lying on the floor with the contents all jumbled up. "James?" Lily walked towards him and saw that he was holding Severus' letter in his hands. "James, how did you find that?"

"I picked up your bag and everything fell out." James didn't look up at her. His hazel eyes were focused on the piece of parchment in his hands. Lily could see that it was the last page of the letter.

"You shouldn't have read it, James."

"I know." James glanced up at Lily and she was shocked to see the look in his eyes.

"James? It means nothing."

"This is what's upset you." James held the letter out as though it were something poisonous. "What he said or wrote or whatever. This is what's wrong."

"Yes." Lily sat down on the floor and leant against the wall. "I'm only upset about it because I wish he hadn't sent it and that I hadn't read it." Lily watched James closely for his reaction. James wasn't looking at her instead his eyes were entirely focused on the letter.

"He… loves you." James finally looked at his new wife to see that she wasn't looking at him. Her face was hidden behind her hands. James sighed and went over to Lily. James sat on the floor next to her but he didn't put his arm around her. Lily moved slightly closer to him but stopped when he didn't reach out to her.

"I know. I think I've always known but I ignored it because he was my best friend. But then he called me a Mudblood. Thanks to you. And I mean that. I'm not being sarcastic or anything."

"Yeah, I know." James got back to the first page of the letter. "He didn't want you to marry me."

"And I did anyway." Lily put her hand on her new husband's arm.

James nodded. "And he blames you for forcing him to become a Death Eater." James finally turned towards Lily. Lily bit her lip and nodded. "It isn't though. He's just being an idiot."

Lily smiled, though it wasn't very convincing. "Yeah, I know."

"I say we burn it." James held the letter out to her. Lily took it tentatively. "We don't have too, though, if you don't want. It's up to you."

Lily got out her wand and pointed it at the pages of the letter. "I should have done this as soon as I got it." Lily quietly set fire to the pieces of parchment and the new husband and wife watched the pages flare up and disintegrate. "That's better." Lily sobbed.

James finally put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. "I am sorry about it, Lils." Lily nodded and buried her face against him. There were no tears but Lily didn't want James to see her face.

After a while, Lily sat up straight and turned to James. "I can hardly believe that we're finally married." Lily grinned as James' face fell slightly as the realisation caught up to him.

"After all those years of you denying me, you've married me."

Lily kissed James' lips. "I love you, James."

"Love you too, Lily."