Darkness on a Happy Day

Nine in the morning might as well have been the crack of dawn for all James cared. It was a time to cuddle his new wife and maybe drink a cup of tea with the Daily Prophet in hand. However, both of these were difficult tasks when Sirius was bouncing around his bedroom. To top off the scene, Sirius was already in his full tuxedo and making Lily giggle from the vanity where she was fixing her hair. Sirius showing up so early was unprecedented to James, although he really should have expected it. After all, it was his best friend's wedding day.

"James! You've gotta get dressed so we can head to the chapel and make sure everything is ready just the way Marley wanted it!" Sirius exclaimed. The man was practically shoving his friend toward the closet. James could tell by the look on his best friend's face there wasn't much hope in arguing. As Best Man, and Best Man's wife, the Potters knew their duty that day was to Sirius.

Sirius had gotten engaged to Marlene McKinnon about two weeks prior after nearly two years of dating. Seeing the happiness James had found with Lily had sparked something inside of Sirius, causing the man-who-knew-no-commitment to plan a whirlwind wedding. This came as a surprise to James but he found himself feeling nothing but happiness for his best friend, who was happier than he'd been since their Hogwarts graduation.

It was 10:30 in the morning when the rest of the Marauders arrived at the chapel to help. Chairs were set up, flowers were arranged, and Lily gave each boy marching orders. Nobody complained when an excitable Sirius mainly just ran around the room smiling at every little thing. He really is like a puppy sometimes, James thought to himself with a shake of his head.

At 11:30 the first of the guests began to arrive. A few professors here, several friends from the Order and from school, and eventually a few scattered family members trickled in as well. A heavily pregnant Andromeda entered with her husband only to be attacked by a hug by Sirius. James smiled at the sight while showing guests to their seats. Marlene's parents would likely get similar treatment when they arrived.

"I'm going to see if Marlene is almost ready," Lily said quietly to James as she passed. Locking eyes, he nodded with a smile. Leave it to Lily to keep everything flowing on time.

When it hit 11:45, James watched the door for the McKinnon family. They were known for being very prompt. Therefore when the invitations requested family arrive fifteen minutes before the ceremony, James knew when to expect them. When the seconds ticked by and they did not enter, unease started to build in James. Sirius was distractedly chattering at Remus, and thereby remained oblivious. Thank God for that, thought James as he shot Remus a worried look and searched for his wife.

At 11:57, Sirius stood in front of the altar with his Best Man at his side. Sirius had resumed the same bouncing he'd taken up that morning. "Relax and enjoy the last minutes of bachelorhood," James reassured, though his unease had only grown. Lily hadn't returned from checking on Marlene. Sirius was too excited to notice the cogs turning in James's mind as the best man wondered at the disappearance of his wife.

When the clock struck 11:59, James was terrified as Lily rushed down the aisle and pulled him to the side. Sirius was ripped from his reverie and looked at his friends with worry. Lily waved him off with a fake smile before leaning in to whisper in her husband's ear. Only upon being near to her did James notice the slight tear marks along her cheeks.

"Death Eaters attacked the McKinnon estate early this morning. The Dark Mark was above the building. Aurors are checking the premises, but it's expected that there are no survivors." James gaped at his wife in disbelief. Then, he reached for her and held her tight. She kissed his cheek and pulled away to tell their friends of the tragedy. All this left for James to do was tell Sirius.

The clock struck noon. The bells on the church started to chime. Sirius's looked intently at James as the Best Man returned to the altar. As James relayed the information, Sirius's face grew pale as he shook his head in disbelief. James felt truly terrible as he held his best friend close. Weddings were supposed to be full of happiness and new beginnings. Remus and Peter somberly began turning the decorations to gray as the word passed around. James could tell when the information truly hit his best friend because Sirius fell to his knees in front of everyone and cried and cried and cried… until he'd cried himself hoarse and the cries became screams.

A/N 816 words, Ravenclaw house, drabble, prompt: a wedding

Quick thanks to alixxblack and 2DaughtersofAthena for betaing!