Forever Young

Good Morning friends! Sorry it's been a while! I've been pretty busy as of lately! I actually have an audition for my dance studios performance company and I wanted to update this before I had to go. Now this chapter is kinda long and it didn't finish were I wanted it to so next chapter will definitely be even more fantastic. So I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! Make sure you check out my pinterest page for Cassidy's outfits and hair stuff!

Chapter 35: Wedding Bells

Cassidy's POV:

I woke on Sunday morning around 7am. It was still too early to start getting ready so I pulled on some black leggings, a gray and blue sweatshirt with black sneakers and went outside to run. I swiftly pulled my hair into a ponytail and did a few stretches before breaking into a medium pace jog. I stayed at my steady pace for 4 laps then I sped up.

"Hey Clark wait up!" I heard a familiar voice shout at me. I slowed my run once more and turned my head and saw Sirius running towards me in all black clothing. I started to jog in place as I waited for him to catch up to me. Once he did we started running together.

"You know what would be great?" he asked after a few silent moments.

"What would be great?" I asked him faking excitement.

"If we could have a repeat of what happened last time we went jogging together," he said waggling his eyebrows.

"Sirius Black!" I exclaimed slapping his arm. "You foul man!"

"Only joking love," he smiled cheekily. "Let's say we have a competition though." He slowed his running and I followed soon coming to a complete stop.

"What kind of competition?" I asked suddenly curious.

"A race," he said smirking. "Whoever makes it back to the house first wins."

"What does the winner get?" I questioned him intrigued.

"Well if you win I'll buy you whatever book you want," he said.

"Well I do love books," I laughed. "And you? What do I have to give you if you win?"

"All I want is for you to save me a dance tonight at the wedding," he revealed.

"That's it? Doesn't seem to bad," I said shrugging.

"Wanna put your running where you mouth is?" he said putting his hand out for me to shake.

"Deal," I said meeting his hand and shaking on it. We made our marks and got ready to run.

"Ready?" he asked. I nodded my head.

"Get set," I told him.

"GO!" we both shouted at the same time. We both sped off running towards the house. We were at the same speed for a while but I soon got ahead of him and was pretty damn close to winning.

If only I had checked to make sure my shoelaces were tied.

"Winner!" Sirius shrieked as he made it onto the back patio as I tripped and fell a few feet back.

"Damn it!" I screamed as I tumbled to the ground and did a sort of forward roll.

"You ok Cassidy?" Sirius asked kneeling down next to me to make sure I was alright. I nodded and took his hand as he pulled me up.

"I'm fine," I said. "Just a little sore."

"I think I've got something to make you feel better," he said grabbing my hand and pulling me into the house. He sent me into the kitchen and told me to wait there. I made myself a cup of tea and put some toast in the toaster. When it popped out and I began to butter it Sirius came into the kitchen with his hands behind his back.

"What have you got there?" I asked pointing at his back. I washed off my knife and took a seat at the counter top with my tea and toast.

"A present," he said sitting in the chair next to me. He then placed something on the counter and slid it towards me.

"Sirius," I breathed. "How in the hell?"

"I had my brother nick it from my families' library and send it to me. I know you've been wanting to read it for a while."

"Try forever! I've pretty much been waiting my whole life to read Anthem!" I told him picking up the book and examining it. "But Sirius I didn't even win I can't take it."

"Well technically I didn't buy it so you can still have it," he pointed out.

"Thank you Sirius," I smiled. "I'll have it back to you as soon as possible."

"Keep it. My family probably doesn't want some muggle written book anyways. I have no clue why they had it in the first place," he said shrugging. I leaned over and gently kissed his cheek before scarfing down my toast and washing it away with my tea. I cleaned up so fast and ran up the stairs I didn't even have time to notice the pink blush that appeared on Sirius' face. I neatly placed my new book on my bookshelf. I checked the time on my nightstand clock and figured I had better start getting ready.

I stripped out of my running clothes and hoped into the shower. I washed my hair, face, and body with vanilla and honey wash and got out to dry off. I pulled on my robe and slipped into my slippers making my way over to my vanity. I began with simple make-up and curling my hair into big messy curls. Then once I hair sprayed the curls I pinned part of my hair back in a small bundle.

After hair and make-up I pulled on my undergarments and finally my dress. It was a cream colored tea dress with colorful butterflies and flowers up and down the front and back. I pulled on my tan oxford heels and laced them up. I gave a final glance in the mirror, grabbed my clutch and tan leather jacket then made my way downstairs. James and Sirius were already downstairs waiting with Remus and Marlene.

"Where's Lily?" I asked noticing our red haired friend's absence.

"She's getting a bit delayed," James said. "She's meeting us there."

"Ok then should we go," I asked looking at the time. "Better we get there early and get good seats." Everyone agreed and we began to apparate to location of the wedding. Alice and Frank were getting married in the back garden of his late grandmother's home. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and there were no clouds in the sky. We all took our seats towards the front of the garden I was on the end of the row with Sirius on my right.

"Beautiful day for a wedding eh?" he said leaning over to whisper to me.

"It is isn't it," I said smiling back at him. He opened his mouth to say something else but a women's voice spoke up to my left.

"Cassidy Clark is that you," I turned and smiled as I saw Alice's mother standing next to me. I stood up and gave her a quick hug.

"Mrs. Prewett how nice to see you!" I exclaimed. "How's Alice doing? Is she nervous?"

She smiled nervously and leaned in a bit closer to me. "Would you mind coming into the house with me for a moment? Alice would like a quick word with you." she asked gesturing towards the house at the back of the garden. I nodded and quickly told my friends I'd be back soon as Mrs. Prewett ushered me towards the house. She sent me up the stairs and told me to go into the first door on the left. I did as I was told and when I entered the room a very nervous Alice was still sitting in her robe on the bed and she looked close to tears.

"Cassidy!" she shouted as she shot off the bed and towards me. I wrapped my arms around the girl who was slightly taller than me.

"Alice what's the matter? Why aren't you dressed yet?" I asked pulling away looking at the clock on the dresser that read 10:30am. The wedding started at 11am. "It's nearly time for the ceremony to start."

"My maid-of-honor is sick and now I have now one to help me into my dress or make a speech or anything!" she cried. I grabbed a tissue off the nightstand and handed it to her so she wouldn't mess up her make-up.

"Oh Alice I'm sorry," I said not sure how to calm the bride.

"Will you do it?" she asked suddenly. "Will you be my maid of honor?"

"Oh Alice," I squeaked. "Of course I will! Oh but I don't have the dress or shoes or anything."

"It doesn't matter," she insisted. "What you're wearing is fine. Actually its perfect, way better than the dress I picked out for Mandy."

"Oh thank you," I giggled. "Now let's get you into that dress!" I said pulling off my jacket and helping her into the simple white dress that was fitted at the bust and flowed out to her feel. She had on simple white heels on as well keeping everything as casual as possible at a wedding. I helped her readjust her make-up and hair before we went downstairs to wait for the ceremony to begin.

"Spencer!" I exclaimed as I saw my big brother waiting with two flower bouquets.

"Hey sis," he said handing off the flowers to me and Alice. "Since when are you in this wedding?"

"Since about 20 minutes ago," I said giving him a light kiss on the cheek.

"Well then I guess I'm walking you down the aisle," he said putting out his arm from me to link mine through. I smiled and did just that.

"Show time Ladies and Gents!" Mr. Prewett said coming into the living room and linking arms with Alice. As Spencer and I began out the door I could hear Alice tell her father to make sure she didn't fall. I felt a pang of sadness that I would never experience that with my father. Once Spencer and I made it to the start of the aisle of chairs the music started. I put on a small smile as we began our trek down the aisle. When we got to the row my friends had filled I noticed that everyone had shifted a spot so Lily could sit next to James. Sirius was now in my aisle seat and he was beaming up at me. I shot him a small smile as we continued past. Once we made it to the front the piano changed to a different tune and everyone stood and turned as Alice and her father began to walk down the aisle.

Alice was simply glowing. She looked perfect, almost as though she wasn't having a panic attack mere moments before. She held onto her father's arm and gracefully made her way down the aisle smiling at her friends and family. I took a quick peak at Frank and he looked like the happiest person in the world. I smiled to myself and looked back to Alice. Once she made it completely up the aisle she kissed her father's cheek and took Franks hand. She took Franks hand in hers and turned to face the minister.

"Friends, family, and loved ones," he began. "Welcome to the marriage of Alice Olivia Prewett and Frank Joseph Longbottom. We've come together to witness the merging of two families into one. Alice and Frank have known each other since they were 11 years old and meet on the Hogwarts Express on September 1st in 1970. At Hogwarts they were sorted into Gryffindor House where they grew to become friends into the couple they are today. They will now share their vows with each other. Frank would you like to go first?"

Frank nodded and turned to face Alice. He recited the most beautiful and romantic speech followed by Alice's heartfelt vows. When the couple exchanged their rings I noticed both of their mothers in tears in the front row. I felt another pang of sadness that my mother wouldn't be able to witness my wedding along with my father.

"Well then," the minister said smiling. "By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!" Alice was bouncing on the balls of her feet by this point and she shot up like a spring to wrap her arms around Frank's neck and kissed him excitedly. Everyone in the crowd stood and clapped for the happy couple. I looked out into the crowd and saw Lily and Marlene looking fondly to their respective boyfriend cuddling close next to them. I smiled and then look at Sirius who was looking straight at me with a large smiled. I smiled back and shot him a quick wink.

Frank and Alice separated both with wide smiles and looked out to their friends and family and began the procession back down the aisle. Everyone threw rice up over them as they went looking lovingly into each other's eyes. Spencer and I linked arms next and followed them.

"You're next right?" I tease nudging him. He rolled his eyes and we kept walking. We then proceeded to a few pictures done before heading into the reception. I found my friends waiting for me at a table and I made my way towards them. "I'm back," I said sitting down. "Sorry it took longer than I expected. Alice's maid of honor has the flu or something so I had to step up."

"We didn't really miss you that much," Sirius teased. I hit him on the shoulder and began a conversation with Lily and Marlene. Soon there was an announcement that we could start to wait in line for food. Alice and Frank had chosen a barbeque style buffet which in my opinion was adorable. Once everyone was seated the speeches were given. Alice's father gave one along with Franks mum, Spencer, and Alice's Cousin Molly.

"Our last speech will be given by Miss. Cassidy Clark," Alice announced once Spencer sat down from his speech. My eyes widened. I had completely forgotten I had to make a speech.

"Knock 'em dead," Sirius whispered as everyone began to clap. I glared at him and picked up my champagne flute and walked over to the small table Alice and Frank sat at.

"Umm hi," I said addressing the crowd. "I was deemed Alice's maid of honor literally 20 minutes before she walked down the aisle so I haven't had much time to make a speech so this is me winging it. Sorry in advanced." Luckily this got a small chuckle out of the crowd. I smiled at the encouragement and went on.

"I met Alice when I was a tiny first year on my way to Hogwarts back in 1971," I continued. "I was trying to find the loo to wash my hands face after my best friend James had threw multiple pumpkin pasties at me because I called him a 'hopeless romantic'. He still is mind you. And when I couldn't find it I began to cry because some older students were making fun of me. Well, in swoops the big bad Alice Prewett telling them to bugger off. She then showed me to the loo and helped me clean up. Later that night when I was sorted into Gryffindor she showed me and my mates our room and told us if we ever needed anything to just ask. From that day on I knew I had just found a friend for a life time.

"Alice had introduced me to Frank later that year and from the second I saw the two in the same room together I could tell he was in love with her. You could see it in the way he talked to her, about her and how he looked at her when they talked or when they were in completely separate parts of the room. So when they began dating in their 4th year it was no surprise to me nor was it a surprise when they got engaged earlier this year.

"Alice and Frank have been a part of my life for so long and I can't bear to see a time when they aren't. Congratulations you guys, I wish you many happy years to come. To Frank and Alice!" I cheered.

"To Frank and Alice!" Everyone responded back. Alice stood up and gave me a teary hug and then moved aside to let Frank do the same.

"Now that wasn't so bad was it," Sirius said as I sat down. I took his champagne glass out of his hand and downed it then James' as well.

"Screw you," I said making a face as the alcohol slide down my throat. Everyone began to eat and drink making conversation on how the wedding was going so far. After everyone had eaten people began to make their way to the dance floor. I was conversing with Marlene when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Care to dance sis?" Spencer asked. I smiled and nodded taking his hand. We made our way to the dance floor and I placed a hand on his shoulder and held the other in my other hand.

"Nice wedding isn't it?" he asked.

"It is," I agreed. "I like that it's so small and not some big ordeal."

"Are we going to be seeing another wedding like this in the future?" he teased.

"Maybe," I said smiling. We were silent for a few moments until Spencer spoke again.

"Where do you see yourself in the next few years Cassidy," Spencer asked. "I mean what do you think you'll be doing after you graduate?"

"Honestly," I began. "I don't really know. I hope I'll be working as a lawyer, living on my own or with another flat mate. Dating Sirius, maybe get engaged. Maybe I'll get a –"

"Wait what?" Spencer said interrupting me. "Engaged. To Sirius? Are you for real?"

"Weren't you the one pushing me to go out with him just the other day?" I asked. "I mean obviously we'll date for a year or so and then maybe get married and whatever."

"Sirius? Sirius Black?" he hissed as he stopped dancing. "Are you having a stroke? You can't marry him!" I looked at him in shock and stepped back.

"And why not?" I asked trying to size him up. He looked around and grabbed my hand taking me away from the wedding to the living room of the house.

"I've known guys like him my whole life Cassidy," he began. "He's a player, he just uses women for their bodies and then drops them when the next best thing comes along. He's not marriage material. You can't marry him or even think about it."

"That's not your decision Spencer," I exclaimed. "You are not my keeper and you certainly not dad so back the hell off!" I made a move to leave but he caught my arm.

"Ok no I'm not dad," he said calmly. "But since he's not here I have to look into the best interest for you and your best bet for now is to just stay away from Sirius."

"You can't stop me from being with him Spencer," I told him. "And besides dad would want me to be happy and Sirius… he makes me happy! If I want to be with him that's between me and him and nobody else! Get that through your thick skull!" And with that I stormed out of the house and into a seclude garden off the edge of the house.

So Cassi has now admitted to wanting to be with Sirius...hmmmm. Well next chapter will be fabulous so stay tuned! And thanks to all the people who have been following this story! See you next time!

XOXO,

SophieElizabeth