That summer was eerily blissful, James and Sirius spent days in the Potter's Garden tinkering with Sirius's bike in an attempt to make it fly, Remus and Peter both visited for over a week and Lily stayed for three. The five of them took trips into London, spent a weekend camping in the countryside, took several day trips to the beach. The Potter's home had become a youth hostel for post-NEWTS- just about-ex Hogwarts students who weren't sure what to do with themselves; Mrs Potter loved having them all there filling the house with noise and laughter and youth.
The papers were displaying more disappearances and more deaths; He Who Must Not Be Named was gaining more followers and more power; which meant that more groups were meeting in secret to prepare for what seemed like the beginnings of a war. This is how James Potter found himself in a cottage in the middle of the British country side, next to his best friends and girlfriend; with their old headmaster standing in front of them and a group of other mismatched witches and wizards.
James recognised a few people from Hogwarts; Frank and Alice Longbottom newlyweds two years older than James and fresh out of Auror training, they had met at school and been together ever since. There were a few other people he recognised from his younger days at Hogwarts and suddenly he didn't feel so confident and bold any more, he felt like a child again, with all these experienced witches and wizards surrounding him. He noticed that even Rubeus Hagrid, the Hogwarts game keeper was there.
Albus Dumbledore stood before the group of people and spoke, his wand pointed at his throat to amplify his voice slightly. "Thank you all for coming here today." The group fell silent. James put his arm around Lily and glanced his friends; he was unsure what was going to happen next. "As you know, Lord Voldemort,"- There was a murmured disturbance -shock at the use of the dark wizards name, Dumbledore continued regardless- "Is getting stronger; he is gaining followers by the day. He is preparing for war and I believe we need act too. I propose the foundation of this group be built on preventing harm and protecting the innocent. The Order of the Phoenix shall prepare to fight, if necessary, against Voldemort and his followers. However we will need people of our own, there is always strength in numbers-!"
As Dumbledore spoke, they listened; James suddenly inspired and reassured surrounded by this group of people ready to stand up for what was right. That meeting was declared the first official meeting of 'The Order of the Phoenix' and a picture was taken to remember that moment, to cement it in History.
Once the meeting had ended, Sirius hung back to speak to Dumbledore about Regulus, so the other Marauders waited for him, hoping too that they may be something Dumbledore could do to help the young Black. James had an arm around Lily who was looked at him with a slight frown. "What's wrong?" He asked her quietly so that no one else could here.
Lily hesitated for a moment before resting her head on his shoulder and whispering "I know we're doing the right thing and I want to. It's just- I'm scared I don't want to lose you."
James nodded and closed his eyes, fighting back tears, glad that most of the other members had left already. He wrapped both of his arms around her and whispered "I know, but I promise I'll do everything I can to keep you safe, forever."
Shuffling uncomfortably in the muggle suit, in the stifling heat, James Potter couldn't help but think how bizarre this all was. Just a day ago he had been at yet another Order of the phoenix meeting learning- and in some cases, teaching- advanced defensive spells; and today he stood in the midday sun, in a black muggle suit about to watch his girlfriend's sister get married. Despite the Bride and Groom's best efforts Lily and James and been roped into the last minute wedding preparations, including the job of directing everyone into the church from the carpark, a job which James had been unfortunate enough to receive. So now he stood contemplating the vast difference of today, with yesterday; waiting to direct the last of the Evans or Dursley family and friends up to the church.
As the last few guest arrived- late- James began to slowly make his way up the cobbled church pathway, his feet rubbing in the new muggle dress shoes, James found himself yearning to be in his dress robes, clothes he felt extremely more natural in. He was only a few feet from the church's entrance when Lily appeared , "Come on!" She hissed. "It's going to start," James rushed towards the door but hobbled because of the pain of his tight shoes, they both laughed.
"You okay?" James asked, as they slipped through the doorway and into the cool church.
Lily shrugged "'Tuni didn't like me being in the back room with her while she was getting ready but Mum calmed her down. It was nice to at least be in the room, I guess." She shrugged.
James squeezed her hand and smiled reassuringly, as they entered the now filled church. Mrs Evans was gesturing from the front row, the young couple rushed forward to take seats beside the Evans family.
Venom walked into the church with his best man, he was wearing a close fitting suit that didn't do his large stature any favours. He looked pompous, as always; the moustache he had been growing was thicker now and looked like a caterpillar on his top lip. He strutted up the aisle, this large frame wobbling. He stood and the audience in the church whispered amongst themselves; until the wedding march began to play and a hush fell over the church as all heads turned to watch Petunia and her bridesmaids walk down the aisle.
She was wearing a floor length, ball gown white dress. The skirt was large and frilly, her bosom amplified by a tight bodice. She wore slightly exaggerated make up with her hair curled around her face. For a young woman who spent most of her life scowling she looked exceptionally pretty. Lily was gripping James's hand so tightly, fighting back tears. To her right her mother sobbed into a handkerchief. The bridesmaid, three of Petunia's school friends, walked behind her, beaming at the people they recognised, absorbing the brief attention they were receiving.
The Ceremony was traditional and simple; they didn't make their own vows. James sat quietly trying to look politely interested, Lily seemed emotional and James knew it must have been hard for her to watch her sister get married and not be beside her. He was intrigued by the mundane way muggles declared their love for one another. He'd only been to a few wizarding wedding but knew them to be much livelier, exciting affairs.
Once the ceremony had finished they made their way down to the local hotel where the reception and meal where being held. The hall was large and decorated in pink and cream colours and flowers. There was a stage where a band were due to play later. Round tables were arranged for up to six people, except from the long top table that James and Lily found themselves excluded from. "Oh, I'm sorry," Petunia gushed her tone sarcastic, when Lily asked her why they weren't seated with her. "Just what with Mum, Dad, my bridesmaids, Vernon's best man, parents and sister we just didn't have room for both of you!" She emphasised 'both' with a look at James.
"Fine," He replied calmly, "We'll sit separately so Lily can share this time with you." His hand was at the small of her back he applied pressure lightly to urge her forward but Lily looked round at him alarmed.
"No, Jamie, if Petunia can't make space for us both them its fine." She looked at her sister, "We'll take our assigned seats don't worry. I've told you before Tuni if you want me you get James too, regardless of what you think about either of our life choices."
Petunia made a little "humph" noise and turned her back on her sister and strode back to the top table.
They made their way across the hall to their table, "You didn't have to do that." James said quietly as he held Lily's seat out for her.
"Yes, I did." Lily said her tone said she was both angry and upset. "She won't accept me or you, let alone our world. And I'm here trying to make peace with her and have a nice day and she has no idea what we're going through at the moment! She has no idea war has broken out. She doesn't care to ask what we plan to do now we've finished at Hogwarts. What the hell is wrong with her? She won't even know or care if anything happened to me, us, in our fight against You Know Who!"
"Lily," James said carefully as he sat down beside her. He took her hand. "You know that's not true, She wouldn't want any harm to come to you and as for the fight against You Know Who, she isn't from our world even if she did ask and you told her she wouldn't understand the seriousness of it. How could she? How could any of these people?" He waved his hand at the tables full of muggles. "It's not their world."