A/N: Hello! I've been gone a while, I know. I haven't given up on this story. For the past few weeks, I've had a serious case of writer's block and went into the phase of 'I hate life, I hate this, I'm terrible at everything and I'm failing at life in general'. But that's all in the past now. It's just part of being a writer.

Anyway, I hope you're enjoying the new year and that your Valentine's Day was okay, for those who spent it alone like me, I hope you realised that a lot of strong book characters don't need a man or a woman (e.g. Reyna, Thalia... I'm sure there's more and not just from the PJO fandom) to be awesome.

Thank you so very much for all the love and support, I seriously appreciate it and I would have given up ages ago if it weren't for all the support I've had. Thank you to my sister, who's been incredibly understanding (mostly).

I do not own the Harry Potter Franchise, no copyright infringement is intended, all credit to J K Rowling and I make no profit from this story.

I'm sorry this is so long, please enjoy and have a wonderful day!

26th JULY 1978

THE WEDDING OF LILY EVANS AND JAMES POTTER

LILY'S P.O.V

I'm so incredibly nervous that even breathing has become difficult. I'm marrying James Potter, the love of my life, in approximately three hours' time!

"Whoa, Lils! You really need to calm down," Alice says, watching me pace about the McKinnon Mansion (previously Lightwood Mansion) kitchen from over her book.

"I can't calm down! Where's Mar?"

"Mar will be over in a minute, you asked for chocolate, remember? Mar went to go and get some. Now will you please sit down?"

"Alright," I concede and sit down, fidgeting.

Alice reads her book quietly for about thirty seconds before she puts it down in a highly melodramatic manner.

"For my sanity, good Merlin, please just chill. There's nothing to be worried about, you love James, he loves you. This is going to be a wonderful day for you both. You just need to relax and enjoy it."

"You're right, it's just… I don't know! I'm excited as well and then I'm terrified. After the wedding, we've got about maybe two days before we need to start fighting with the Order and kill Death Eaters… It's one thing after another, there's no time to do consider anything at all and then here I am with three hours doing absolutely nothing," I get up again.

"You're not doing nothing, aren't you supposed to be sorting out the transport?"

"No," I shake my head, "we decided just to Apparate there. It's quicker, after all."

"Who's Best Man?" Alice asks.

"Sirius. Then you and Mar are my bridesmaids."

"Who's your Maid of Honour?"

"It was going to be my sister but…"I sigh, sinking back into one of the plush armchairs.

"But she's not coming, is she?"

"No, she and Vernon refused. She said she'd rather die than be seen at a 'freak show'."

"Forget her, Lil. You don't want her there. Let her and the pompous weasel live their mundane lives alone in Surrey."

"Not alone for much longer," I say, smiling with effort.

"What d'you mean?" Alice asks, leaning forward curiously.

"They've been talking about having a baby."

"Really?"

"Mhm."

"Well I feel sorry for the poor child," Alice says, "Merlin help them."

"Of course we've still got to have children, don't we?" I say, looking up at Alice.

"Yeah. I really don't know how I'm going to do it. The deadline for conceiving a child is 1985 –"

"I thought it was sooner."

"It was, but they extended it. They want as many people fighting this war as possible, after all. Remus is lovely but I don't want to marry him. I certainly don't want to bear his children in any case."

"Maybe you won't have to. I heard someone say the Ministry may revoke the law after they've seen how greatly this is going to impact society –and not in a good way."

"I hope so, support for the Ministry is definitely dwindling."

Mar closes the door of the Mansion and comes into the kitchen.

"Are you excited?" she asks, handing me some chocolate.

"A little."

"A little?" Alice frowns, "she was a jittering buzz of excitement. She would not sit still."

"I'm sorry, is my anticipation and enthusiasm for what will be one of the most important days in my life, bothering you?" I ask her, my tone oozing sarcasm.

"Easy, easy. Save the spite for the Death Eaters," Alice says.

"Yeah," I sigh, "I feel so useless sitting here."

"You are useless," Mar teases.

"Says you."

"Yes, says me. I'm meeting Sirius in a few minutes, are you going to be okay whilst I'm gone?"

"What could possibly go wrong in your absence?"

"Well I don't know, you might smash something with your zeal and fervour."

I snort. "Whilst you're gone, things are more likely to go right."

"And what exactly are you trying to say?" Mar puts her hands on her hips.

"Nothing, nothing," I smile.

"That's what I thought," Mar says, smiling too. "See you later, I'll be back soon so I can help you get ready."

"Don't worry about that, I've got Alice. You go and spend some time with the love of your life."

"I'll be back soon," Mar says, ignoring me, "and, for your information, Sirius and I are deeply and utterly serious."

"That's what you said about Frank," I say.

"And Oleander," Alice adds.

"Who the hell is Oleander?" Mar asks, bemused.

"Exactly," Alice says, turning back to her book.

"Rude," Mar says, "I'm going now."

The door clicks behind Mar and I'm left alone in the kitchen with my best friend who is completely absorbed in her book. Great. I wonder how James is feeling right now.

JAMES' P.O.V

12 GRIMMAULD PLACE

"Your house is greatly depressing," I note as Padfoot re-casts the wards and spells protecting the house.

Myself and the other Marauders stand awkwardly in the hallway, taking in the severed heads of house elves lining the walls, the dusty and grimy portraits and pictures, the dirty curtains that drape half-way across windows smeared with slime and filth and the collection of peculiar, priceless –and most probably cursed- Black Family artefacts and objects.

"Yeah well I haven't exactly had a chance to redecorate, have I?" Padfoot says, closing the door, making the house look even gloomier now that the beautiful summer's day has been shut out.

He wipes his feet on the mat, sending clouds of dust into the air.

"Shall we go upstairs?" he says, clomping up the stairs, sending shudders throughout the house.

Once we enter his room, I begin to appreciate just how desperate he was to move away. Thousands of pictures line the walls, each one of the Marauders and a few of all of us plus Lily, Mar and Alice. It's very touching, actually. Gryffindor banners and posters are stuck on the remaining wall space and the window has faded red and gold linen curtains. It's the cosiest room in the entire house.

Padfoot sits down on his bed and looks around the room.

"I'll go and get some drinks? Firewisky, anybody?" he asks, getting up again.

"It's only ten in the morning, Padfoot," Moony says.

"I'll have some tea," I say. Padfoot's eyebrows shoot up.

"Tea?"

"Yeah, is that a problem?"

"No, you just don't seem like a tea sort of person."

"Lily introduced me to it."

"Okay, one tea. What about you Moony?"

"Water's fine," Moony says.

"Okay, you might need to purify it, though. The water's possibly coming directly from the sewers now."

"I'll have a Butterbeer," Wormtail squeaks.

"In this weather?" Padfoot says sceptically.

"Why not? Prongs is having tea."

"Alright, I'll be back in a second."

Padfoot leaves with a sharp crack.

"Poor Padfoot," Moony murmurs as soon as he's gone.

"I know," I say as I sit down on a mound of clothes.

"Living in this house… no wonder he came to live with you."

"Mhm, imagine what it was like living with his family."

"Awful," Moony winces, "it makes you wonder, doesn't it?"

"Wonder what?"

"Why some people are good people no matter what their background and others aren't good people even though they do have a healthy background."

"Padfoot's strong, though. It would take something Earth-shaking to unbalance him."

"Are you looking forward to your wedding?"

"Am I?" I splutter disbelievingly, "I've been thinking of little else."

Which is true. In just a few hours, I'll be married to Lily Evans. It's a shame my parents won't be there to see one of the happiest moments of my life.

"You're lucky, Prongs," Moony says, "She's an incredible girl."

"She is. How's Alice, by the way?"

"Good? I don't know."

Padfoot appears with a softer crack.

"Still sleeping in separate beds?" Padfoot asks, grinning.

"Obviously," Moony says, exasperated.

"Well that explains it. What were you talking about whilst I was gone?"

"Erm, we were talking about…" Moony stutters.

"About jobs," I say suddenly.

"Jobs?" Padfoot frowns.

"Yes, jobs, and about how I'm unemployable because of my werewolf status," Moony says hurriedly.

"And then I said that I'd financially support Moony as well as myself - which I can do because of the fortune my parents have accumulated and left me."

"Which means we can focus on defeating Death Eaters and not worry about employment," Moony finishes.

"Right…" Padfoot looks at us suspiciously.

"Right," I repeat, trying not to make eye contact.

"You know, I don't care if you were talking about how hot Marlene and I are together."

I snort.

"Nobody but you thinks the two of you are hot together," I say.

"But," Padfoot ignores me, "if you were talking about how hot Marlene is, we're going to have problems."

"I assure you, we were not talking about your girlfriend," Moony says, smiling.

"Yeah, we were talking about how hot we think you are," I joke.

"Aw, come on Prongsie, I'm flattered but I have Marlene who is, and don't take this the wrong way, but much more attractive than you."

"I'm insulted. We all know I am the most attractive person in this world."

"What we all know is that you think you're the most attractive person in the world," Moony mutters.

I scowl at him, but let it go.

"Lily thinks I'm the most handsome guy she's ever seen," I say.

"Oh does she?" Padfoot smirks, "so she's completely forgotten the Giant Squid?"

"Yes. That squid is no more."

"You didn't kill it, did you? You know what she thinks about killing innocent creatures."

"No, I didn't kill it. I wouldn't dare. Can you imagine what she'd do to me?"

"Hang you by your toes over a volcano and let Flobberworms eat your insides," Padfoot suggests.

"Or maybe she'd forgive me," I say.

"Doubt it," Moony replies.

"Why? I am her soulmate, her other half, her one true love –"

"- and for many years, she completely hated you," Moony says, pointedly.

"Yes, but I won her over in the end, right? I could do the same in this situation."

"If you're not already dead," Padfoot points out, much too gleefully for my liking.

"Can we please stop talking about my death? It's actually quite unsettling that you all talk about it so casually."

"Have a bit of humour, Prongs. We all know the Lily-flower would never hurt you in any way under any circumstances," Padfoot says.

"What about you and McKinnon? Would she ever kill you?"

"Hmm… I don't know. She kills me every night –"

"Okay, okay, that's too much information," Moony cuts in.

"How is it? I didn't even say anything," Padfoot sulks.

"I just don't need to know what you and McKinnon get up to in the dark hours of the night."

"And day," Padfoot adds, "or pretty much any time really. As a matter of fact, she's coming around soon so you guys need to scram."

"We've only been here a few minutes," I frown, but stand up as we all head for the landing.

"I know and I'm sorry. I'll see you later at your wedding, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't be late."

"Well that all depends on the next few moments really," Padfoot says, smirking.

"What d'you mean?" Wormtail asks.

"Sex, Wormtail. I don't know how good Clearwater is but if she's so good you don't even remember it…"

"How would you know Clearwater's had intercourse with Wormtail?" Moony frowns.

"Come on, Moony, this is Melanie Clearwater we're talking about. She's done it with pretty much every guy in our year and above and below, disturbingly."

"I would know," I say.

"Is she any good?" Padfoot asks, amusedly as we walk down the stairs.

"I wouldn't like to say…"

"Go on, Prongsie, I'll tell you my experience if you tell us yours."

"Wait, when did you and Clearwater…?" I stop walking down the corridor and turn to face Padfoot.

"Well…"

"Go on," I say, narrowing my eyes.

"Promise you won't get angry?"

"No."

We walk to the bottom of the stairs and I resume staring him down.

"Fine. It was about two days before you dumped her the first time."

"You had sex with her whilst I was still going out with her?"

"She ambushed me! What was I supposed to do?"

"Erm, not have sex with her?"

"I suppose but I was 15 or something."

"That's disgusting."

"Like you were any better."

"I was!"

"Really? What about when I was with Hermia?"

"We only kissed and it really wasn't much of a big deal."

"It's not like I kissed Lily."

"Have you?"

"Be serious, Prongs. This is Lily Evans. She'd skin me alive."

"I'd do worse."

"You snogged Marlene!"

"In fifth year in the summer holidays! When are you going to get over that?"

"If it were Lily, would you ever get over it?"

"No! Maybe? I don't know!"

"Then I don't know why you're so wound up about me sleeping with a girlfriend you never loved or cared for!"

"I did… that's not true –I cared, I did care…"

"You didn't Prongs. Those girls meant nothing to you and don't pretend that they did."

"Then it's the same with you! You didn't care about your affairs."

"Yes, but the difference is that I don't pretend to be the nice guy who always loves. I hope Lily knows what she's got herself in for because if you kick her out like you did with all the others, it's not just her and Moony you'll have to deal with."

"Like I'd kick her out," I mutter.

We stand in silence as the tension in the air drops slowly.

"Sorry," I look up from the floor, "I shouldn't have said any of that. I really am sorry for getting angry. You're right, I didn't care but Lily is different, she's not like the others –"

"Yeah I know," Padfoot cuts in, "and I'm sorry too. And sorry Wormtail for badmouthing about your girlfriend. I'm sure she's a very nice person."

"Not really," Wormtail pipes up, he has been watching our display from the shadows so quietly, I forgot he was there. "She's really not very nice at all."

"Oh," Padfoot says.

"We should go," I say, "see you at the wedding."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world and all its celestial treasure," Padfoot says.

THE WEDDING

LILY'S P.O.V

Five minutes to go…

"… hold still, I'm going to poke your eye out if you're not careful!"

"It's fine, Mar, really. I'm sure it looks amazing. My hair is fine."

"It just needs a bit more done in the back…"

I sigh. The dress I am wearing is my mother's, which was in my sister's possession for a while as she was styling her own dress on the one belonging to my mother. Petunia let me borrow it for the wedding. It's a lovely dress with soft silk and satin in the bodice and a long and very extravagant skirt made up of many layers. At some point (the dress has been handed down for many generations), there were lace sleeves but now the dress in strapless which is slightly terrifying. The shoes I'm wearing are Marlene's and quite high, which is also terrifying. Marlene's been doing my hair (against my wishes) and has pulled it up in some sophisticated style with pearls twisted into it. I haven't actually seen what I look like but it's not like it matters. Only the love of my life, the Marauders and Mar and Alice are going to see me.

Three minutes to go…

I head to the door. On the other side, the Marauders and Mar and Alice are waiting. I tremble slightly then mentally slap myself for being so nervous and girly.

One minute to go…

What if I trip in these ridiculous shoes? Or stumble on the steps or fall down the aisle? What if my voice comes out all croaky when I have to speak? Oh dear, I'm overthinking this now.

Thirty seconds to go…

Deep breaths. Think of James…. That stupid man who's so incredibly gorgeous and clever and reckless and decisive and protective... James, who I love so much.

Three seconds to go…

It's almost time and I'm shaking.

Then the music starts up, the doors open and I walk down the aisle, with Remus at my side.

SEVERUS' P.O.V

Narcissa had a miscarriage.

She told me this morning, with tears rushing down her face. They're going to try again. I'm concerned, I don't know if Narcissa will be able to go through it all again. It just doesn't seem fair, so many women who don't want children, get them and they abuse them and abandon them and then there are women like Narcissa, who have been longing for a family since they were children and yet it doesn't happen. She is hopeful. I think she is foolish.

I don't have my hopes up. I never do, unless it concerns Lily. I have a new plan. I'm going to become a double agent. I will work for the Dark Lord and Dumbledore, giving information on the other to the other. My true loyalties, of course, lie with the Dark Lord. I have something he wants, inside information on Dumbledore. He cannot get this service through force. All I have to do is win over Dumbledore's loyalties –become a Professor, perhaps in Defence Against the Dark Arts, and the Dark Lord will have no choice but to spare Lily's life. A bargaining chip, if you will.

I will not advertise this service as such. I will simply offer to give him information on Dumbledore and the inside motives of the Order. He knows nobody works for free, unless you are Bellatrix Black, of course. He may not agree but he would be a fool to turn it down.

My only wish is for Lily to be safe. I wish it every night, a soft whisper on my lips. She doesn't love me and I doubt she ever will but I will never forgive myself if she dies. If she dies, I see no point in carrying on. The whole world can burn for all I care.

I've heard rumours of her marriage to James Potter. I don't disbelieve their truth. She has grown to love him as I love her. What a cruel game this to play, I don't think I shall be playing for much longer. The game is old and tiring. A blunt circle of repetitions, going around and around… but I love her still.

JAMES' P.O.V

THE WEDDING

The doors open and Lily and Moony enter. Lily Evans, dressed in what can only be described as moonlight and silk, walks down the aisle. I get that love isn't all about looks and it's a cliché to say it but still… she's beautiful. Probably the most beautiful thing about her is that she has no idea how beautiful she is. And it's not a beautiful as in 'really pretty', it's a beautiful as in awe-inspiring and scary. Like a numinous experience but without the God. And it's right there and then when I finally understand what is meant by beautiful. She's not model-like beautiful, random stranger beautiful but the kind of beauty which is only established when you truly love somebody. It's like her soul and her personality is shining through, which makes her even more mesmerising. She catches my eye, I see worry, nervousness, fright and excitement flash in her green eyes. I smile and she smiles her wonderful smile and I see her relax.

I barely hear the vicar as he goes on about his speech, of course I say 'I do' at the right time and so does she. I'm too busy staring at her.

"….and I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I take her in my arms and kiss her, but in a publicly suitable kind of way. It's not a peck, but not a full-blown snog either.

I lift her up, bridal style, and carry her to outside the chapel.

"We're married," she whispers in my ear.

"I know."

"I don't feel much different."

"I do."

"How?"

"I don't know, I love you, Lily."

"Well, obviously," she rolls her eyes, "I love you too."