Chapter 126

Wedding Bliss

Looking in the mirror in her room, Lily did a twirl in her dress, a long flowing emerald dress, similar to what she had worn to the Yule Ball. This time, she didn't need breast forms as her own breasts had developed nicely over the last two years. The potions had given her a puberty, and she loved the way she looked, felt, and even sounded. She couldn't believe this was how she was looking.

She had to admit, she was curious as to how the new potion would affect her. She had spoken to Ginny before falling asleep, and whilst she knew what Draco had said was right, it still bothered her that Snape was helping her, even after everything he had done. But as Draco had said, she couldn't let Snape take her future away, just because he made the potion. He had, after all, helped make the potions she had been taking up to now anyway.

As she checked her reflection once more, she turned, seeing Sirius in her doorway, smiling at her.

"Mind if I come in, Kiddo?" Sirius asked.

"Sure," Lily agreed, pointing to her chair. "You look amazing, Uncle Sirius."

"I know, I'm always hot," Sirius agreed, giggling as he sat down. "How are you feeling?"

"That's supposed to be my question to you, old man," Lily teased. "After all, you're the one getting married today."

"I know. It still doesn't feel real, not entirely. I mean, this happiness is… damn, I want this happiness to stay forever, and with the darkness growing, there's so much we need to do," Sirius said.

"I know, but right now, the only thing that matters is you getting married," Lily told her. "I don't want you worrying about anything else today, or I'll tell Mrs. Weasley."

Sirius laughed as he took Lily's hand. "I know you would, and she'd be very upset," Sirius said, smirking. "I'm glad you're gonna be there with me as Remus and I do what we should have done a long time ago."

"Yes, you should have, but Voldemort ruined it. Now, though, he won't ruin today, because if he tries, I'm going to make his death very painful," Lily assured him. Sirius smiled at her.

"And one day in a few years, it'll be your wedding we're attending," Sirius said. "I know that's going to be the wedding of the millennia, with everyone wanting to be there."

"I do not want a public spectacle," Lily replied.

"Sorry Lily Cub, but everyone is gonna want to be there," Sirius pointed out. "But we do have a few years to wait."

"That's for sure. Once we've dealt with Voldemort, Ginny and I want to go on a tour of the world," Lily said.

"Understandable. Let's face it; you deserve it," Sirius said. "After everything you've been through… gods, I know I worried about you every year at Hogwarts, but this is gonna be the toughest year you've ever had, isn't it?"

"You're not wrong, but somehow, I feel ready. I mean, I've fought the bastard multiple times and won, and now we know his secret, so it's not going to be impossible," Lily pointed out.

"No, it isn't. You need to keep hold of that optimism, especially with what's to come," Sirius said. "Things are happening the way they should, I hope."

"It's kinda weird to hear you say that. Snape said the same thing to me when he told me he was the one who betrayed my mum and dad," Lily said.

"We never really spoke about that, did we?" Sirius asked. Lily shook her head.

"Wasn't sure how to talk about it," Lily admitted.

"What did he say?" Sirius asked.

"First, he told me that he'd killed a death eater who found us, and he saved my life when a car almost ran me over," Lily said, sighing softly. "And I believed him. The way he said it, I believed him, and I lowered my damned guard. For all I know, it was just crap to throw me off balance. Sounds like it, anyway."

"Did he say more?" Sirius asked, frowning.

"He said the first part happened when I was seven, you and Aunt Minnie left the house and just chalked it up to paranoia, but after Dumbledore's death, I realised he had to be lying, since the spell Dumbledore used would have kept us hidden," Lily said.

"I think I know what time you're talking about. I remember everything from you growing up, especially when we think we had close calls, and there were only a few of them," Sirius said, looking deep in thought. "We were at the summer house, and when you had gone to sleep, we heard a noise, and there were traces of magic in the air. It didn't make any sense, but we never went back to that house."

"You mean he could be telling the truth?" Lily asked.

"There's a chance, though that doesn't make sense," Sirius replied. "I can't say I understand anything of what he said."

"He said that something bad would happen, but it had to happen. I can't believe any of that though; why would he need to kill Dumbledore?" Lily asked.

"Well, the best thing to do Lily Cub is to forget about it, and if you see him, that's something to deal with later," Sirius told her. "Right now, I want you to focus on the good in your life. You are an amazing young woman, and you've got a great future ahead of you."

"Maybe, but I don't want today to focus on me even a little. It's your day, Uncle Sirius, and you're the one getting married. Are you nervous?" Lily asked. Sirius chuckled.

"Terrified. I can't believe I'm doing something sensible like getting married," Sirius confessed.

"You deserve this. You and Uncle Remus lost far too much time together, and now today you get to make up for it. You're having kids, and the future is yours for the taking," Lily said. She embraced Sirius in a warm hug. "I love you so much, Uncle Sirius. Thank you, for everything."

"It has been my genuine privilege," Sirius replied, holding onto Lily, his eyes closed. "I have been so damned proud to be your Uncle, and Godfather, and getting to raise you. I know your parents would have been as proud of you as I am, for everything you've done, and everything you're going to do."

"That means a lot to me, Uncle Sirius," Lily said softly, kissing his cleanly shaven cheek. "And you've given me everything I could hope for; I love you as if you were my father. You gave me the home I needed."

"You'll always have a home here," Sirius promised.

"Alright, enough mushy stuff, let's get you married," Lily told him, grinning.

As Lily slid into the large tent that had been set up for the wedding, she smiled, seeing Fred and George escorting ladies to their seats, flirting with a couple. Lily rolled her eyes, chuckling as she saw Viktor Krum with Alicia, and Fleur and Hermione talking, so she made her way over to them.

"Looks like today's going to be epic, right?" Lily asked.

"Definitely," Viktor agreed, his voice accented but his words clearer than when Lily had first met him. "It was kind of your uncle to invite us."

"I know he appreciates you for the help you gave me during the Tri Wizard task, and how you've helped us all as part of the Order," Lily said, smiling at him.

"We were talking about the rest of the holidays; Viktor and I are going to stay in a cottage near a beach," Alicia said. "Sort of a pre honeymoon."

"Are you getting married?" Lily asked, her eyes widening.

"In a year or two, yes," Viktor confirmed.

"That's brilliant. Why are you having a pre honeymoon then?" Lily asked. Alicia chuckled, before putting a hand on her belly. "Oh…my…god!" Lily exclaimed, before embracing Alicia in a hug. "Congratulations! You're gonna be an amazing mom!"

"I hope so," Alicia returned the hug, smiling happily. "I hear you're gonna be a big sister?"

"Yep, Uncle Sirius, Uncle Remus, and Aunt Angeline are having babies," Lily confirmed.

"Aunt Angeline?" Alicia asked. Lily nodded.

"Not sure what else to call her, since she's dating Uncle Remus and Uncle Sirius, and having babies. Pretty sure Aunt is the right term," Lily said, chuckling.

"Sounds about right to me," Hermione agreed. "I'm happy for you Lily."

"I'm happy for Uncle Sirius and Remus. Not gonna lie, I've been worried about them lately, knowing they would be alone without me around. I never want to think negatively, but they needed something to focus on, and this will be what they need," Lily said.

"When did they all start dating?" Alicia asked.

"If I had to guess, I'd say around Christmas time. Angeline was there for Christmas, and I suspect they've known each other longer anyway," Lily said.

"How are you feeling, Lily?" Fleur asked.

"Little nervous, this is my first wizarding wedding," Lily said, chuckling. "I mean, I've got a speech ready, though I hope it's good."

"I'm sure it will be," Fleur assured her. "You've got this."

"Thanks, Fleur," Lily smiled at her friend. "It feels nice to have a normal day like this."

"Agreed. It's very much needed," Alicia agreed. "I know there's a lot to do after, but right now, we get to enjoy the day, and just forget about the outside world."

"Kinda the plan," Lily agreed, as Ron and Lavender joined them, followed swiftly by Ginny.

"You look amazing, Lily," Ginny complimented, kissing her.

"So do you, Ginny," Alicia complimented, smiling. "You two make such an adorable couple. It'll be your wedding within a few years, won't it?"

"Uncle Sirius said the same thing earlier, though he did tell me everyone will want to be there," Lily said.

"Well, if this year goes the way we hope it will, you'll be the woman who destroyed You-Know-Who and saved the wizarding world. Everyone will want to know about your wedding, and will want to be here," Alicia agreed.

"Something to look forward to," Lily sighed, rolling her eyes. Alicia chuckled.

"That's why most people elope," Alicia pointed out. Lily giggled.

"I'm not sure Uncle Sirius will forgive me if I deny him the chance to plan my wedding; I know Mrs. Weasley definitely won't," Lily countered.

"Yeah, Mum's already planning your big day," Ron warned. "It's gonna be even bigger than this."

"Maybe they'll get the stadium the Quidditch World Cup was held at," Hermione teased. Lily groaned, though the rest of the group broke out in laughter.

"Okay, let's get the wedding started, shall we?" Lily suggested, seeing Molly looking at her. "I think it's time," she added. Everyone nodded, moving to their seats and places, with Lily taking a breath.

As Scrimgeour sat in his office, he saw the door open, with Pius Thicknesse walking in, smiling. "Ah, Pius, those the new reports?" Scrimgeour asked.

"They are," Thicknesse confirmed, handing a stack of papers to Scrimgeour. "Not going to the wedding today?"

"Can't, as much as I'd love to," Scrimgeour replied. "Too much work to get done."

"Rufus, you deserve a day off as much as anyone," Thicknesse said. "Get out of your damned desk and go and enjoy your day. The ministry isn't going to fall because Rufus Scrimgeour takes a day off."

Scrimgeour chuckled. "How times have changed; used to be I was the one needing to convince you to take a day off," Scrimgeour pointed out.

"Yes, and you succeeded. Now it's my turn to return the favour," Thicknesse said. "Trust me Rufus, I got this. It's, what, three meetings today?"

"Four, but who's counting?" Scrimgeour asked, smirking. He sighed and stood up. "I suppose you're right. Sirius and Remus have become friends, and I should be there."

"I even got you a present to give them," Thicknesse said, summoning a box wrapped up. "Just an ornament, muggle made, based on that TV show you said Black likes, Star Trek?"

"That's the one," Scrimgeour confirmed, accepting the box. "What would I do without you, old friend?"

"All sorts of stupid things, knowing you," Thicknesse smirked. Scrimgeour laughed, patting his friend on the shoulder.

"Alright, the place is yours. Do try not to blow everyone up," Scrimgeour teased. Thicknesse laughed.

"No promises," he replied, laughing before embracing his friend in a hug. "Enjoy your day off, and I'll catch you up in the morning."

"Appreciate this," Scrimgeour said, before heading out of the office, whistling as he did. He made his way to the exit of the ministry, looking at the building once more before he left, feeling confident that everything was okay.

As soon as Thicknesse confirmed Scrimgeour was gone, he closed the door to the office and took a breath. He knew what he needed to do for his Lord, but he didn't relish the idea of killing his friend. Still, with Scrimgeour gone, taking over the Ministry would be easy.

He rolled up his sleeve, and pressed his wand to the dark mark there, summoning both Lord and Lady Voldemort to the office, using a special incantation to do so. As both arrived, Thicknesse knelt down in front of them.

"My Lord, my Lady," Thicknesse greeted. A part of him felt strange at the terms, but he knew this was the right thing to do. "Everything is prepared."

"Tell me, Pius, what do we need to do now?" Lady Voldemort asked.

"The Ministry's power comes from a powerful core below. It can only be accessed from this office, and only by the Minister, or his deputy, but only if the Minister is not within the building. Others can, but only senior members, and only if the Minister or Deputy Minister is dead," Thicknesse explained, as he opened a doorway which led to the heart of the Ministry.

Walking down the staircase, Thicknesse explained how to control the power of the ministry; it was a source of power like none other, which was the source of the ministry's power. It allowed the workers more strength should they need it, and to control the defences of the country, as well as controlling the power of the country.

"Every country has their own source of power; there are many safeguards to prevent their fall, but there has never been anyone as powerful as you. With the two of you, the power will obey you without question," Thicknesse said, as they reached the bottom of the staircase.

"Excellent work, Pius," Lord Voldemort complimented. "This will be a day long remembered as the fall of the old regime, and the rise of the new."

"A long overdue day," Lady Voldemort agreed, as the three of them entered a large room, which contained an orb of light that was similar in size to a tower block.

"Long have I wanted to see this room," Lord Voldemort confessed, as he smiled. "With this strength, we will be unstoppable."

"Indeed," Lady Voldemort agreed. "With one of us, it might have been difficult. With two, this will be a simple matter," she said, extending her wand, as did Lord Voldemort. White lights shot out of their wands, striking the orb, which caused the room to begin to tremble, as the light began to flicker and start to change colour, becoming a deep red as both Voldemort's laughed.

Lady Voldemort smirked as she felt the power surge within her body, strengthening her, making her feel better. This was what true power was, and soon, the world would know that the ministry had fallen to them. Nothing would stand in their way.

Not even Lily Potter.