Turbulence

Chapter Twenty Six - Never Leave Me

Some cute little feelsy bits and a mysterious, unwelcomed guest at the wedding. Happy reading! Hope you enjoy it xxx

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The long car ride to the church had Lily in a state of nervousness. She didn’t even know why she was so anxious. It was Petunia who should be nervous, but Lily just had an uneasy, strange feeling in her stomach. She was just waiting for something to go wrong.

James was feeling the same, but not quite for the same reasons; Lily was worried about the wedding and making Petunia upset. James was worried about the smell under his nose – the smell of danger.

They pulled up outside the church and piled out of the car. Lily could see many people from her childhood walking in with their families. She also spotted a couple of friends and family members she hadn’t seen since before Hogwarts times.

James linked his hand with Lily’s, his eyes darting around suspiciously. He was on the lookout for anything odd or anyone out of place, but so far, nothing. Lily could see how jumpy he was but she wasn’t sure why. She squeezed his hand reassuringly and walking into the church alongside her parents.

It was an old-fashioned church with high ceilings and ancient, beautiful stained-glass windows. Lily wasn’t a bridesmaid so she sat in the front row with her mum and James.

More and more peopled filled in and soon all the rows were full. They didn’t have to wait long until Vernon and his friends arrived, waddling up to the front. They were all as large or as troll-looking as Vernon, looking like cheeseburgers dressed in black suits.

As soon as the priest stepped onto his podium, music started playing and the doors opened. In walked Petunia, escorted by Mr Evans who was beaming at the crowd proudly. Petunia’s dress was plain white and strapless, with a long train and veil. She had insisted that her mother’s wedding dress was too old and ugly, so she bought herself a new one.

Petunia glided up to Vernon and kissed her dad on the cheek. As soon as Petunia and Vernon held hands, awaiting the priest’s speech, Lily’s mother burst into tears next to them, clinging to her husband’s arm.

Lily imagined herself and James up there. She smiled to herself.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love of Petunia Evans and Vernon Dursley,” the priest began. He went on to say more but James tuned out.

He looked down at Lily’s hand, entwined with his. He could definitely imagine himself up there marrying Lily. He felt a chill that ran through his while body, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He felt as though he was being watched. His heart pounded.

James looked over his shoulder slowly and his eyes immediately looked onto a man with a rough, unshaven face and a scar that ran across his eye. The man was looking straight at him.

James pretended not to take notice and looked back around. He squeezed Lily’s hand and bent down to her ear. “Don’t look but there’s someone watching us. This needs to end quickly.” He whispered.

She looked up at him, her eyes wide and scared. “There’s nothing we can do. Petunia wouldn’t listen to me anyway. She would hate me if I ruined this.” Lily whispered back hurriedly.

“She won’t hate you once we save her and her guests.” James said back.

Lily bit her lip. “Let’s just see what he does first.” She said shortly. She turned back to the priest, who was now instructing Petunia and Vernon to exchange their vows.

Vernon started first, mumbling nonsense to Petunia. She seemed to think it was sweet because she had tears streaming down her face. Then it was her turn.