ALWAYS

The Wedding

Lily and James walked down to the breakfast table, to the amusing chatter and banter of Dorea, Charlus, Sirius and Marlene (she stayed over after the party yesterday). They joined in, and talked for sometime, when Dorea interrupted them all of a sudden. "James, Lily, dears, when are you planning on getting married?" she asked them. They looked at each other confused. They didn't think that they would be asked to decide so soon. But at an impulse, James blurted out, "Tomorrow". Lily looked at him in shock. Tomorrow? Was James out of his mind? Where were they supposed to find a dress, the decorations, the cake and what not ? "But we have that meeting with Dumbledore tomorrow don't we?", Lily said, hoping that she could buy some more time. "Oh, Dumbledore and his plans. I agree it is important, but I am sure he can push it to day after. I'll talk to him. " assured Charlus. Dorea met with Lily's eyes. And only a mother could understand what that look meant. She went to the hall, asking Lily to help her with a particularly heavy box. Lily followed, wondering why she wouldn't use magic and get it over with. But there wasn't a box. Dorea pulled Lily into a hug.

"I know this might be too fast for you dear, but as a mother, not only to James, but yours I think this is the best. With all that is going on outside, it's best to cherish the happy, peaceful moments before they are long gone."Lily nodded. She understood what Dorea meant. She took a minute to take a deep breathe, let the fact that she was getting married,tomorrow, sink in and smiled at Dorea. She walked back in, and pulled James into a hug. He hugged her back awkwardly, "I love you too Lils" he said. Lily chuckled and said, "No, James, let's get married. Tomorrow" she said. James looked at her shocked. He didn't believe it. He was sure that Lily would want some more time, but he was happy. "Lets do this" he said.

"And while we are on the topic, Marlene, will you be my maid of honour?" asked Lily as the four friends were taking a stroll around Potter Manor, to briefly plan the wedding. Marlene looked surprised, yet ecstatic. "Yes, Lily I would love to !" exclaimed Marlene. The girls squealed with joy as they hugged each other. James looked at Sirius, with the will you be my best man look on his face, and Sirius nodded giving him the yes, I will be your best man look. And Sirius patted James on the shoulder, as they continued to walk. They walked around for an hour, discussing about guests, seating arrangements and decoration. They decided that they wanted a small intimate gathering, and simple, but according to Lily dreamy decorations. And as they finalised these, Marlene gasped, "Lil, your wedding dress" she said, reminding Lily too of the most important thing, "Oh my god, My mums must be in my house." she said, looking sad and nervous. "Say no more Lils, as Maid of honour it will be my pleasure to go to your house, where your awfully unpleasant sister resides, to go, get your wedding dress." she said, with an air of importance. "Oh, Thank Melin" said Lily, in an equally thankful, yet sarcastic tone. With this Marlene vanished into thin air, probably apparated to Lily's house and the rest of them broke apart. Lily went to her room, and James to his.

An hour later, Lily was trying on her wedding dress and Marlene looked at her, fascinated. It was lovely. The white wedding gown traced all of Lily's curves, her eyes shone out and her hair looked amazing. The dress made her look like an angel. "Lil, you look amazing." she said. Lily smiled awkwardly. Just then Dorea and McGonagall walked in, and stopped to gaze at Lily in awe. "Hi" she waved, nervously. "Lily darling, you look amazing" said Dorea pulling her into a hug. "Yes, this dress looks like it was made just for you" complimented McGonagall. Dorea turned around, for Charlus was calling out to her, "Start getting ready dear, the Ceremony will start in some time" she said, before bustling out. McGonagall too was about to leave when Lily stopped her. "Professor?". She turned around, "Minerva will do dear" she said. "Minerva, I was wondering if you- um- you know.... since my parents-...um .. you know what never mind" she said, waving her hand. Minerva gently came forward, and held Lily's hand in hers and said, "It would be my honour to give you away Lily" she said, tears swimming in her eyes. Lily looked at her, happy and amazed that McGonagall had understood what she was trying to ask her.