1979
The screen turned black as all the students spoke in hushed whispers trying to get a look at Lily Evans and James Potter. It was a conflicted feeling for James, he’d pursued this girl for years, and she never gave him the time of day, but now, he knew they’d end up together for sure, but it wouldn’t last either, they’d die too soon, and that was gut wrenching.
A voice appeared through the blank screen, making everyone jump. “Before we go back to little Harry Potter, I’d like to show you all what events had led to him being left on the doorstep, that cold November morning.” James gripped Lily’s hand, having pulled her over to sit with the Marauders, they were both sitting stiffly, terrified for the fate of their little boy. They'd only seen him once on a screen, but immediately they’re hearts were filled with love for the bundle with jet black hair. All around the Great Hall their friends cast worried glances at them both. Just then a timeline appeared on the screen, showing the date 1st November 1981 and quickly moving backwards before stopping in 1979.
1979, Regulus Black (1961-1979)
The Slytherin table started talking in hushed whispers as Evan and Barty both grabbed one of Regulus’ hands each, the trio anxiously looking at the screen, dreading what they were about to see unfold. Regulus looked to the other side of the room, locking eye contact with his older brother, who bit his lip, anxiety carved into everyone of his facial features. He’d found out he was losing James, surely he couldn’t lose his little brother as well?
A tear slowly slipped out of Sirius’ eye, as he unconsciously entwined his fingers in Remus’, searching for comfort. “Not Reggie… please not Reggie…” Sirius had left Grimmauld Place the summer just past, and he hated the look of fear on his youngers brother’s face, but knowing now, that his brother would be dead by the time he was eighteen, ripped him to shreds. He pulled his hand away from Remus, and stood up from the Gryffindor table before crossing the room as everyone watched on, Evan and Barty slowly releasing Regulus’ hands as Sirius grasped his arms and tugged him into a standing position before wrapping his arms around his little brother, the tears falling from his face.
“I won’t loose you little Reggie. You’ll come to the Potter’s with me, yes? I won’t let her influence you anymore. You are my little Reggie and I love you.” Sirius rested his head on top of his brothers, the tears falling down as Regulus’ arms slowly wrapped back around him, accepting the hug from his brother. They both pulled away just in time to see the screen changing.
Regulus looked to be around 18 years old here, he stood drinking mouthful after mouthful of an unknown potion, his house elf, Kreacher, stood beside him. Regulus looked to be in immense pain, tears falling down his face, as he slumped forward having taken the last drink, he watched through tear filled eyes as his house elf swapped a locket for one he had bought in place of it.
“Kreacher. Go now, do everything in your power to destroy that locket.” Regulus was clearly in pain as he took a deep rasping breath. “It’s a horcrux, Voldemort’s horcrux. The wizarding world will not know peace until it is gone.” He breathed again, watching as his elf apparated away. Drowsily, Regulus leant forward towards the river of water to try and quench his thirst, the potion really was making him feel weaker than ever before.
That was when something gripped his arm, he glanced around, finding himself surrounded by inferi, each of them grabbing at him, it lasted all of two minutes before they had successfully dragged him under the water, never to come up again.
Barty had tears running down his face as Evan clasped his hand tightly. Tears were pouring down the three young Slytherins cheeks, Sirius stood in shock, his little brother inching closer to him for comfort, Regulus, his little Reggie, he knew Regulus’ admired his parents belief on blood purity, and he also knew that would no doubt lead him into joining the ranks of the dark lord. He gripped his younger brother tightly bringing him back into a hug.
“Not on my watch Reggie. You’re not dying until I’m as old as the headmaster is.” He whispered, smiling slightly as he heard his younger brother let out a breathy laugh, the two siblings were unsure of what the future held, but they knew they’d do everything in their power to stop this scene from becoming a reality.
1979: The Wedding of James & Lily
“Knew you loved me Evans!!” James laughed as all the marauders sat looking at the screen in shock with the idea that it had actually happened.
“I don’t get why we have to watch HIM.” Severus groaned, throwing a dirty look to the Gryffindor table. Sirius had relented and headed back to the Gryffindor table, ruffling his brothers hair as he went.
“I can’t believe this actually happened… Why would I marry Potter?!” Lily was enraged at the thought, as James sat smiling goofily at her, she must have been out of her mind. Lily was bought out of her thoughts as Remus nudged her shoulder gently. She glanced up to see the screen had changed.
The wedding march sounded around an empty church, James Potter stood at the front beside him, Sirius Black. There didn’t appear to be many guests, but that didn’t matter, a small wedding was always what Lily had dreamed about.
“Shame there couldn’t be a bigger turn out Prongsie.”
“Pads, we’re in the middle of a war. I think people have bigger concerns than turning up to watch two people say I do.”
“Fair point. Oi Moony! Any sign?”
A young man with scars on his face was stood just by the door.
“Not yet. Don’t worry, you’ll get your Lilyflower.”
“Remind me why you’re trusting Moony to walk her down the aisle Prongs?”
“There is no one else. Her parents were attacked by death eaters, last year, remember?”
Sirius suddenly looked very solemn, when the door opened to Lily standing arm in arm with two young men. Remus on one side, and Severus Snape on the other. A scowl covered Sirius’ face as he turned to James.
“Not now Padfoot. You knew they were childhood friends, he deserves a part in his best friends wedding.”
“He- He’s a deatheater. You heard what he called her.
“Things have changed. She’s forgiven him.”
Sirius grunted in response before resuming his position as they glanced back to where the two young men were walking arm in arm with Lily Evans.
“She… she forgave me…” Severus whispered as his eyes glanced across the room, and met Lily’s bright green gaze, the ghost of a smile flickered over her face. He would never allow himself to show his emotions in public, he was a slytherin after all, but deep inside a brightness had begun to stir, the brightness he’d always associated with his best friend.
“Still don’t trust him. The greasy git.” Peter grunted.
“You can hardly talk, you weren’t even there Wormy.” Sirius shot back.
“Do you, James Fleamont Potter, take Lily Jasmine Evans to be your lawful wedded wife?”
“I do. Oh merlin, I DO!”
Sirius and Remus, who were now seated in the front row with Severus beside them, sniggered softly.
“Do you, Lily Jasmine Evans, take James Fleamont Potter to be your lawful wedded husband?”
“I do.”
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
James lent forwards and pulled Lily closer to him before pressing their lips together, to the sound of their friends cheering happily for them.
“Petunia wasn’t there. My own sister wouldn’t come to my wedding.” Lily muttered annoyed, before she glanced at James, Sirius and Remus. “Although you three did scrub up well I suppose.” Sirius grinned shaking his thick black hair, as James just gazed at Lily with adoration in his eyes. Remus slapped Sirius upside the head before clicking his fingers infront of James’ face.
“Earth to Prongs…”