The Reception
August 16 1979 - 14:00 - Two hours and a half after the Potter- Evans wedding - The Reception, in the field behind the church.
James Potter was on top of the world.
As he stood next to Lily, his now wife, in the receiving line, James thought he might burst with pride. He was already so proud to call Lily Evans, now Lily Potter, his wife and he couldn’t believe that he was about to spend a whole evening with the ones he loved most, drinking, talking and celebrating. James couldn’t wait.
He was in the line with Lily, obviously, his parents, Sirius and Remus. They stood and waited for their wedding guests and looked around the small entryway of their reception venue. The building was greenhouse-like, made solely of floor to ceiling window panels; there were sheer curtains draped across the ceiling with little fairy lights entangled within them. There was a set of the curtains hanging in the doorway where James and the rest of the line were standing, that created a small entryway.
James turned to Lily and beamed and beamed right back. He placed a gentle arm around her shoulders and drew her into his chest, she exhaled deeply against him.
“All ok?” James asked, pulling back slightly to get a look at Lily’s face.
Lily hummed against him. “Very happy”
James’ heart was beating hard. It was hard for him to imagine a time when he had ever felt happier than this. It was suddenly like everything in his life had fallen into place, slotting together and fixing themselves in their own places gently, where they would remain for the rest of his life.
“Me too.” James whispered into Lily’s hair.
Sirius and Remus came strolling over to them, hand in hand.
“Should we get this reception under way?” Sirius asked, stopping in front of him and Lily and leaning against Remus.
“Absolutely.” Lily grinned, as she turned to face them.
“Brilliant!” Sirius grinned, he turned on his heels and strolled towards his and James’ parents. When he returned with them, James released Lily from the embrace he had held her in and moved towards his mum and dad.
“Ok, son?” Fleamont asked.
James brought his dad into a hug “Absolutely brilliant.” He grinned.
James moved to hug his mum, she pinched his cheek and hugged him tightly. “I am so proud of you.” She whispered.
James came away from the hug and stared at his mum lovingly.
Euphemia held James by the shoulders and peered around him. “We’re so proud of you too, love.” She smiled at Lily.
James turned his head and saw Fleamont holding Lily in a tight hug and swaying with her, they were giggling to each other. Lily looked to Euphemia and her head tilted slightly to the side, as she smiled brightly.
“Thank you, Effie.” Lily and Monty opened their arms widely and Euphemia pulled James towards them.
They held a hug for a second before opening it up again to Remus and Sirius, who joined them quickly. The hug was a jumble of laughter and limbs and as they came apart, they could see their wedding guests approaching across the field. They moved to stand in a little line, just outside of the building, James and Lily at one end and Sirius and Remus at another with Euphmia and Fleamont in the middle.
Mary was the first person to make it through the lineup and to the end where James stood. He grinned at her and hugged her gently.
“Ah James!” Mary squealed.
James laughed lightly. “Hiya Mary.”
“So happy for you, hon.” She smiled. “Let's get drunk and dance the night away now, yeah?”
James laughed. “Absolutely.”
Mary laughed too and squeezed his shoulder before heading into the big glass panelled building.
Marlene and Dorcas were next and they enveloped both James and Lily in a hug.
“We’re so happy for you both.” Dorcas smiled.
“Yeah! I can’t believe you’re married! Like really married!” Marlene was speaking very quickly and Dorcas placed a hand over her shoulder. Marlene’s gaze remained fixed on James and Lily.
“Thanks Marls. Yeah, we are married.” James laughed.
Lily grinned and raised her left hand and reached for James’, showing their rings proudly. “Like really married.”
Marlene and Dorcas grinned at them.
“Congratulations, you two.” Dorcas laughed and shook her head slightly before heading inside.
Peter shuffled awkwardly towards them. “Congratulations!” He cried as his face split into a grin.
“Thanks Pete!” James laughed, shaking Peter’s hand.
Peter leaned in and hugged Lily. “Thank you, Peter. Great suit by the way.” Lily smiled.
“Thanks Lils!” He smiled, before doing a little spin to show his suit off.
“Sharp.” James smiled as he clapped Peter on the shoulder and he walked inside.
James watched Peter as he walked inside and greeted the others.
“What do you even say in these lineups?” Frank laughed as he and Alice approached them.
James’ eyes moved to Frank.
“Fuck knows!” James laughed. He shook Frank’s hand and kissed Alice’s cheek.
Alice was standing in front of them in a flowing floral dress, her short brown hair grazing her chin lightly and she smiled broadly.
“Alice has just been going for the old ‘you must be so proud’ “ Frank laughed.
“What else should I say?!” Alice exclaimed. “Their son just got married, they really must be so proud!”
“I hope so.” James laughed.
Alice turned to Lily. “Hi Lils, congratulations!” She laughed, suddenly distracted by Lily and her veil.
“Thank you!” Lily smiled, she let Alice smooth her veil.
“See you in there, mate.” Frank nudged James.
They smiled and wandered into the reception.
James looked at Lily. “Can’t wait to sit down and eat.”
“You and your insatiable appetite.” Lily rolled her eyes.
“You’d know all about how insatiable my appetite is, ay Evans.” James winked and Lily stared at him wide eyed.
“Charming, Potter.” James’ gaze shifted slightly from Lily to the stern looking woman standing beside her. .
James was incredibly embarrassed. Minerva had been his teacher at school and for whatever reason, she had reluctantly taken a shine to James and his friends. Since leaving school he had written her letters and they had kept in close contact. She had been almost a second mother to Sirius and Sirius was James’ brother. So, she was a second mother to James too.
James’ eyes were wide with horror and his face burned hot and flushed. “Sorry Minnie.”
Minerva tutted and let a small smile appear on her lips.
“Congratulations, Potters!” Poppy grinned, appearing by Minerva’s side.
James and Lily both grinned.
“Thank you, Poppy!” Lily pulled the older woman into a hug.
As Lily chatted with Poppy, Minerva turned to James.
“I’m proud of you, Potter.” Minerva held a hand to James’ flushed cheek. “You’ve grown so much from the little boy I met all those years ago.”
James’ heart was so full at that moment. “Thank you Minnie.”
“You’ve done very well for yourself.” She smiled, looking at Lily and Poppy.
“Don't I know it.” James smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. “We both have.”
Minerva’s lips curled slightly. “I’d say so.”
She smiled softly at him. “Are we heading in, Poppy?”
Poppy nodded and turned to face James. “Well done, you two.” She smiled.
As the line got shorter James and Lily greeted the entire Weasley-Prewett family. Molly and Arthur were balancing three of their children in their arms and the others were standing shyly by their feet. They were a whirlwind of “congratulations” and “we’re so happy for you” and Gideon and Fabian joked and laughed loudly with them, as they made their way through the line.
When the whirlwind that was the Weasleys had passed James heard Sirius cry out “Andy! Ted!” and his head turned to see him enveloping them in a hug as they made their way up the line, they stopped to chat with James’ parents and eventually met them at the end of the line. They hugged and thanked them for coming and for their kind words as Andromeda and Ted smiled broadly before heading inside.
“Last few guests.” Lily whispered, taking James’ hand. “Then your insatiable appetite can be…” Lily rolled her eyes and looked at James. “Satiated.”
James laughed loudly. “Oh, I hope so.” He winked and Lily laughed.
“Potters!” Barty shouted, moving towards them. He was wearing a suit jacket, open and slack by his sides. His shirt was open so far it definitely wasn’t appropriate for a wedding, he was littered with tattoos like Evan, who appeared at his side quickly.
“Barty, Evan!” James laughed.
James and Lily’s friendship with Evan and Barty was rather unexpected. It had begun in one of their last years of school when Sirius had introduced Lily and Remus to Regulus, his brother, and the three of them had begun to study for exams together and become quite the trio. Evan and Barty had missed Regulus so much that they had begun pestering James about when he would be back from the library, they had gotten to talking and suddenly that was it. James and Sirius would sit with Barty and Evan on the school grounds, smoking and talking and waiting for their friends to come and meet them.
James let Barty bring him into a tight hug, he shook Evan’s hand and accepted their congratulations. Regulus and Pandora approached them next and extended their arms out to James and Lily and pulled them into a hug.
“Congratulations married people!” Barty grinned, slinging an arm around Evan.
“Thank you?” James laughed.
“Feel any different?” Barty pushed his free hand into his pocket.
“Being married? Not really.” Lily laughed. “The impending doom of spending the rest of my life with this one is setting in though.” Lily nudged James in the ribs, smiling.
He looked down at Lily and rolled his eyes.
“Can’t fool us, Lily. We heard your vows.” Evan winked and laced his fingers with Barty’s.
Lily laughed and James placed an arm around her waist. He pulled her close to him.
“Well, congratulations. How long until I can buy you both a drink?” Barty asked.
“There's a free bar, Barty.” Lily replied.
Barty and Evan’s mouth hung open and they shared a look.
“Have we ever mentioned how much we love you both?” Evan laughed.
“Because it’s a lot.” Barty grinned.
James laughed. “Go on in. Get your drinks.”
Barty and Evan raised their hands in small waves and walked onwards.
“Congratulations!” Pandora smiled wistfully as she ran a hand over her braided hair.
James noticed that standing beside Regulus, they were polar opposites. Pandora’s hair was so blonde it was almost white, her dress was long and flowing with little violet flowers printed on the fabric. Regulus, like Sirius, had raven black hair and grey eyes, his suit was black with a green tie. They were a striking pair.
“I’m so happy for you both.” Regulus’ mouth moved into a small smile. “Lily, you look lovely.”
“Thank you Reg.” Lily grinned, bringing her arms outwards allowing her flowing sleeves to expand and drape downwards.
“Do I not look lovely?” James quipped back.
“You do. It's just-.” Regulus gestured to Lily. “She looks particularly lovely.”
James looked to Lily and took her hand, he raised their hands above their heads and spun her around. “Can’t argue with that.”
Lily laughed.
“I can always count on you to keep me humble, Reggie.” James shook his head, laughing.
Regulus rolled his eyes and a small grin crept onto his face.
“You look great, James.” Pandora began as she straightened his tie for him. She stepped back slightly, taking them both in. “What a lovely couple you are.”
They thanked the pair and Pandora linked her arms with Regulus’ and gave a small wave to the lineup and they walked towards the glass building.
They were the last guests to make it to the reception and James was now just looking forward to continuing the day that he would remember as ‘the best day of his life’ with the people he held most dear and also getting to have something to eat but that was more of an afterthought.
James turned to Lily. He was also quite excited to spend some one on one time with his wife. It had shocked James how much of your wedding day you didn’t spend alone with your partner, so any moments he could steal he was absolutely going to.
“So Evans.” James stared down at Lily and pacing another hand around her waist. “What were you saying about my insatiable appetite earlier?” He winked at Lily and she laughed leaning her forehead against his chest.
Before she could respond Sirius appeared and began covering his ears and grabbing Remus’ hands to cover his eyes.
“My poor ears!” Sirius cried. “In front of our parents no less!” Sirius’ mouth quirked into a smile.
James’ head snapped up from looking down at Lily to find his parents laughing quietly to themselves.
“You should take a moment together, son.” Fleamont nodded.
He was staring at James, his arms interlocked with Euphemia’s.
“We can head inside.” Remus agreed, pulling Sirius in front of him and pushing him towards the open curtains of the reception.
“Thanks, love.” Lily smiled gratefully.
James raised a hand to her shoulder and squeezed it gently. Lily tilted her head back and gazed up at him. He pressed a light kiss to her forehead and when she moved to turn and face him, James noticed their friends and his parents had left.
Alone.
For the first time that day, James was totally alone with Lily.
“So.” Lily slung her arms around James’ shoulders.
“So.” James pulled Lily in closer, smiling.
“We’re married.” Lily grinned.
James could tell she was trying to fight the smile. It was no use, the grin lit up her entire face, blooming into her bright green eyes and making them crinkle at the corners.
“We are.” James grinned back, just as hard.
“I can’t quite believe it.” Lily blushed.
“Me too. This is our wedding, Lils.” James brought a hand up and brushed Lily’s cheek with it.
Lily beamed. “I'm really happy, James.” She pressed her head into James’ chest.
“I am too.” James felt as though his heart was bursting.
“Thank you, James.” Lily whispered.
“What’re you thanking me for?” He whispered into Lily’s hair.
“For always making me so happy.”
That was all it took. James felt the lump rise in his throat. He did not fight it, as he usually would and he buried his face in Lily’s hair. Lily drew back slightly and looked at James, cupping his face in her palms, she wiped the stray tears that had escaped his eyes with her thumbs.
“James.” Lily spoke softly.
“Sorry.” James muttered, he rolled his eyes and smiled.
He felt so silly for crying. He just couldn’t help it. At times he just couldn’t believe that Lily was real.
‘Thank you, James. For always making me so happy.’
If he was being honest with himself, James didn’t know what he would do if he wasn’t trying to make Lily happy. It was his role in life, his favourite one at that.
“What? No!” Lily placed a frantic kiss on James' lips. “Please don’t be sorry!”
“I shouldn’t be crying on our wedding day, Lils.”
“Bit late for that, isn't it?” Lily laughed.
James smiled. “Yeah, you did cry a lot at my vows.”
Lily rolled her eyes and swatted a hand at him. “What do they say about people in glass houses, Potter?” Lily smiled wryly.
“Yeah, yeah.” James reached for Lily’s hands and pulled her in.
“Thank you, Lil.” He murmured.
Lily looked at him, head tilted to the side.
“For always making me so happy.” James was smiling broadly, he thought he could feel his cheeks begin to hurt from all the smiling, but wedding days were supposed to be the happiest day of your life, so he was more than happy to literally grin and bear it.
Lily just laughed and placed a hand on the back of James’ neck and pulled him down into a kiss. It was more urgent and rough than he had been expecting, he leaned into it kissing Lily back with the same urgency. As the kiss continued, James had half a mind to say bollocks to the reception, pick Lily up and carry her to the nearest road, hail them a taxi and go right back to their little apartment and continue the kiss there. Just as he was formulating his plan, Lily pulled away.
“We should probably go in.” Lily was tracing her lower lip with her fingertips.
“Should we though?” James countered. “There are more pressing matters I’d rather attend to right now.” He leaned in to kiss Lily again, she allowed a small kiss before pulling back.
“Come on, I'm sure that appetite of yours can wait a little longer.” She laughed.
“I'm not convinced.” James replied, smiling and running his hands over Lily’s hips.
Lily kissed him again. “Let's go.” Lily took his hand and pulled him towards the parted curtains.
-
August 16 1979 - 15:00 - Three hours after the Potter- Evans wedding - The Reception, in the field behind the church.
As Lily took her seat at the main table between James and Remus, she realised how glad she was to be getting a break from the wedding rush and finally being able to sit and enjoy a meal with her husband and best friends.
When their food and their drinks were brought to the tables they all began to eat, Lily, between Remus and James was getting a front row seat to the two men stuffing their faces like they’d never eaten before. She leaned forward looking past James to Sirius. He was looking back at her grinning.
“Animals.” He grinned.
Lily laughed. “It’s obscene, actually.”
James looked up from his plate, looking between Lily and Sirius. “What?” He asked, his mouth full of food.
“You’re acting like you’ve never been fed before!” Sirius cried, punching James lightly in the arm.
“Getting married is hungry work, Sirius.” James laughed, punching him back.
Lily looked to Remus, he was still eating rapidly.
Lily nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. “Remus, you’re going to choke if you carry on like that.”
“Might be worth it, these potatoes are the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.” Remus spoke through mouthfuls of food.
There was a clatter of cutlery at the other end of the table and Lily found Sirius staring at Remus.
“Are you sure about that statement, Moony?”
Remus looked back at him. “Let me finish them and I'll get back to you.” Remus quipped.
“Wrong answer. You’ve had me in-.” Sirius smirked.
“I’m trying to eat!” James cried.
“Oh come off it James. We saw you and Lil before.” Sirius gave him a pointed look.
James stared down into his plate, eyes wide.
“Spying, Black.” Lily asked.
“Oh yeah, big time.” Sirius was grinning, he winked exaggeratedly.
“We weren’t, Lils.” Remus muttered, he rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.
Sirius wiggled his eyebrows and laughed, sipping his beer.
They ate in silence for a moment and Lily surveyed the room.
Table one was made up of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Lily watched as they laughed loudly and raised their glasses for toast after toast. Having finished eating, Marlene was practically sitting in Dorcas’ lap as she finished her food. Peter was watching as Alice was talking animatedly about something that Lily couldn’t hear but knew she would find out about later and Frank and Mary talked across the table, glancing around and pointing at various parts of the room.
Table two was James’ parents, Minerva and Poppy and Andy and Ted.. They were leaning in close to hear each other over the noise of the room, clinking their glasses and laughing with one another. Lily watched as Ted pulled his wallet from his suit jacket and proudly produced little photos of his and Andy’s daughter to show around the table. Poppy and Minerva were looking at each other softly as they clinked their wine glasses together. Lily could see Monty gesturing to Effie and laughing as she batted his hands away, Andy was laughing too.
Table three was seemingly in chaos from where Lily was sitting. Gideon and Fabian were sitting either side of the older Weasley children, Bill and Charlie, pulling silly faces at them while they ate. Molly had the twins balanced on her lap and she fed them one at a time, smiling and speaking small words of encouragement that Lily couldn’t quite make out. Arthur had their other son, Percy, sitting in his lap as they both ate little mouthfuls of their food.
The final table was Barty, Evan, Pandora and Regulus. Lily watched as Regulus and Pandora spoke quietly and Regulus laughed to himself. Evan and Barty on the other hand were using their forks as catapults and launching their food at each other. Lily laughed to herself and as she did, a small potato flew from Barty’s food across the room and landed in one of the flower arrangements, he looked around panicked and caught Lily’s eye, he mouthed a ‘sorry’ and smirked at her.
Lily was snapped back to her own table when she heard the crinkling of paper beside her, Remus was reading over his best man speech. .
“You ok?” Lily asked quietly, turning herself towards Remus.
“I'm ok.” Remus huffed.
Lily shot him a look.
"Incredibly nervous."
Lily reached for his hand. “No need to be nervous, Rem. It's only our friends.”
“That's the problem. I’ve got to read this in front of them.” Remus shook the small sheet of paper.
“So?”
“So? The dark and mysterious persona I’ve been crafting since school is going to be shattered.” Remus joked. “They’ll know I have feelings!”
Lily covered her mouth in mock surprise and rolled her eyes. “I think they already know that, Remus.”
“How?”
“Well I don’t think you and Sirius are very discrete.”
Remus looked upwards like he was thinking, his mouth turned into a faint smile and he nodded. “Fair point, well made.”
Before Lily could speak again she heard metal clinking against glass as Sirius began to rise out of his seat.
-
As he rose out of his seat, Sirius began to feel something that vaguely resembled nerves. He picked up his pint glass and took a swig before tapping his knife against it.
“Can I have everyone's attention?” All of the eyes in the room shifted to Sirius.
He reached down into his trouser pocket for his speech and pulled a small folded piece of paper out.
“I’m Sirius, as I'm sure you all know. Today as I stand here before you all I’m
James’ best man. Well, I’m James best man everyday, best man, best friend, brother, confidant, fellow messer, apple of his eye-”
Sirius heard a cough from the other side of the table, his eyes met Lily’s, she smirked at him.
“Sorry Evans.” Sirius grinned and cleared his throat.
“I have been James’ best friend since we were eleven. It’s a title I am very proud of. Knowing James is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. He’s a great friend, he cares so deeply and because of James when my family kicked me out I had somewhere to go, his- our parents took me in, but most importantly-”
Sirius looked to James placing a hand on his shoulder, James looked back at him.
“James was the one who introduced me to my Remus.” Sirius smirked, he winked at Remus, who rolled his eyes and James laughed loudly, shaking his head. There were little mutterings of laughter around the room, Sirius caught a wry look from Peter.
“Anyway, I met James on my first day of school. I got to a big fucking boarding school in the arse end of nowhere in Scotland and when I walked into the great hall some toff with terrible hair and big round glasses tapped me on the shoulder and told me that my shoe was untied, when I looked down to check he flicked me in the face and laughed so hard he cried, by some miracle, he hasnt left me alone since.”
James laughed and reached a hand to his shoulder to cover Sirius’ hand. Lily was beaming and leaning on Remus as they laughed together.
“As many of you know it is rare to see me and James without each other. However, during one summer when we were fifteen I noticed I had been seeing less of James, he was always sneaking off or mysteriously busy.” Sirius shot a glance at Lily. “One day, I caught a glimpse of James across the school courtyard, he was laughing really hard, a sight I am very used to as I am usually the one making him laugh.” Sirius looked to James, who was in fact laughing, to prove his point. “Then I saw Lily, they looked so happy together. I decided, graciously, to allow Lily to share James with me. You’re welcome by the way. Evans. Look where it got you.” Sirius winked.
Lily rolled her eyes, breaking into laughter, Remus raised an arm and placed it over her shoulders. James clapped Sirius on the back as he laughed into his pint.
“We’ve been sharing James for going on four years now. It’s great to see James has someone who loves just as much as he does. James is a real friend, as many of you know. James loves, really loves and as someone who has been a major recipient of James' love for years, I can tell you with full certainty that Lily loves the same way. Unconditionally. I have never known two people better suited to each other… than me and James but I suppose he and Lily are pretty good too.”
The room lit up in laughter and Sirius threw his head back and laughed too.
“I am so happy for you both, happier still that two of the kindest people I know have found such happiness in each other. Will all of you join me in a toast, to James and Lily. My best friends.”
The room erupted and every glass was raised. “To James and Lily.”
As the other guests clapped, James, Lily and Remus whopped and cheered loudly as Sirius bowed.
“Stop, stop, you're all too kind.” Sirius grinned.
James stood up and extended his arms to Sirius, they hugged tightly.
“Thanks mate.” James grinned.
Sirius caught his eye, smiling. “For delivering the greatest best man speech of all time? You’re very welcome, James.”
James smiled looking down and Sirius could make out small tears formed in the corners of James’ eyes.
“You said some pretty nice things about me up there, Sirius.” James sat back into his seat, Sirius followed.
“Have to flatter you on your wedding day, James.”
“Suppose you do.”
“I meant it though.” Sirius reached for James’ hand and squeezed it.
“Great speech.” Lily grinned.
“Really good, love.” Remus smiled.
“Thanks Evans. Thanks Moons.” Sirius smirked.
“It’s Potter now, Black.”
“Sorry.” He smiled. “Thanks Potter.”
-
Remus was shuffling in his seat and holding his speech in his fist tightly. He hated speaking in front of people, but this was for Lily and James so he supposed that softened the blow.
“Ready?” Lily whispered.
Remus stood up and unfolded his speech.
“I'm Remus, Lily’s best man.”
“WOO!” Sirius cheered and Remus met his gaze, a smile creeping onto his face.
“I met Lily when we were eleven outside of our school's library. She was carrying a pile of books stacked so high she could hardly see, which was evident seconds later when she came crashing into me.”
Lily laughed, looking up at Remus.
“I helped her pick up the books and when she had stopped profusely apologising, I agreed to be her friend.”
Remus felt Lily take his hand and squeeze it.
“Lily has always been a great friend to me, a great example of this is when we were thirteen and Lily offered to be my first kiss.”
James’ head whipped around in surprise. Lily began to laugh and Remus grinned broadly. “Don’t worry though James! I said no, Lily’s erm, not my type and I was a little bit head over heels for your brother there.” Remus pointed to Sirius and James laughed, wrapping both arms around Lily. “Your wife is all yours.” James mock wiped sweat off of his brow and Remus winked. “For now.”
Lily flung her head back laughing, James laughed too. Sirius shot Remus a look that quickly dissolved into a smile.
“In all seriousness, Lily is truly my best friend. She knows me in a way that few people ever have, I think that's because part of her is me. We’ve been friends for so long that Lily is part of who I am, she makes up all of the best parts of me.”
When Remus paused to look at Lily he saw small tears spill out from her eyes, he felt his eyes well too, the mere sight of Lily’s tears had moved him.
“Lily is the bravest person I have ever met. She has enough bravery for everyone in this room and if you’re ever needing to be brave and you don’t feel like you have it in you, just ask Lily. I’m sure she won’t mind helping you out.”
As Remus looked around at everyone watching him he was greeted with gentle smiles. He understood then that all of these people understood who James and Lily were, how it felt to be their friends. To be cared for by them.
“I'm going to share some moments from my friendship with Lily when I have thought: ‘what an honour it is to know Lily Evans.’ When Lily was a prefect she would always let me into my dorm when I missed curfew, which was pretty much daily. Lily has always assigned one day a week for us to spend time together; she has named it our ‘designated Lily-Remus time’ and nobody is allowed to interrupt our day and Lily makes sure of it.. Lily always knows what to say, regardless of the situation; she also knows when not to say anything at all and so she just sits with me. Most importantly, Lily has always offered me unwavering support and unconditional love for eight years straight without any complaints.”
Remus turned to face Lily and James. They were both just staring at him, their faces bearing soft smiles, tear stained and slightly pink.
“When I found out that Lily and James were engaged, I was overjoyed. Then I remembered that they’re nineteen and asked if they had told a trusted adult.”
Laughter came in from all sides of the room and Remus fought a smile.
“But it was as obvious to me at fifteen as it is now, James and Lily are profoundly good people and they deserve each other so much. I am so happy for you both.”
Remus raised his glass. “A toast to two of my best friends, congratulations.”
A second congratulations rang out and Lily shot up out of her seat enveloping Remus in a hug.
“Love you.” Lily whispered.
“Love you too.” Remus patted Lily on the back softly.
She released him and patted him on the cheek before taking her seat.
“Look at you, baring your soul.” James smiled, his arm was resting on the back of Lily’s chair and he poked Remus in the arm.
“It's your wedding, I can’t exactly slag you off.” Remus mumbled.
“Not that he would. He loves you both.” Sirius pointed his glass towards Remus, his eyes were looking right into him, as they always did.
“Remus loves us!” James cried. He was pointing at Remus and had come partially out of his seat before Lily pulled him back down.
Remus covered his face with his hands and laughed because James knew that he loved him. Lily knew that too. So did Sirius, maybe he did more than anyone. But James Potter loved love and any chance to celebrate even the smallest confessions of love was not a chance he was going to miss.
“Yes, I love you all.” Remus laughed, despite himself.
James’ face split into a wide grin.
“Cheers.” Lily smiled as she raised her wine glass. “To love. To friends and to getting this evening going!”
The four of them clinked their glasses together and downed the ends of their drinks.
-