James eyes widened and shock swept over his face at my hesitation.

“I do,” I nodded, and squeezed his hand tightly.

The Minister smiled encouragingly and handed something to James. “James, in placing this ring on Lily’s finger, repeat after me: Lily, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.”

James did as instructed and slipped the ring on my left finger.

The Minister faced me, handed me James’ ring, and asked me to repeat the same vows.

“I thee wed…” I finished.

“And so, by the power vested in me by the Almighty God, I now pronounce you husband and wife- and may your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride.”

James grinned and kissed me like never before.

****

“Eek!” was all I heard before Marie had thrown herself upon me. She was my Maid of Honor and James had chosen Sirius as his Best Man.

I smiled at my group of friends then hugged them all. “I'm so glad you could make it!”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Sirius grinned, patting James on the back.

“Amen,” Peter agreed.

Remus looked at him oddly. “You’re not religious.”

Peter just shrugged and laughed. “Oh well.”

As the music came on, James took my hand. “May I have this dance?”

I nodded, grinning, as he swept me out onto the dance floor.