A Bumpy Road to the Altar

Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize. The rest belongs to the genius, J. K. Rowling.

Note: Alright, I've decided to go with option A, because after thinking it over, I like this kind of plot better. But, I MIGHT (Big emphasis on Might) to turn this into a trilogy, since I'd also like to try writing about married life (option B). But that won't be for a long time, since school starts this June 5th and I have a lot to finish. Hopefully, some you will not be disappointed, and I hope that everyone who reads this will like it.

Now, without further ado, I give you, "A Bumpy Road to the Altar"……….

Chapter One

The Latest News

Lily Evans and James Potter: Finally Tying the Knot!

Rumors have been circulating around this quite famous couple ever since the past year, but now it seems that the rumors have indeed been proven true. We have confirmation from credible sources that Mr. James Potter, who is now back to being a full-time Auror, has indeed proposed to Ms. Lily Evans, the new Head of the Criminal Law Department.

The proposal was made three days ago, on a romantic dinner and night out on the beach. The couple had been going out for a little over two months when the proposal was made, and not the formerly reported six months claimed by Ms. Rita Skeeter, for which we at the Daily Prophet apologize.

Though still early into the engagement, there has been no date set yet for the wedding, and no plans to speak of as of late. When asked to comment about this, friends have said that the couple was 'too busy to start planning, and besides, it has only been three days'.

We offer our sincerest congratulations to the couple, and wish them a wonderful and blessed life ahead of them.

Lily Elizabeth Evans put down the morning paper with a smile as she sat down to her breakfast, sipping her coffee. As she raised the cup to her lips, she took notice of the lovely diamond solitaire set on a gold band that rested on her finger, gleaming in the morning light.

She sighed contentedly. It had only been three days, but she was still reeling over the fact that she was now about to be married. And to James Potter none the less. A sudden recollection of the times when she had rejected him at school came to mind, and she resisted the urge to laugh out loud. Who would have thought that Lily Evans and James Potter, who used to banter quite openly at school, would ever go out, let alone get married?

Her family was ecstatic, however, when the couple broke the news to them immediately the day after. Her father was a bit skeptic at first when he was told that they had only gone out for two months, but when he was fully explained of the couples story, he became as supportive as ever, and even warned James to 'take care of his little girl, or he'd shoot him with his rifle'.

James's family was no difference as well. They welcomed the news heartily, glad that everything was now sorted out. Mrs. Potter even asked Lily of the details regarding how James proposed to her, and she, somewhat red-faced, recounted everything, much to the amusement of her future parents-in-law.

But their friends, on the other hand…….well, they were a different, somewhat, wilder, story. The moment Lily showed her sparkling diamond ring, what was supposed to be a simple friendly get-together turned out into an all-night celebration party, resulting in getting almost everyone drunk and unconscious, except for Lily and Remus, who actually had the sense to drink only a glass of Firewhiskey and then stop.

Lily had a dreamy expression as she surveyed her ring once more, all those abovementioned thoughts running through her head. But silence and train of thought were broken, however, when there was a loud POP, and James Potter himself arrived inside Lily's apartment, grinning like a madman.

"Admiring the ring?" James asked her teasingly as he went over to give her a kiss good-morning. "Or were you thinking about the person who gave it to you?"

"Both," Lily said, smiling up at her fiancé as he sat down opposite her. "Wait a second, it's quite late, aren't you supposed to be at work today?"

"Well yes," James said matter-of-factly. "But I was worried. I mean, have you seen the Society Pages of the Daily Prophet? They've found out our engagement! The last time the newspaper printed anything about us you stormed into my office, all upset, but you didn't come storming to my house when you saw this, so I decided to come here myself to see what was wrong". There was a ghost of a smile on his lips that made Lily know at once that he was messing with her.

"Hahaha, very funny, James," Lily told him sarcastically. "But the last time the Prophet printed anything about us, it was still a fallacy, that's why I was upset. But now it's true, so there's nothing to be worried about". Thinking something else, she added, in a primmer tone, "You know James, it will do you no good to be late all the time, Moody is probably waiting for you to show up right now".

James brushed away her remark. "Lily, frankly, you're more important than my job, and I find it important that I see you. Besides, the report I needed to hand over to him is already waiting on my desk, it's no matter at all".

Lily shook her head at his nonchalance, but merely said, "That's really sweet, James, but this time, it's me who's going to be late for work, and I have a meeting first thing". They couple stood up and Lily, thinking of something, added, "Hey, do you want to have lunch together later? I'm free".

"Sure," James said enthusiastically. "I'll pick you up from your office at around a quarter to twelve. Oh yeah, and don't forget, I'll meet you and your parents here at seven okay? My parents are excited about meeting yours," he added, rolling his eyes.

"Same here," Lily said, her tone having a touch of exasperation. "Mum is positively thrilled that there'll be another wedding in the family, she can't wait to start helping with the planning".

James laughed but said nothing. Taking a look at his watch, he suddenly added, "Hey, now I really have to go. I'll see you later, okay?" Lily nodded and he kissed her cheek before apparating out, leaving Lily behind.

..------..

Another two weeks later……….

James, Mr. and Mrs. Potter, and Sirius were waiting expectantly by the living room fireplace, staring at it every so often, making minimal talk with each other. James especially was pacing the room, wondering and checking the clock every once in awhile.

Suddenly, there was a strangled noise from the fireplace, and within seconds and a jet of bright light later, Lily, and Mr. and Mrs. Evans appeared inside the Potter's living room, a few specks of soot on their attire, and coughing a bit.

"I know our daughter is marrying a wizard and all, but I'm afraid I'll never get used to traveling like this," David Evans said with a slight laugh as he was helped up with Richard Potter. The two fathers exchanged greetings and got to talking. They had hit it off quite well when they had first met two weeks ago.

Margaret Potter and Sarah Evans were no different either. Excited mothers of the soon-to-be-married couple, they agreed on many common things and were eager to help with the preparations.

James helped up Lily and once they had faced each other, Lily, being a bit shorter than James, had to stand on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the lips. Once she pulled away, she whispered, "Happy birthday, James".

"Thanks," he replied, grinning. They turned to Sirius, who was rolling his eyes at the engaged couple. Lily gave Sirius a brief hug which James oh so kindly broke up, and the group began to talk as they sat down on the couch.

"So, Sirius," James said, "I've been thinking it over, and you'll be my best man at my wedding, okay? I mean, you did have a lot of involvement in our relationship, and you are my best friend".

Sirius grinned. "Of course I will! Heck, even if you didn't say anything, I already had dibs on that position!" The trio laughed and went to talking once more.

Suddenly, a house elf went inside the living room, bringing a stop to the conversation. Richard led the way to the dining room, and they all sat down to a scrumptious dinner.

As the meal started, there was no sound to be heard except the clanking of the cutlery against the plates. Once the last crumbs of dessert had disappeared, however, and they had gone into the lounge for some coffee, did they begin to talk.

"So Lily," Sarah asked her as she sipped her coffee. "Have you and James set the date for your wedding?" All conversation stopped at once and everyone, even Mr. Potter, Sirius, and Mr. Evans, who had been talking earnestly in the corner, looked up to stare at the couple.

"Mother," Lily exclaimed, looking quite surprised. She never called her mum 'mother' unless she was shocked, or embarrassed, and this looked like quite the time. The couple stared at one another, giving the other a questioning glance.

"What?" Sarah said unconcernedly. "It's a perfectly valid question, my dear".

"Your mother's right, Lily," Margaret added as she stirred her coffee. "It has been two weeks since your engagement; surely you've thought about a date at least? Or a few plans?"

Lily and James shifted uncomfortably, and Sirius had to turn to stifle his laughter. "Well, you see……." Lily said uncertainly. "James and I have been….busy, and we haven't really talked about it yet".

"Besides, mum," James added, "It's only been two weeks, we're not going to rush, right Lily?" She gave him a nod and they faced their parents, half-smiling.

Margaret and Sarah tsk-tsked disapprovingly. "Dear, a wedding takes quite a long time to plan," Sarah said. "Four months at the very least".

"You have a lot to discuss," Margaret added. "Venue, motif, outfits―".

"The bachelor party," The two fathers and Sirius added, chorusing together. Their wives gave them glares, and after a brief chuckle, the two, as well as Sirius, left to go upstairs to go back to a hushed conversation of goodness knew what.

"Mum," Lily said very patiently, folding her hands demurely on her lap. "We understand that planning a wedding takes a long time, especially since we've at least decided to have a Muggle-style wedding, but really, I'm sure that a small, intimate wedding composed of only our closest friends and family wouldn't take―". Her sentence was abruptly cut off by James, who had just heard what his fiancée had said.

"Wait a minute, did you say a small wedding?" James turned to face her, giving her a questioning glance. Lily returned it, looking surprised. The mothers exchanged glances.

"Yes of course I did, why?"

"We can't have a small wedding," James told her brusquely, fixing her with a direct stare. Lily gave him an incredulous gaze; he had never questioned her decisions nor tried to amend it, ever. Besides, she never thought that he'd be interested in helping her plan.

"What?" she exclaimed, looking very disconcerted. "James, why not? A small, cozy wedding is all we need; besides in this day and age, having a big, fancy wedding is impractical and is just going to cost us a lot".

James waved it off. "Lily, money is not an issue here. But you are marrying into the Potter family, and as tradition, a little bit of pageantry is required, even though it's unnecessary. Besides, the more the merrier, I like big events!"

The mothers glanced at each other before Margaret said hurriedly, "Um, why don't you two sort out your plans right now, we'll be upstairs in the study. Meet us there once you've finished,alright?" And with that the two women left to go upstairs, leaving the couple to discuss on the couch.

"James, I don't care about tradition, I care about the both of us, and what the both of us want, not what others want for us," Lily said in a calm, patient, yet obviously firm voice.

"Yeah but……the problem is that the both of us want two different things," James said softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "So what do we do?"

Lily was silent for quite a while, thinking. With a sigh, she finally opened her mouth and said, "Okay, we'll have a big wedding. But on two conditions".

"Name it".

"One, I'm still in charge of basically everything, although we will have to hire a wedding planner for this. It is still a traditional, muggle-type wedding. And two," her eyes sparkled a bit as she stared at him. "I choose the date".

"You've got it," James said, smiling down at her. He paused and said, "Wait, were we just arguing?"

Lily looked puzzled. "Maybe, I'm not sure if that constitutes as a real argument. Well, it's good to know that we patch things up really quickly, though".

The couple laughed as James added, "So, Lily. Any date in mind?"

"Yeah, actually," Lily said, her voice light as she knew that everything was already resolved. "June 25th".

"Any particular reason why you chose that date?" James asked her, although he knew perfectly why. He just wanted to know if Lily remembered.

"It was the date of last year's Ministry party," she told him. "That was the night when we met again," she paused as a reminiscent smile curved her lips. "Do you remember I told you to take your pick-up lines, shove them out the window and do the same to yourself?"

"Yeah," James said as the couple laughed. "Who'd have guessed that we'd end up getting married?"

"Apparently, everyone else except for us," Lily replied, doing an exaggerated eye-roll. "I can't believe it took us―sorry, me,at least four years to realize how right we were for each other. How could we have been so blind?" she continued dramatically.

"Well, as they say, love is blind…….." James trailed off.

"….Until the two people involved has enough sense to open their eyes," she finished for him, staring at the ceiling. James kissed her on the forehead, and she smiled. "I can't believe that I'm actually getting married to you………." She whispered.

"I can," James grinned roguishly at her. "I knew that it was only a matter of time before you succumbed to my oh so dashing charms".

Lily rolled her eyes at his arrogance. "Of course, which explains perfectly why you couldn't get me at school and it took me four years to realize that I was in love with you?"

"Patience was a virtue, Lily, patience was a virtue".

Lily simply rolled her eyes as she extracted herself from his embrace and stood up. "Come on," she said. "We'd better get to the study. I'm sure our mothers are talking about the wedding while we're here; I don't think I want to go upstairs and find out that our whole wedding has already been planned just because we've stayed here for such a long time".

James merely laughed as he got off the couch and followed Lily to the study, the happy couple talking all the way.

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Okay……..

How was that for a first chapter? It's not yet so interesting, and it's a bit on the short side, but the 2nd chapter will have the story really starting.

I'm trying to have James act a little bit more normal in this story, you know, aside from him being so gentlemanly and sweet like in the last story, he'll be a bit more argumentative and exasperating and meddlesome, just like most guys are( no offense meant, though!)

Well, you know the drill. Read, and then review, please!