Epilogue

1979 was an important year in the history of Wizarding Britain. The First War entered its final, most violent stage, a prophecy was made and overheard, and the Longbottom's unborn son was placed in terrible danger.

Yet, for the Marauders, the most important memory of 1979 was James and Severus's wedding.

James walked down the aisle, clad in gold robes. He occasionally paused to bow, wave, and blow kisses at the laughing guests, and he high-fived Sirius upon reaching the front. Once he settled down, however, his gaze stayed firmly on Severus, sweeping from the man's dark eyes to his rich, green robes. There were rampant rumors as to precisely what James had to do to talk him out of black, ranging from the silly to the less than child-appropriate.

Several guests swear that the newlyweds' kiss lasted longer than the marriage ceremony. After some uncomfortable coughing and a well-timed explosion from James's side, they parted, and the group apparated to the Hog's Head for the reception.

Toasts were made, alcohol consumed, and a grand time was had by all. A particularly poor toss by James left Peter holding the bridal bouquet and the Gryffindor bridesmaids fuming at the indignity of it all. Remus retired to a corner to nurse his drink, valiantly fending off the drunken advances of Mary MacDonald. Another table housed James's parents, Slughorn, McGonagall, and Dumbledore – whose beard was inexplicably pink.

It wasn't long before the wedding party migrated to the dance floor.

"I thought you took dance lessons since you were six, oh pureblood heir," Severus said as James stumbled against him yet again.

"Well, yeah, but not for the girl's role!" James grumbled. "If you'd just let me lead…"

"No."

James once again stepped on his husband's shoes. At this rate, he was going to leave a permanent indent. "Sorry."

Severus snorted. "Potter, if you continue crushing my toes, our honeymoon will be in St. Mungo's."

"You can't call me Potter. Now, it's Snape." James grinned, his voice playful.

Severus said dryly, "I'm beginning to suspect you took my name solely so I would have to call you James."

James laughed. "That's one reason."

They danced for a while with James occasionally trying to take the lead and Severus stubbornly refusing, resulting in more collisions and a few minor casualties. James smiled, squeezing Severus's side. "Have I mentioned that I love you, lately?"

"Six times, today."

James's smile stretched across his face, and he pulled Severus a little closer

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Why are you smiling like an imbecile?"

"You counted."

"What?! No, I didn't count!" Severus sputtered, blushing. "That was an estimate."

"No it wasn't," James sing-songed. "Admit it. You're completely besotted with yours truly."

Severus smirked. "Well, I did marry you."

Severus leaned forward pulling James into a kiss that might well have rivaled their earlier one, had it not been rudely interrupted. A hand grabbed Severus's robes, wrapping them around the cowering form of Sirius Black.

"Hide me!"

Annoyed at the interruption, Sirius's presence behind his robes, and the best man's general existence, Severus snapped, "Black, if you slobber over my wedding robes, I will neuter you."

"Better you than her," Sirius muttered.

Severus sighed. "James?"

"Stop molesting my husband, Siri," James said. "Only I'm allowed to do that."

"Very helpful," Severus muttered.

Lily stomped over, strands of styled hair falling in front of her eyes and carefully-painted face snarling. "Sirius…"

"What did he do this time?" Severus sighed.

"He spiked the cake," she said.

"Our wedding cake?" Severus asked coldly.

"Exactly."

Sirius smiled weakly. "Ah, come on Lils. Where's your sense of humor? It's just a little something to spice things up."

"There are underage guests," she said, "and others who might not want to drink alcohol."

"Eh, the kids'll love it, and the only one who isn't drinking is you."

Lily turned to Severus. "I'm going to kill him."

"I'll help," he said.

Sirius let go of Severus's robes, stepping back. "I…um…it was James's idea!"

Severus raised an eyebrow, prompting a sheepish smile from the brunette. He admitted, "I might have helped with the planning."

"Of course you did."

Meanwhile, Lily groaned. "And that best man toast was awful."

"Hey, I spent all night on that," Sirius said.

"It was three words long!" Lily cried.

"At least my speech didn't put people to sleep."

"My toast did not put anyone to sleep."

James leaned forward, drawing attention away from his best man. "Actually, my Aunt Elizabeth," – he quickly stepped back at Lily's glare – "Never mind."

"It was a lovely speech, Lily," Severus said.

"Thank you," she huffed.

Sirius's attempt to slink away was quickly caught by the irate redhead. She stormed after him as quickly as her high-heels would allow. In a few minutes, she'd again cornered him, gesturing wildly.

"So," James said. "Whaddaya bet they're dating by sunup?"

Severus snorted. "Po-James, you do recall that Lily can't stand Black?"

He grabbed James's hand, leading him off the dance floor and on to slightly less hazardous activities. Smirking, Severus continued, "…I give them a week."

A/N: As always, you guys are fantastic, and it's great to hear your thoughts and opinions. Also, for those of you reading this as it's newly released and not at some indeterminate point in the future, Happy New Year! And, for all you fancy future folks, happy whatever-holiday-is-closest!