Till Death Do Us Part

James looked across the crowded hall at Lily. She looks like an angel, he thought, as she danced with a group of friends. He quickly crossed the room to join her. When he put his arms around her waist, she jumped.

"Oh, James!" she exclaimed, turning around. "You startled me."

"Sorry, love."

"Hey, you two!" Sirius said, walking up to them.

"Hey, Sirius!" they both said.

Before they could say anymore the photographer came up to them.

"Hold it right there," he said, and snapped a picture. "Great!" he added and then left to take more pictures.

"So, you guys are finally married. How does it feel?" Sirius inquired.

"It's the best thing that's ever happened," James replied.

He turned to Lily and kissed her on the cheek. Her skin was warm under his lips.

"It's getting late, Mrs. Potter. Why don't we slip away?" James whispered in her ear.

To his delight she reached up and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"You could read my mind," she whispered back.

"Oh no! What are the newlyweds planning?" Sirius asked teasingly.

"That's for us to know and you to NOT find out, Padfoot, old pal. Mrs. Potter and I are going to slip away. You'll get an owl from us once we are in Italy."

James took Lily's hand in his and led her to the door.

"After you, madam," James said as he held the door open for her.

Once they were outside, James placed his arm around her waist and kissed her passionately. He could feel her giving into his kiss. In one swift movement, he pulled out his wand and CRACK; they were in front of their house in Godric's Hallow, still kissing.

Breaking apart for a brief moment, James gathered Lily in his arms and carried her across the threshold.

<><><><><><><><><>

Lily woke up the next morning and rolled over, only to find that James was already awake and out of bed. She got out of bed, pulled on a housecoat, and went to find him. On the kitchen table she found a note.

My dear,

Dumbledore poked his head in the

fire this morning and told me that

he had something very important to

tell me, and that I must meet him in

Hogsmeade right away. He sends his

best and deeply apologizes for taking

me away the day after our wedding.

I'll be back before we have to leave

for Italy.

All my love,

James

Lily couldn't deny that she was upset that James had gone, but she knew that Dumbledore wouldn't take him away if it weren't an emergency. She returned to the bedroom and busied herself by packing for their honeymoon.

After what seemed like hours, Lily heard James call out to her.

"I'm in the bedroom!" she called back.

When he entered the bedroom, Lily ran over and kissed him.

"So, what was so urgent that it couldn't wait until we got back?" Lily asked staring into her husband's eyes.

"Lord Voldemort captured the Longbottoms again last night," he responded, diverting his eyes from Lily to the flower box outside their window.

"Oh, no!" Lily exclaimed, her hand flying to her mouth. "Are they alright? Did they escape?"

"I don't know. They're still missing. Dumbledore thinks we should postpone our honeymoon until they are found."

"As much as I want to go to Italy, I know we're needed here. I'm sure they'll be okay. They've already gotten past him once before," Lily said.

Lily wasn't sure who she was trying to convince more, James or herself. It's strange how things can go from being so perfect to being so desolate.