Hi all! Thanks for the comments! Amie, I'm sorry, but the surprise won't be until the next post........'cause it's gonna happen at the reception. Anyway, here you go:

Chapter 27: Forever

“Oh crap!” Remus and Sirius exclaimed.

Julia shook her head. “Remus! Don’t swear!”

James laughed.

Remus exclaimed, “What about Sirius? He swore too!”

“Honestly Remus! You aren’t three years old!” Julia laughed.

Remus scowled, and Sirius went off to get the children.

Still laughing, James asked, “Mum, would you mind holding Hannah, during the ceremony? Hallie and Harry are participating, but Hannah's too young. I was going to hold her, but since you’re here…..would you?”

“Of course James! I bet she’s beautiful; does she look like you and Harry?”

James laughed; “Actually, it’s pretty funny. Mum, you know how Harry has Lily’s eyes, but other than that, he looks like my clone?”

Julia nodded.

“Well, Hannah is just the opposite! She looks exactly like Lily, except she has my eyes!”

Julia laughed with James, “That is quite funny. So I’ll take her with me to the reception. No go! You are half an hour late!”

****************************************

Remus, James, Sirius, and Peter entered from the right; and quickly took their places beside the minister. Poor Remus was shaking; he was so nervous!

The music began, and Andi walked slowly up the isle. Looking around the church, she was reminded of her own wedding day. “It’s a shame Ted and Nymphadora couldn’t be here,” Andi thought to herself, as she took her place across from Peter.

Then, Violet walked gracefully up the isle. Sirius stared at her the entire time. “She’s so beautiful!” Sirius thought to himself. “And today is going to be the happiest day of our lives.”

James inhaled deeply, as Lily entered the chapel. She looked stunning in her blue bridesmaid’s dress; even after all these years, she still took his breath away.

Then James and Lily looked proudly at their son, as he marched up the isle with the rings.

Hallie however, was not doing as well; she kept tripping over her lacey dress. But, finally she made it to the front of the church.

Camey walked gracefully down this isle, with a bouquet of white roses in hand. Her joy was evident on her face.

As she reached Remus, she took his hand and firmly squeezed it.

“I love you,” Camey whispered ever so quietly.

“I love you too,” Remus whispered back.

They turned to face the minister; and he began. “Dear friends and family, with great affection for Remus and Camellia, we have gathered together to witness and bless their union in marriage. To this sacred moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure and a gift from God to share with one another. They bring the dreams which bind them together in an eternal commitment. They bring their gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which God will unite together into one being as they build their life together. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect and love.”

He turned to Remus and Camey, and continued. “Hand in Hand you enter marriage; hand in hand you step out in faith. The hand you freely give to each other is both the strongest and the most tender part of your body. In the years ahead you will need both strength and tenderness. Be firm in your commitment. Don't let your grip become weak. And yet, be flexible as you go through change. Don't let your hold become intolerable. Strength and tenderness, firm commitment and flexibility, of such is a marriage made, hand in hand.”

Camey remembered her dream wedding, as the minister paused. As a little girl, she had always dreamed of this extravagant ceremony; but this was better because she had Remus. All her dreams could not compare to how she felt at this moment.

Camey’s mind returned to the ceremony, as the minister began to speak. “Also remember that you don't walk this path alone. Don't be afraid to reach out to others when together you face difficulty. Other hands are there: friends, family, and the church. To accept an outreached hand is not an admission of failure, but an act of faith. For behind us, underneath us, around us all, are the outstretched arms of the Lord. It is into his hand, the hands of God in Jesus Christ, that, above all else, we commit this union of husband and wife. Amen.”

Remus gulped; this was it…….time for the vows.

The minister began with Remus. “Remus, do you take Camellia to be your wedded wife? And in the presence of these witnesses do you vow that you will do everything in your power to make your love for her a growing part of your life? Will you continue to strengthen it from day to day, and week to week with your best resources? Will you stand by her in sickness or in health, in poverty or in wealth, and will you shun all others and give yourself to her alone as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Remus said, with confidence.

Next it was Camey’s turn. “Camellia, do you take Remus to be your wedded husband? And in the presence of these witnesses do you vow that you will do everything in your power to make your love for him a growing part of your life? Will you continue to strengthen it from day to day, and week to week with your best resources? Will you stand by him in sickness or in health, in poverty or in wealth, and will you shun all others and give yourself to him alone as long as you both shall live?”

Camey paused. In a matter of minutes she would be Mrs. Remus Lupin; and that was the one thing she wanted most in the world.

With an extreme amount of poise, she said, “I do.”

Remus and Camey looked and they shared their special smile.

The minister smiled, as well. He took the ring from Harry, and began again. "The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you Remus, may place the ring on the finger of your bride."

Remus smiled as he took Camey’s hand. "Camellia, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you, and only you, forever."

The minister turned to Camey. "By the same token Camellia, you may place the ring on the finger of your groom."

Camey was the happiest she had ever been. She sighed as she looked into Remus’s eyes; they were full of love and compassion. "Remus, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you, and only you, forever."

James and Lily smiled at each other; this was so like there own wedding. They were so happy for their friends.

“Because Remus and Camellia have desired each other in marriage, and have witnessed this before God and our gathering, affirming their acceptance of the responsibilities of such a union, and have pledged their love and faith to each other, sealing their vows in the giving and receiving of rings, I do proclaim that they are husband and wife in the sight of God and man. Let all people here and everywhere recognize and respect this holy union, now and forever.”

Violet got lost in Sirius’s dark eyes. She hoped their wedding would be half as beautiful as this one.

The Flowers and Marauders exchanged smiles of pure joy, when the minister said: “Remus, you may now kiss your Bride.”

As they shared a lengthy kiss, the minister laughed. “It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Remus Lupin.”

James and Sirius wolf-whistled (what a surprise!) and the others clapped, as Remus and Camey made their way out of the church.

Wow! It's a lot longer than I thought it would be! So what do you all think?