Sometime in October 1978

The dimly lit basement of an undisclosed location was filled with wizards and witches of all ages. Some old, some in their mid-twenties, and some who had just become of age.

I tightened my grip on James' hand as more people filled the basement as the start time of the meeting got close.

The basement was filled with familiar faces. James, Sirius, Remus, Jolie, Regulus, Lily, Marlene, Frank, Alice, Mary, Dorcas. I was surrounded by people who I've known since I was eleven, except now we're eighteen and preparing to fight in a war against the Dark Lord and his followers.

Arthur and Molly Weasley, as well as the Prewett twins, Alastor Moody, and Mundungus Fletcher, were also in attendance.

Despite still being in school at Hogwarts, Regulus was of age, pledged loyalty to Dumbledore, and practically begged to be able to leave Hogwarts for the weekend so that he could visit all of us and attend the meeting.

There was a CRACK of apparation, and Dumbledore appeared in the basement. His long robes flowed behind him as he made his way to the head of the long table and took a seat.

I'll still never get used to seeing the Headmaster of Hogwarts outside of the grounds of Hogwarts. He still dresses the same though.

James and Arthur, who had been in deep conversation about the newest additions to the Weasley family, Fred, and George, became silent, the rest of the room following as Dumbledore surveyed the room.

"Thank you all for being here," Dumbledore began, "This is the first official meeting, of many, of the Order of the Phoenix. The location will remain undisclosed, and everyone will travel here by their given Portkey's."

James squeezed my hand reassuringly as I glanced around at all of the young faces in the room. I am more than glad to offer my service to the Order, but teenagers shouldn't have to give up their life plans to fight in a war.

Jolie, who was sitting to my left, leaned over and whispered, "Where do you think Dumbledore gets his clothes? Because I'm quite curious to this very day."

I kicked my best friend in the shin underneath the table, all the while we both attempted to keep a straight face.

"Voldemort's followers have started increasing their attacks on not only muggle-borns but muggles as well."

I shot a glance towards Lily and Marlene, who both sat nervously across the table from me, their hands openly intertwined on the table.

Lily gave me a soft smile as if she were trying to reassure me, even though I'm not the one who needs reassurance.

Marlene cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention to her. "Are Lily and I safe?"

Dumbledore crossed his hands in front of him, "None of us are safe, but it's not time for you to go into hiding yet if that's what you're asking."

"Good, because I have a wedding to go to in two months and I really don't want to miss it." Marlene stated matter-o-factly, the sass in her voice making an appearance.

Everyone around the room laughed softly despite the circumstances of this meeting.

"You're all invited, for the record," James announced, "Save the date! December 17th."

Molly Weasley gave James and me a soft smile, "Arthur and I will be there."

I smiled at Molly, a genuine smile. I don't know how she does it. Five children, who are all boys. I think I'd lose my mind if I had five kids, let alone five boys.

"So, just to be clear," Marlene announced, "I will be alive, and not in hiding, at least until the end of the year."

Dumbledore nodded, "Hopefully not for a while."

Marlene McKinnon saluted her former Headmaster before slumping back in her seat, blowing a bubble with her pink bubblegum.

James leaned over and whispered, "Mar is so iconic."

"Damn straight," I whispered back, "Fuck-, but not straight."

James smirked at me before turning his attention back to Dumbledore, who was discussing the latest casualties and the upcoming patrols.

It was a grim time, but with James and my wedding coming up, it was hard to be in a mournful mood.

Sure, we had to go to Order meetings where we were just reminded how awful this war is going to get, but we also had wedding planning.

Everything is all set and ready for the wedding, except for the 'bridal party' outfits. That's where the ladies and I are going tomorrow. James put Sirius in charge of making the decisions when it came to his tux, as well as the grooms' men's outfits.

The meeting eventually came to an end. Everyone bid goodbye to each other before apparating out of the dimly lit basement.

By the end of the meeting, Lily looked anxious, Marlene looked annoyed because she was hungry, Regulus was oddly quiet, Jolie was arguing with Sirius about Merlin knows what, and Remus was deep in conversation with Arthur Weasley about some muggle item.

I was more than glad that the meeting was over. The longer they went, the more anxiety and stress I felt.

When James intertwined his fingers through mine to apparate us home, I silently nodded, and we were pulled into the tornado of apparation.

The last sight I saw before disapparating was none other than Regulus Black speaking in hushed whispers with Dumbledore, completely unnoticed by his brother and girlfriend.

• • • • •

December 15th, 1978

When I woke up this morning, I was expecting a semi-normal day. Jolie, my maid of honor, was in charge of my bachelorette party, but I told her to keep it lowkey.

I should've known that wasn't going to happen.

The better part of the day was normal. James and I lounged around our house finishing last-minute things for our wedding on Sunday and just trying to enjoy some peace and calm before the storm.

Last night had been a full moon, which meant that we got absolutely no sleep until the moon set and the sun rose. Remus's transformation was better than usual, which was good. When he woke up in the early sunlight, he had no new cut or scratches, just an aching body.

Regulus had gotten special privileges to leave Hogwarts a day early for Christmas break, and he arrived at the Potter's manor via Floo around dinner time, where he was greeted by Euphemia, Fleamont, Sirius, and Remus.

At eight o'clock promptly, all of our friends showed up on our doorstep, led by Sirius and Jolie, ready to take us away.

Jolie had practically dragged me into a limo, which I didn't get the point of because apparation is much faster.

"It's a rite of passage, just go with it."

Jolie, Marlene, Lily, Alice, Dorcas, Mary, and I all piled into the sleek, black limousine as Sirius shoved James into their respective limo.

Lily popped open a bottle of champagne as Mary handed out glass champagne flutes.

"Just verifying, you're not pregnant, correct?" Lily asked in all seriousness as she began to pour champagne into everyone's glasses.

I rolled my eyes, "Correct, mainly because Sirius has a bet and I don't want him to win it."

"Oh-, is it the 'you'll have a baby before 1981' bet?" Dorcas asked as she sipped her champagne.

I took a long sip of my champagne, letting the carbonated wine slide down my throat. "Why is everyone apart of this bet?"

Alice took a sip, "If it makes you feel better, they have a bet on Frank and me, as well."

"It's also a rite of passage," Jolie stated, "Just go with it."

The seven of us burst out laughing as the limousine drove through the streets of London. The nightlife was already in full swing, despite it only being a little after eight o'clock.

"This is your last night to get wasted as a bachelorette," Marlene exclaimed, "So you better make it count because nobody's going to care if you're hungover tomorrow, as long as you're not hungover at your actual wedding."

Jolie nodded in agreement, "That's very true-," Her light blue eyes widened, "Do you know what I just realized?"

We all exchanged confused looks with each other before Jolie spoke up again.

She was pouring herself a second glass of champagne, "James is the only person you've ever had, and will ever have sex with."

I hit my best friend in the arm, "Shut up."

"Wait-, is it worth it though?" Marlene asked, her bright brown eyes glittering in the dim light of the limousine.

I tossed back my champagne flute and finished every last drop, then refilled it, before proceeding to talk. "Short answer, yes it is definitely worth it."

"I know exactly what you mean." Alice muttered softly.

Lily's eyes widened, "So we can be expecting a baby-"

"Dear god no," Alice cut the redhead off, "Not yet."

Jolie laughed, "In nine months?"

Alice rolled her eyes, "I'm just not in the mood to become a mum at nineteen."

"Good thing that I'll never have that problem." Marlene joked, earning herself a high-five from Lily.

The limousine lurched to a stop, and the car down was opened for us.

Jolie grabbed my hand and practically dragged me out of the limousine, the rest of the ladies following behind us.

Based on the surrounding buildings and the atmosphere of the street, I assumed that we were somewhere in SoHo.

"First stop, the top-rated nightclub, Taboo." Jolie announced.

I could hear the music from inside the building and was already intrigued. The sweet music of Abba could be heard even from the street.

"Oh, I am so ready to get wasted."

• • • • •

After our first stop at a muggle club in SoHo, we all piled back into the limo to venture off to our next destination.

We were all tipsy for the most part, but Marlene, how had already downed several shots, was way past what I consider tipsy.

Lily was monitoring her girlfriend's drunk arse but was still managing to have some fun of her own. Jolie had already used a payphone twice and called the Potter's, asking for Regulus, to which Euphemia laughed in response to Jolie's intoxication and told her that Regulus couldn't come to the phone. Mary and Dorcas had been flirting with random men and the bartender in an attempt to get free drinks. Alice stopped Mary from leaving the club with some random guy who we were all pretty sure was part of the mob.

As soon as I walked into the second club of the night, the strobe lights practically blinded me and the music filled my ears, making it hard to hear.

Unlike the first club, this one was filled with witches and wizards instead of muggles.

Drinks were flying three the air to tables and people who were too caught up on the dance floor to notice that their drink had arrived.

Jolie dragged me over to the bar and ordered the seven of us a round of shots.

The blonde yelled over the music, "To the bride-to-be and her amazing sex life."

We all burst out laughing, and my face was flushed as I tossed back my shot of firewhiskey. I was going to be so hungover tomorrow. Marlene will most likely be somewhat dead for about twelve hours after she stops drinking and the wicked hangover sets in.

Nevertheless, I stumbled onto the crowded dance floor with my friends and let the strobe lights and loud music pull me into a trance-like state.

Weren't you the one who tried to hurt me with goodbye?
You think I'd crumble?
You think I'd lay down and die?

Out of the corner of my eye, I could've sworn that I saw a familiar mop of black curly hair, but blamed it on my drunken state.

Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live
And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive
I will survive, hey, hey

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Jolie in the middle of making out with Regulus, completely oblivious to all of the other people in the club. James was standing in front of me with his tie undone around his neck and his face flushed from alcohol.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him hard as the strobe lights flashed and people danced around us.